Policy and Legislative Affairs Coordinator

DePelchin Children’s Center•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Policy and Legislative Affairs Coordinator serves as the organization's lead resource for legislative affairs, policy analysis, advocacy strategy, and government relations. This position monitors legislative and regulatory developments, analyzes their impact on organizational priorities, and provides recommendations to executive leadership regarding advocacy efforts and implementation strategies. Working closely with the Director of Special Projects, the Coordinator will help develop and execute legislative engagement strategies, build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, coordinate advocacy activities, and support organizational readiness for policy and regulatory changes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Public Administration, Social Work, Communications, or a related field.
Minimum two (2) years’ experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, advocacy, child welfare, public administration, communications, or a related field.
Experience working with the Texas Legislature, legislative offices, state agencies, or governmental entities.
Experience in child welfare, community-based care, human services, education, healthcare, or nonprofit advocacy.
Knowledge of Texas legislative processes and policymaking.
Strong writing and communication skills.
Ability to synthesize complex information into concise summaries.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to independently manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
Ability to translate strategic direction into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ability to influence and coordinate work across teams without formal authority.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Sound judgment, initiative, and a willingness to take ownership of projects and results.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Law, Social Work, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor legislation, regulatory activity, and policy developments at the local, state, and federal levels.
Track bills and legislative initiatives relevant to the organization's mission and strategic priorities.
Analyze proposed legislation and assess potential impacts on operations, programs, and stakeholders.
Develop policy summaries, legislative reports, issue briefs, and executive-level recommendations.
Provide strategic guidance regarding emerging policy issues.
Assist in the development and implementation of the organization's advocacy agenda and legislative priorities.
Execute advocacy strategies and activities aligned with organizational goals.
Prepare policy positions, talking points, briefing documents, and stakeholder communications.
Recommend advocacy approaches and engagement opportunities based on legislative developments.
Coordinate organizational responses to policy proposals and legislative initiatives.
Support the cultivation and maintenance of relationships with members of the Texas Legislature, legislative staff, state agencies, and key stakeholders.
Support leadership engagement with elected officials and policy influencers.
Coordinate legislative meetings, site visits, presentations, and informational briefings.
Represent the organization at legislative hearings, stakeholder meetings, conferences, and public forums.
Serve as a liaison between the organization and governmental entities.
Support legislative engagement efforts during legislative sessions and interim periods.
Track committee hearings, legislative deadlines, policy proposals, and stakeholder activities.
Identify opportunities for strategic engagement and advocacy.
Prepare leadership for legislative meetings, testimony, and policy discussions.
Lead policy-focused projects and strategic initiatives.
Research emerging trends, best practices, and policy innovations relevant to child welfare and community-based care.
Develop reports, presentations, dashboards, and briefing materials for executive leadership and board members.