Job Description

THECB - External Relation Specialist I

(

00053136

)

Organization

TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD

Primary Location

Texas-Austin

Work Locations

TX Hghr Edu Coordinating Board 1801 Congress Ave Austin 78701

Job

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media

Employee Status

Regular

Schedule

Full-time

Standard Hours Per Week

40.00

Travel

Yes, 10 % of the Time

State Job Code

781U

Salary Admin Plan

N/A

Grade

00

Salary (Pay Basis)

5,000.00 - 5,833.34 (Monthly)

Number of Openings

1

Overtime Status

Exempt

Job Posting

Sep 26, 2025, 3:09:33 PM

Closing Date

: Ongoing

Description

General Description:

Performs legislative and consultative work for the Governmental Relations Division of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Work involves assisting the agency's efforts to communicate and advance higher education policy and funding recommendations with external stakeholders, including legislators, state office holders, institutions of higher education, and business and community leaders. Work includes engaging and supporting agency staff in the development of effective strategies to advance agency initiatives. This position reports to the Associate Commissioner for Public Affairs.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Build and maintain relationships with state and federal legislative offices, executive agencies, institutions of higher education, and other local, state, and federal governmental entities, representing the agency and Board to elected officials and their staff. Supports the agency's legislative responsibilities, including the provision of relevant and timely information to legislative and executive offices, bill tracking, implementation tracking, fiscal note development, testimony preparation, and other related functions. Assists agency efforts to engage external stakeholders to communicate and advance agency initiatives. Performs and supports research on higher education policy. Provides guidance and support to the agency staff regarding the preparation, publication, and dissemination of reports, information, and communications to external stakeholders. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills or Abilities:

Knowledge of state legislative and executive branches of government and their roles, processes, and administration. Skills in using an online legislative tracking system. Skills in communicating complex subjects to a generalist audience in writing, oral, and through presentation. Skills in gathering, analyzing, and concisely presenting information. Ability to display a high degree of diplomatic competence and discretion. Ability to demonstrate initiative and independent judgment. Ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, legislative offices, and other external stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

Telework with Three Required In-Office Days:

This position is authorized for a hybrid telework schedule. Employees are required to work in the office three (3) days per week, with the remaining two days eligible for telework. Specific in-office days may be determined by the department to meet business needs.

Military Crosswalk:

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_InformationandCommunication.pdf

Qualifications

Required Minimum Education and Experience:

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education. At least 3 years of experience in policy, higher education, and/or state or federal government, can include internships. At least 6 months of experience working in the Texas Legislature during a legislative session.

Preferred:

Knowledge of higher education policy and funding in Texas. Experience demonstrates strong speaking, listening, writing, and interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:

Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work. Frequent use of personal computers, copiers, printers, and telephones. Frequent sitting. Frequently working under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.

Workforce:

Must be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables. Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules, working extended hours as necessary. Adhere to the organization's internal management policies and procedures. Contribute to the agency's performance measures and mission. Travel occasionally for work assignments and training.

Application Requirements:

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Board's employment opportunities website at https://www.highered.texas.gov/careers/.


The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board participates in E-Verify for each new employees' Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For questions, please call the HR Department at 512-427-6190. For vocal and/or hearing assistance call 7-1-1.

Notes to Applicant:

If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A criminal background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position.


Your job application must be completely filled out. Your application must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer and a description of duties performed in a way that demonstrates you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes do not take the place of the requirement to include this information on the application. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete.

Veterans Information:

THECB is committed to hiring Veterans. To receive Veteran's Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 -member #4, must be attached when submitting your application.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

THECB does not discriminate on the basis, of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Job offer and continuation of employment with THECB is contingent upon:

Proof of education and experience listed on the application. Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S. Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check. Compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25. Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request.
THECB does not allow dual employment with other state of Texas agencies or institutions.


Skills assessment may be conducted at time of interview.

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.