Public Policy Specialist
Austin, TX
Full Time
Entry Level
LOCATION: Austin, Texas (required)
REPORTS TO: Public Policy Director
CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is part of a national volunteer movement that began in 1977 in Seattle when a juvenile court judge conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of children who are in foster care due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Today, the CASA movement has evolved into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country. Judges appoint CASA volunteers to advocate for children in court, school and other settings with the goal of reuniting children with their families. Collectively, the local CASA programs in Texas serve the majority of Texas’ 254 counties. As integral members of their respective communities, they recruit, train, supervise and support court-appointed volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children. Local programs also coordinate and collaborate with other service providers who share the mission of supporting Texas families.
Established in 1989, 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.
POSITION SUMMARY:
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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Additional Functions:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
WORKING CONDITIONS:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The primary office is Texas CASA’s headquarters in Austin, TX. Although work may be performed in a remote location requiring ongoing computer use, Texas CASA requires weekly transportation to the primary office at the discretion of the CEO. While in the primary office, the employee may be occasionally exposed to a variety of working and environmental conditions, that could involve intermittent physical activities including bending, reaching, sitting and walking during working hours.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: $65,000 - $71,000 annually
BENEFITS:
HOW TO APPLY:
Please upload a PDF cover letter, resume and three references.
The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and include a detailed explanation of how your experience aligns with the minimum qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
In addition to your cover letter and resume, please submit a writing sample demonstrating your ability to clearly and effectively communicate policy issues. Previously written legislative briefs, policy memos, newsletter articles, or materials related to mission-driven efforts are all acceptable.
Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete a Texas CASA employment application, which will be provided in advance.
Please note: We do not accept phone inquiries regarding the position.
Anyone interested should have a willingness and openness to learning and growing in a member-focused service environment.
REPORTS TO: Public Policy Director
CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is part of a national volunteer movement that began in 1977 in Seattle when a juvenile court judge conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of children who are in foster care due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Today, the CASA movement has evolved into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country. Judges appoint CASA volunteers to advocate for children in court, school and other settings with the goal of reuniting children with their families. Collectively, the local CASA programs in Texas serve the majority of Texas’ 254 counties. As integral members of their respective communities, they recruit, train, supervise and support court-appointed volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children. Local programs also coordinate and collaborate with other service providers who share the mission of supporting Texas families.
Established in 1989, 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.
POSITION SUMMARY:
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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & 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.
- Other duties as assigned.
Additional Functions:
- 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.
- 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.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- 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.
- 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.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- 60-70% of work will primarily be performed in an office environment requiring ongoing computer use.
- Travel is required 30% of the time throughout the city of Austin and the State of Texas. During this time, the employee may be occasionally exposed to a variety of working and environmental conditions.
- Must be able to remain stationary or move about for long periods of time as well as position oneself to move objects, up to 15 pounds, from place to place.
- This position requires frequent communication in a multitude of settings. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The primary office is Texas CASA’s headquarters in Austin, TX. Although work may be performed in a remote location requiring ongoing computer use, Texas CASA requires weekly transportation to the primary office at the discretion of the CEO. While in the primary office, the employee may be occasionally exposed to a variety of working and environmental conditions, that could involve intermittent physical activities including bending, reaching, sitting and walking during working hours.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: $65,000 - $71,000 annually
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)
HOW TO APPLY:
Please upload a PDF cover letter, resume and three references.
The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and include a detailed explanation of how your experience aligns with the minimum qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
In addition to your cover letter and resume, please submit a writing sample demonstrating your ability to clearly and effectively communicate policy issues. Previously written legislative briefs, policy memos, newsletter articles, or materials related to mission-driven efforts are all acceptable.
Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete a Texas CASA employment application, which will be provided in advance.
Please note: We do not accept phone inquiries regarding the position.
Anyone interested should have a willingness and openness to learning and growing in a member-focused service environment.
Apply for this position
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