Sections

1. Mission and Responsibilities
2. Duties and Functions of the Secretary
3. Order of Succession
4. Duties and Functions of the Immediate Office of the Secretary
5. Duties and Functions of Subunits in the Office of the Secretary

I. Mission and Responsibilities

Section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act states that the Department of Education’s mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation, by (1) ensuring equal opportunities to participate for all eligible students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries in any project or activity carried out under an applicable program; and (2) promoting the ability of such students, teachers, and beneficiaries to meet high standards.

II. Duties and Functions of the Secretary

The Secretary is responsible for the overall direction, supervision, and coordination of all activities of the Department and is the principal adviser to the President on Federal policies, programs and activities related to education in the United States.

III. Order of Succession

In the event that the Secretary dies, resigns or is otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the office, and the office is thereby deemed to be vacant, the Deputy Secretary shall temporarily perform the functions and duties of the office in an acting capacity.

• Deputy Secretary
• Under Secretary
• General Counsel
• Assistant Secretary, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Assistant Secretary, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development
• Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
• Assistant Secretary, Office for Civil Rights
• Assistant Secretary, Office of Postsecondary Education
• Assistant Secretary, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
• Assistant Secretary, Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs
• Assistant Secretary, Office of Communications and Outreach
• Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary
• Senior Advisor, Office of the Secretary
• Senior Advisor, Office of the Deputy Secretary
• Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy, Office of the Secretary
• Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Programs, Office of the Secretary
• Deputy General Counsel, Program Service, Office of the General Counsel
• Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Finance and Operations

In instances where the office is not vacant, but all the above principal officers are unable to perform the functions and duties of the office, the functions and duties of the offices shall be performed by the remaining principal officers in an order of seniority determined by date of appointment.

IV. Duties and Functions of the Immediate Office of the Secretary

The Immediate Office of the Secretary (OS) provides direct advisory and logistical support to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Senior staff positions in OS include the Chief of Staff to the Secretary (CoS), the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy (DCoSS), the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Programs (DCoSPP), and the Senior Advisor(s).

i. Duties and Functions of the Secretary’s Chief of Staff

The CoS provides overall direction and guidance to the OS staff, works closely with the White House on a wide variety of policy matters coming before the Secretary, represents the Secretary's views in contacts with senior officials within and outside the Department and responds to appropriate inquiries concerning the Secretary's views and positions. Additionally, the CoS coordinates and collaborates with relevant personnel within and external to the agency, with significant roles in contributing to and achieving the mission and goals of the agency. The CoS provides overall direction and guidance to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Programs, and the International Affairs subunit.

ii. Duties and Functions of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy

The DCoSS provides guidance and direction on a wide range of issues, including strategy, operations, budget, equity, and higher education and workforce policy. The DCoSS provides guidance and direction to Senior Advisors, the White House Initiatives, the Office of Management and Planning, the International Affairs Office, and the White House Liaison, who coordinates with the White House on personnel and scheduling matters and on sensitive political issues and is responsible for the processing and placement for all appointments for non–career and advisory council positions.

iii.​ Duties and Functions for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Programs

The DCoSPP provides guidance and direction on a wide range of issues, including strategy, operations, budget, and PK-12 education policy. The DCoSPP provides guidance and direction to Senior Advisors, Special Assistants, and the Scheduling and Advance Staff.

iv. Duties and Functions of Senior Advisors

Senior Advisor(s) provide expert advice to the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary to inform decision-making on the Department’s strategic direction and program and policy goals; implement critical change efforts and initiatives across the Department on behalf of the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary; evaluate and advise on the implications of proposed new or revised education policies, regulations and legislation and other education-related proposals critical to the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary; supports the development and execution of executing effective management approaches; provides guidance on how the Department invests in and administers grants; and advises on the operation and human capital management.

V. Duties and Functions of Subunits in the Office of the Secretary

i. Scheduling and Advance Staff

The Scheduling and Advance Staff is responsible for meeting the daily information needs of the Office of the Secretary and for managing the logistics and advance work for the Secretary's travel and public appearances.

In performing its responsibilities, the Staff:

• Manages all aspects related to the Secretary's travel and public appearances.
• Receives and schedules requests for speaking engagements.
• Clears and plans the agenda for Secretarial appearances and coordinates the advance work related to travel and logistics.
• Coordinates the preparation of briefing materials for the Secretary, assuring the Secretary is briefed in advance of daily meetings and trips. This responsibility entails:
• Determination of the information needed for each activity and management of the data collection process.
• Analysis of the information provided and preparation of briefing materials.
• Preparation of briefing materials for the White House for Presidential and Vice Presidential trips and meetings.

ii. Office of Management and Planning

The Office of Management and Planning is responsible for the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures related to management and administrative functions, including direction of Office-wide management improvement initiatives. The two components of the Office of Management and Planning are the Executive Office and the Office of Events Management and Partnerships.

The Office of Management and Planning is led by a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Planning, who advises the OS Chief of Staff and OS Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy on matters related to the two organizational units and represents OS at meetings, when appropriate.

iii. Executive Office

The Executive Office (EO) provides administrative and management services and is responsible for: the development, execution, and monitoring of the OS budget and contracts; development of internal administrative policies and operating procedures; human resources management; information technology, telecommunications and office equipment services; office space planning and utilization; travel authorizations and reimbursements, etc. The EO is also responsible for the coordination of emergency preparedness activities as they relate to the Secretary's Continuity of Government responsibilities. EO serves as the point of contact for the White House in all matters relating to the Secretary's role as a presidential successor.

In performing its responsibilities, the EO:

• Reviews and comments on administrative policy directives from the Office of Finance and Operations (OFO) and implements management procedures and directives from other ED offices, OMB, OPM, and other Federal agencies.
• Prepares briefing and background materials on controversial management and administrative matters for the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary and prepares and coordinates responses as appropriate.
• Provides all administrative services for the employees in OS (such as space planning, human resources, property inventory control, travel, supplies, health and safety, small purchases, contracts, budget, information technology, etc.).
• Formulates and executes the annual budget and personnel target level request and develops the annual fiscal operating plan.
• Provides support and guidance in all areas of human resources, including: workforce analysis; organizational structure; reorganization proposals; labor and employee relations; and the personnel management system.
• Establishes and administers a gift fund account, as well as the Secretary's reception fund.
• Establishes systems for monitoring home-to-work transportation afforded to the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary, as appropriate, and prepares reports regarding tax implications.
• Coordinates personnel and assignments within the Department on sensitive recruitment and placement plans, including necessary controls over the Departmental security clearance process.
• Works closely with the White House Liaison on political appointments, as well as sensitive actions throughout the Department.
• Responsible for records management and serves as custodian of classified documents for client offices, including the maintenance of proper protocols and secure phones and related equipment.
  

iv. Office of Events Management and Partnerships

The Office of Events Management and Partnerships provides policy, instruction, and logistical support for ED-hosted conferences, events, and exhibits. The division is responsible for advising ED’s Program Offices and senior officials on conference-related fiscal responsibilities and legislative requirements, as well as providing guidance on methods and planning techniques to create cost-effective events. The Division provides oversight of conference and event-related policies, directives, training, and internal controls processes; gift funds and in-kind gift solicitation and acquisition processes; logistics and event-planning facilitation and staffing; and the student art exhibition program and space as well as the Department’s permanent art collection.

v. Office of the Executive Secretariat

The Executive Secretariat is the focal point in the Department of Education for tracking all correspondence and documents flowing to and from the Secretary.

The Executive Secretariat is the focal point in the Department of Education for tracking all official correspondence and decision documents requiring the Secretary’s or Chief of Staff’s signature or approval. They are also the primary liaison to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for the Department and responsible for ensuring timely responses to GAO draft and final reports. Within the Executive Secretariat there are two work units – a Communications Team and an Operations Team.

The Office:

vi. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Service Center

The FOIA Service Center (FSC) is responsible for ensuring agency compliance with the FOIA, including the following:

vii. International Affairs Office

The International Affairs Office is responsible for advising the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, and Senior Officers on international issues and initiatives that may affect U.S. education or ED policies and programs. 

In performing its responsibilities, the International Affairs Office: 

White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities 

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities (Initiative), Executive Order 14049, signed on October 11, 2021, was originally established as the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) in 1996. The Initiative continued through the George W. Bush Administration and expanded in 2011 as the White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education to include all Native American students, including students attending public schools in cities and in rural areas, tribally controlled schools, students attending schools operated and funded by Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education, and students attending postsecondary schools, including TCUs. The Initiative serves to represent tribal governments and communities and strengthens the nation by expanding educational opportunities and improving educational outcomes for all Native American students. The Initiative strives to fulfill the commitment to furthering tribal self-determination and to help ensure that Native American students have an opportunity to learn their Native languages and histories and receive complete and competitive educations that prepare them for college, careers, and productive and satisfying lives.

The Initiative is committed to improving educational opportunities for students attending TCUs. TCUs maintain, preserve, and restore Native languages and cultural traditions; offer a high-quality college education; provide career and technical education, job training, and other career-building programs; and often serve as anchors in some of the country’s poorest rural areas. In performing its function, the Initiative’s staff:

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans (Initiative), Executive Order 14050, signed on October 19, 2021, is responsible for improving educational outcomes for Black Americans of all ages and helping to ensure that this population receives an education that prepares them for college and productive careers to contribute to the well-being of society. The Initiative works with individuals and organizations throughout the country to highlight and share effective national and local programs, policies, and practices that support the development and success of Black American students. The Initiative oversees the Department’s implementation of the executive order that is designed to improve federal efforts to develop, monitor, and coordinate executive branch efforts to improve the quality of life of Black Americans through increased participation in Federal programs. In performing its responsibilities, the staff:

Identifies evidence-based practices that improve student achievement with a focus on:

• Highlighting the role of educators and administrators in increasing and improving access to high-quality learning opportunities while also finding ways to support them in their work.
• Supporting efforts to increase the number of Black American teachers and administrators, specifically the number of Black American males in the profession.
• Enhancing investments in high-quality early care and education programs, specifically increasing the number of Black American children enrolled in quality childcare and preschool programs.
• Reinforcing connections to rigorous K-12 courses and increasing access to critical supports, including by strengthening relationships between schools and communities and local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers, and parent and volunteer organizations.
• Helping to increase the number of Black American students applying to, persisting in, and successfully completing college.
• Provides platforms for Black American youth (and other impacted populations) to make recommendations regarding the policies, practices, and programs designed to accelerate learning and development.
• Highlights and disseminates promising and proven practices, programs, and policies facilitating the learning and development of Black American students.
• Serves as a liaison between and among communities supporting Black American students of all ages.
• Leverages relationships with media partners, new and traditional, to shape positive and affirming narratives of Black American students.
• Provides recommendations to accelerate Black American educational excellence essential to the success of Black American students, from birth through college completion and career entry.
• Develops and implements activities designed to respond to specific mandates of the Executive Order.
• Provides advice and assistance to the President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.
• Serves as the focal point for collection of federal agency plans that are designed to improve the quality of life of Black Americans through increased participation in federal programs where Black Americans may be unrepresented.

Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (Office), established by Executive Order 14015, February 14, 2021, is responsible for providing recommendations on the Administration’s policy agenda affecting faith-based and community programs. The Office advances this work through Centers and staff at other federal agencies across government.

The Office is supported at the Department through the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP). The CFBNP primary goals are: to assist in organizing more effective efforts to serve people in need across the country and around the world, in partnership with civil society, including faith-based and secular organizations; to develop, lead, and coordinate the Administration’s policy agenda affecting faith-based and other community programs and initiatives and to optimize the role of such efforts in communities; to ensure that policy decisions and programs throughout the Federal Government are consistent with the policy set forth in section 1 of Executive Order 14015 with respect to faith-based and other community initiatives; to bring concerns, ideas, and policy options to Administration leadership for assisting, strengthening, and replicating partnerships, whether financial or nonfinancial, with faith-based and other community organizations; and to promote awareness among diverse civil society leaders of opportunities to partner - both financially and otherwise - with the Federal Government to serve people in need and to build institutional capacity. The CFBNP shares information with its stakeholders to ensure they are aware of the many opportunities across the Department that enable organizational capacity building and improve student outcomes.

White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics, Executive Order 14045, signed on September 13, 2021, is responsible for the Department’s implementation of the Initiative which is designed to improve federal efforts to promote quality education for Hispanics. In performing its responsibilities, the staff:

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Executive Order 14041 of September 3, 2021, oversees a comprehensive government wide initiative of analytic and capacity building activities designed to enhance the participation of historically black colleges and universities in all Federally sponsored programs. In consultation with the appropriate authorities, the staff monitors annual efforts by the heads of executive agencies in order to increase access to funding resources that improve the capabilities of historically black colleges and universities.

In performing its responsibilities, the staff: