Public Policy Specialist

Texas CASA • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Policy Specialist helps lead Texas CASA’s grassroots legislative advocacy efforts at the state level, supports other advocacy-related efforts, and performs various communications functions for the Public Policy team. Texas CASA is the statewide membership association for all local CASA programs. In this role, we support the CASA network by serving as the administrator of state and federal funds, setting and monitoring standards, providing training, leading a statewide volunteer recruitment campaign, advocating for public policy and more. Texas CASA is committed to partnering with statewide stakeholders and the CASA network to elevate best practices when working with children and families. Texas CASA is a registered 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to support local CASA programs with training, community awareness, resources and public policy to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in Texas.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university or relevant work experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year of legislative experience at the Texas Legislature or in a Texas state government agency.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Availability to work evenings and/or weekends during the legislative session as needed.
• Proficiency in Texas Legislature Online and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must pass a background check.
• Skilled in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to motivate volunteers, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the Texas legislative process and issues affecting children in state care.
• Strong problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including public speaking and presentations.
• Skilled at breaking down complex information for a variety of audiences.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and social media.
• Excellent computer skills to create documents for public and legislative use, presentations, and database management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, meet deadlines, organize, and prioritize responsibilities.
• Skilled in identifying and resolving conflicts in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Ability to manage and maintain confidential information.
• Must possess a focused and disciplined work ethic, be detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in public policy, social work, public health or related field.
• 2+ years of legislative experience at the Texas Legislature or in a Texas state government agency.
• Work experience or knowledge of the Texas child welfare system and agencies such as DFPS and HHSC.
• Knowledge of the role and importance of a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer or GAL (Guardian Ad-Litem).
• Proficiency in other legislative tracking platforms such as Telicon or Quorum.
• Proficiency in using Canva and Survey Monkey.
• Willingness and openness to learning and growing in a member-focused service environment.

Responsibilities

• Support and empower a network of Legislative Advocacy Teams (LATs), including CASA volunteers, local program staff, and program board members, to advocate for child protection system improvements.
• Develop and distribute a monthly Legislative Advocacy Newsletter to educate local CASA programs about legislative advocacy and child welfare system updates.
• Lead planning and coordination of CASA Day at the Capitol, which occurs during each legislative session.
• Assist legislative advocates and local CASA programs in building relationships with state legislators and staff.
• Build and cultivate relationships with legislative offices, child welfare advocates, local organizations, state agency leadership, and Single Source Continuum Contractors as a trusted policy expert and partner in the Texas child welfare system.
• Assist in planning and coordination of legislative advocacy trainings to prepare the CASA network for the legislative session.
• Develop materials and train the CASA network in preparation for legislative engagement during interim and legislative sessions.
• Support the Public Policy team’s work as Vice Chair of the Child Protection Roundtable coalition.
• Help research and write policy proposals, drafts, and other materials used for legislative advocacy purposes.
• Coordinate communication and events related to external partnerships and advocacy initiatives.
• Provide general support for the Public Policy team and work on other issues and events as determined by the Chief External Relations Officer.
• Provide timely social media and online communications, notices, updates, and action alerts to the CASA network regarding significant policy actions.
• Develop written plans, policies, and procedures for the provision of services provided by this position.
• Provide and ensure high customer service standards in dealing with fellow employees, the Texas CASA network, partners, and supporting organizations.
• Provide assistance to all appropriate board and/or internal Texas CASA committees as assigned by the Chief External Relations Officer, including assistance in scheduling, development of agendas, and preparation of materials and oral reports.

Benefits

• 37.5hr full-time work week
• Hybrid schedule, in-office two days per week
• Employer-subsidized health, life, and vision insurance for employee, including a fully paid employee-only health insurance option with $120/mon contributed to employees' HSA
• Competitive PTO, including office holidays (15 days per year), vacation (14 days per year), personal time (5 days per year), volunteer time (8 days per year), and sick leave (12 days per year)
• Employer retirement contributions (amount equal to 5% of an employee’s gross pay)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees