Early Learning Policy Associate
About The Position
Texans Care for Children is seeking a full-time Policy Associate for Early Learning to support the organization’s advocacy and policy efforts to improve the well-being of children and families in Texas. Working in partnership with the Director of Early Learning Policy, the associate will conduct policy research and data analysis, develop recommendations, formulate advocacy strategies, and help execute them. The role focuses on the organization’s early learning portfolio and ensuring children of all backgrounds—including emergent bilingual students and students with disabilities—receive the early learning experiences they need in child care, pre-K, mixed delivery, and other early education environments. The position is based in Austin, Texas, in a hybrid work environment. It reports to the Director of Early Learning Policy. Texans Care for Children is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan, multi-issue children’s advocacy organization that develops policy solutions, produces research, and engages community leaders to inform policymakers, the media, and the public about approaches that improve the well-being of Texas children and families. The organization is an equal-opportunity employer and seeks to build a team that reflects the diversity of the population it serves.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in public policy, education, public health, social work, or another relevant field.
- At least two years of full-time experience in public policy and/or advocacy.
- Subject-matter experience with policies and programs that improve the health and well-being of children and families, such as Medicaid, ECI, or CHIP, or with early learning settings such as child care, pre-K, or mixed delivery.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with initiative.
- Experience in writing, research, and data analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse stakeholders and coalitions.
- Experience working alongside people with varied viewpoints and backgrounds.
- Commitment to Texans Care for Children’s mission and a passion for improving the well-being of Texas children.
Responsibilities
- Monitor federal and state policy issues and conduct policy research and analysis in partnership with the research team.
- Identify state policy priorities and implement legislative and administrative advocacy strategies to improve the well-being of children and families in Texas.
- Engage families and community providers to understand challenges facing children and families and help elevate their stories, in partnership with the community engagement team.
- Communicate regularly with agency leaders, community leaders, researchers, and experts to understand current practices and identify best practices.
- Produce policy briefs, written testimony, presentations, and other policy materials.
- Develop strong relationships and communicate the organization’s policy priorities to lawmakers, the public, and the media.
- Serve on state and regional or local advocacy coalitions as needed.
- Partner with the communications team to develop campaign content, including videos, blogs, op-eds, social media posts, and other materials as needed.
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees and children.
- Flexible schedule in a hybrid environment.
- Employer retirement matching contributions up to 3%.
- Stipend programs for home phone and internet, student loan repayment, and/or self-care.
- Office-wide holidays (22 days per year), flexible holidays (5 days per year), vacation (18 days per year), and sick leave (12 days per year).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
