INTERN - Legislative Research & Policy Support

Communities Foundation of Texas•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legislative Research & Policy Support Intern is a fixed-term, hourly employee supporting Educate Texas during the Texas 90th Legislative Session. The role provides timely legislative monitoring, targeted research, and accurate briefing materials across K-12 systems, College and Career Readiness, and Postsecondary and Workforce. The employee is responsible for assigned deliverables and deadlines, with staff direction and review. Texas residency and in-person attendance at the downtown Austin Educate Texas office on Tuesdays and Thursdays are required under CFT’s hybrid working model, with supervisor-coordinated flexibility for Capitol assignments. The position is scheduled for a 20-hour workweek. The employee prepares materials for staff review and does not independently determine policy positions or legislative strategy, make legal or compliance determinations, approve testimony, make commitments, or represent the organization. Staff set priorities, deadlines, and review checkpoints. The intern is expected to complete assigned work accurately and on time, incorporate feedback, maintain confidentiality and accurate time records, and communicate promptly about questions, changing priorities, or conflicting deadlines. Schedule changes and work beyond assigned hours require prior approval. The role supports Educate Texas’s mission to increase academic achievement and educational equity through programs, policy, and partnerships. Duties may change as organizational conditions and objectives evolve. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 2 years of professional experience across K-12 education, postsecondary education, government agencies, public policy, or related fields.
Clear research writing, source verification, spreadsheet organization, and ability to summarize legislative developments accurately.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
Ability to learn quickly, manage competing deadlines, maintain accurate records, and communicate promptly about questions or changes in priorities.
Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
Texas residency.
In-person attendance at the downtown Austin Educate Texas office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in progress.
Familiarity with digital tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar platforms.
Strong commitment to advancing effective public policy and a deep passion for rigorous research.
Seeking a professional future in public policy, education policy, or applied practitioner roles.

Responsibilities

Maintain staff-defined trackers of priority bills, amendments, committee hearings, and deadlines using official legislative sources.
Verify bill versions and promptly flag significant developments during scheduled work hours.
Monitor House and Senate calendars, committee postings, relevant agency activity, and emerging legislation that may affect Educate Texas priorities, including bills or amendments not already on the priority tracker.
Draft concise, factual bill summaries, hearing notes, targeted research briefs, and source-checked data summaries for staff review.
Prepare draft talking points and briefing content for council meetings, Capitol Days, and legislative learning events.
Coordinate content handoffs with the Council & Capitol Events Support Intern.
Maintain an organized reference file of research, citations, legislative records, and approved materials.
Compile a staff-reviewed session recap in June, archive research materials, and document outstanding work for handoff.
Complete assigned work on time, check it for accuracy, incorporate staff feedback, and maintain confidentiality.
Communicate promptly with the supervisor to clarify next steps when deadlines or priorities conflict.
Maintain accurate time records and obtain approval before schedule changes or work beyond assigned hours.