Policy Analyst, Government Reform & Oversight Coalition

Texas Public Policy Foundation; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off (PTO) including holidays

Retirement contribution matching

Job summary

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) in Austin seeks an experienced Policy Analyst to join the Government Reform & Oversight Coalition (GROC). You will conduct in-depth research on local government accountability, analyze taxpayer-funded lobbying, and develop policy recommendations that promote transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Responsibilities include engaging with policymakers, drafting policy briefs, testifying, and supporting coalition partners during the 90th Texas Legislative

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in public policy research, preferably state/local government.
• Working knowledge of how Texas cities, counties, school districts are funded and governed.
• Ability to conduct independent research and develop well-supported policy recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, legislative testimony, and media engagement.
• Track record of advocating for policy changes at the state or federal level.

Responsibilities

• Research and analysis on local government accountability, including taxpayer-funded lobbying and public resources.
• Policy development with comprehensive recommendations aligned to principles and governance goals.
• Advocacy and outreach to policymakers and the public, including drafting briefs and testimony.
• Coalition support: equip partners and lawmakers with research and talking points for legislative sessions.
• Mentorship and collaboration: guide scholars and interns within the policy team.

Skills

Policy analysis

Data interpretation

Public speaking

Legislative process

Education

Master's degree in public policy, law, economics, political science, or related field

Tools

SPSS

Stata

R

Job description

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) is seeking an experienced and motivated Policy Analyst to join our Government Reform & Oversight Coalition (GROC).

About TPPF:

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit research-based think tank in Austin, Texas. Established in 1989, TPPF promotes conservative principles and develops free-market approaches to public policy challenges affecting Texans and all Americans. To achieve its mission, TPPF analyzes complex issues, creates legislative policy solutions, and advocates for those solutions at the Texas Legislature, Congress, and other public forums.

Life at TPPF:

The Foundation offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization that shapes the future of Texas & beyond through innovative thought leadership. At TPPF, you will have the opportunity to be part of an engaged team whose mission is to create a freer future for all Texans and Americans. We look for individuals who are passionate about advancing conservative public policy and embody servant leadership. With a strong belief in personal responsibility, we trust our people and want to empower them to make the right decisions for the right reasons – this is why it is crucial we bring the right people on board. We value our team and work to cultivate a culture of hard work, entrepreneurship, intellectual curiosity, and collaboration. As a team, we support one another and strive to create an environment in which our team members are inspired to excel, motivated to innovate, and empowered to be servant leaders for the cause of liberty.

The Role:

The Policy Analyst for the Government Reform & Oversight Coalition will focus on accountability and transparency in local government, a fundamental aspect of our mission to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise. GROC's top priority is ending taxpayer-funded lobbying: the use of public dollars by cities, counties, school districts, and their associations to hire lobbyists who work against property tax relief, spending limits, school choice, and parental rights.

The stakes are growing. Taxpayer-funded lobbying spending reached as much as $111.5 million during the 89th Legislature, more than double the 85th. This position will conduct in-depth research, develop policy recommendations, and advocate for reforms that make local government answerable to the taxpayers who fund it, with the 90th Texas Legislative Session in 2027 as the immediate goal.

Responsibilities:

• Research and Analysis:Conduct rigorous and original research on local government accountability, including taxpayer-funded lobbying, local government debt and bond elections, school district governance, and the use of public resources for political activity. Build and analyze datasets from public records such as Texas Ethics Commission lobby filings, local debt data, and city, county, and school district budgets. Analyze legislative proposals at the state and local levels to assess their impact on taxpayers.

• Policy Development:Develop comprehensive policy recommendations that align with TPPF's foundational principles and GROC's Liberty Action Agenda. Priority areas include ending taxpayer-funded lobbying, separating school district cooperatives and investment pools from lobbying associations, building on the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, ending DEI offices in local government, curbing school district electioneering, and strengthening school board trustee oversight. Propose innovative solutions to current challenges facing Texas taxpayers.

• Advocacy and Outreach:Engage with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to advocate for reforms that restore accountability to local government. This includes drafting op-eds, policy briefs, research reports, and bill-level analyses, as well as presenting findings in public forums, legislative hearings, and media appearances.

• Coalition Support:Bolster GROC's legislative action plan ahead of and throughout the 90th Legislative Session. Equip coalition partners, grassroots supporters, and lawmakers with the research, testimony, and talking points they need. Collaborate with other TPPF campaigns to ensure cohesive and strategic policy advocacy where local government accountability overlaps with taxes, education, and parental rights.

• Mentorship and Collaboration:Provide guidance and mentorship to policy scholars and interns, fostering a culture of learning and growth within the team. Collaborate with other TPPF capabilities to support the broader goals of the Foundation.

Qualifications:

• A deep commitment to the principles of liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise.

• 3 or more years of experience in public policy research, ideally with a focus on state and local government, public finance, government transparency, or education governance.

• Working knowledge of how Texas cities, counties, school districts, and special districts are funded, governed, and represented at the Legislature.

• Proven ability to conduct independent research and develop well-supported policy recommendations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in public speaking, legislative testimony, and media engagement.

• A track record of successfully advocating for policy changes at the state or federal level.

• Experience working with coalitions, grassroots organizations, or legislative offices.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines, especially during legislative session.

• Strong quantitative-analysis skillset, including experience with statistical software packages like SPSS, Stata, R, and the like, and with building datasets from public records and government filings.

• A master's degree in public policy, law, economics, political science, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Benefits at TPPF:

TPPF values our team members and strives to provide a comprehensive benefits package so that our people can focus on achieving the mission. We offer competitive salaries and excellent health insurance, for staff & dependents. In addition, we have generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policies, including holidays and parental leave, and retirement contribution matching.