INTERN - Legislative Research & Policy Support

Communities Foundation of Texas•Austin, TX

2d•$0 - $20•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 legislative monitoring, targeted research, and briefing materials across K-12 systems, College and Career Readiness, and Postsecondary and Workforce. The employee completes 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 intern prepares research and materials for staff review. Staff retain responsibility for policy positions, legislative strategy, legal and compliance determinations, testimony approval, and external communications. The intern does not independently commit to or represent the organization. Work is structured within a 20-hour workweek, and the employee must maintain accurate time records and obtain approval before schedule changes or work beyond assigned hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
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 the 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 and in-person attendance at the downtown Austin Educate Texas office on Tuesdays and Thursdays are required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in progress.
Familiarity with digital tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and similar platforms.
Strong commitment to advancing effective public policy, driven by 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, and 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 when deadlines or priorities conflict, and clarify next steps.
Prepare materials for staff review and approval without independently making commitments or representing the organization.
Maintain accurate time records and obtain approval before schedule changes or work beyond assigned hours.