Early Learning Policy Associate 2027

Texans Care for Children is a statewide, non-profit, non-partisan, multi-issue children’s advocacy organization based in Austin, Texas. We develop policy solutions, produce research, and engage Texas community leaders to educate policymakers, the media, and the public about what works to improve the well-being of Texas children and families. Texans Care for Children is an equal-opportunity employer. We actively seek to build an organization that reflects the diversity of the population we serve.

We are seeking to fill the position of Policy Associate for Early Learning. The Policy Associate for Early Learning will support the organization’s advocacy and policy efforts to improve the well-being of children and families in Texas. In partnership with the Director of Early Learning Policy, the Policy Associate will complete policy research, data analysis, the development of recommendations, the formulation of advocacy strategies, and their execution. This position will report to the Director of Early Learning Policy and will focus on our early learning portfolio to ensure 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 full-time and based in Austin, TX, in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities:

• Monitoring federal and state policy issues and conducting policy research and analysis in partnership with the research team;
• Identifying state policy priorities and implementing legislative and administrative advocacy strategies to improve the well-being of children and families in Texas;
• Engaging families and community providers to understand the current challenges facing children and families, and help elevate their stories, in partnership with the community engagement team;
• Communicating regularly with agency leaders, community leaders, researchers, and experts to understand current practices and identify best practices to address them;
• Producing policy briefs, written testimony, presentations, and other policy materials;
• Developing strong relationships and communicating Texans Care for Children’s policy priorities to lawmakers, the public, and the media;
• Serving on state advocacy coalitions and regional/local coalitions as needed;
• In partnership with the communications team, developing content for campaigns including videos, blogs, op-eds, social media posts, and other materials, as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a focus on public policy, education, public health, social work, or other relevant field;
• Minimum of two years of full-time experience in public policy and/or advocacy;
• Subject matter experience on policies and programs to improve the health and well-being of children and families (Medicaid, ECI, CHIP) or early learning settings (child care, pre-K, mixed delivery);
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple tasks with initiative;
• Experience in writing, research, and data analysis skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with a diverse group of stakeholders and coalitions;
• Experience working alongside people of various viewpoints and backgrounds
• Commitment to the mission of Texans Care for Children and passion for improving the well-being of Texas children.

Benefits

The salary range is $58k to $70k. Texans Care for Children offers excellent benefits to full-time employees, including:

• 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.
• Competitive PTO Policies including 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)