Public Policy Analyst (Program Specialist IV), Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Texas Education Agency; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

Paid time off

Job summary

The Texas Education Agency is seeking a Public Policy Analyst for the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities in Austin. The role involves monitoring disability policy, preparing briefs, testimony, and public comments, and advising on legislative strategy.

This position requires up to 10% travel, works in a hybrid schedule in Austin, and offers benefits through TEA/ERS. Strong research, communication, and advocacy skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Experience: At least two years of experience in planning, coordinating and/or evaluating advocacy or public policy strategies
• Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis

Responsibilities

• Policy Oversight: Collaborates on public policy activities to support advocacy priorities and analyzes laws, regulations and policies affecting people with developmental disabilities.
• Reporting: Summarizes key issues with educational fact sheets, briefing docs, public comments, testimony and correspondence.
• TCDD Liaison: Represents TCDD at Capitol meetings, hearings, workgroups, and promotes advocacy participation.
• Funding/Grant Review: Supports funding initiatives with research and guidance on policy issues in development of executive summaries and state plans.
• Support: Provides ongoing assistance to identify issues and engage in priorities

Skills

Policy analysis

Public policy

Advocacy

Stakeholder management

Communication

MS Office

Social media

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) is committed to creating change so that each individual is able to be fully included in their own communities and exercise control over their own lives.

All Council activities align with our mission and demonstrate:

• Commitment to self-determination for people with disabilities and their families;
• Effort to ensure that people from diverse cultures and disabilities are represented in all activities;
• Best practices in the development and provision of services and supports, including an emphasis on measurable goals; and
• Collaboration between the Council, grantees, advocacy organizations, and other groups including non-traditional partners in activities that are consistent with our mission.

Job Description

Per a Governor's Executive Order, the Texas Education Agency is the designated state agency for TCDD, and as such, provides administrative support to hire and select the best talent to support TCDD's mission. TCDD operates as a separate government entity of TEA and manages its federal award separately. TCDD offices are located on E. Oltorf in Austin, TX. TCDD is governed by a 27-member governor appointed Council.

TCDD is responsible for awarding and administering over $5 million in federal funds to organizations that assist people with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential for independence, productivity, and integration into their communities by awarding grant funds to subrecipients who develop a comprehensive system of service and supports in Texas.

We are seeking a Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities Public Policy Analyst to perform highly complex professional public policy and legislative advocacy activities consistent with the goals and objectives and priorities of the Texas DD Council. In this role, the TCDD Policy Analyst monitors disability policy discussions of state agency boards, advisory bodies or workgroups, and the Texas Legislature and recommends strategies to advance TCDD's mission and positions. This position reports to the TCDD Public Policy Director and works under limited supervision and will exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment while completing tasks.

This position requires up to 10% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.

This position is based in Austin and may work a hybrid schedule. In-person attendance in Austin is required to support meetings and business operations as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

• Policy Oversight: Collaborates on public policy activities to support the advocacy priorities of the Council, to include monitoring and reviewing state and federal policy and legislation related to TCDD priorities and provides analysis of the development and implementation of laws, regulations, and public policies that impact people with developmental disabilities.
• Reporting: Summarizes key issues by developing educational fact sheets, issue papers, briefing documents, public comments, testimony and correspondence on the Council's position to Public Policy Committee, Council, state legislators, state agencies, and local, state and national disability organizations.
• TCDD Liaison: Represents TCDD at meetings at the Capitol, Legislative hearings, workgroup and task forces, and advisory boards and advances the position of TCDD by providing public input, testimony, and comments supporting the TCDD mission and priorities. Identifies advocacy opportunities and promotes participation of advocates in workgroups and linking people with developmental disabilities and families with policy makers and may conduct training on public policy issues and legislative process.
• Funding/Grant Review: Supports TCDD funding initiatives and planning by providing research, consultation and guidance on public policy issues in the development of Executive Summaries, Request for Applications and State Plan and may assist in the review, implementation, and reporting of funding activities or initiatives which forward the public policy goals.
• Support: Provides ongoing support and technical assistance for the Public Policy Committee to identify and engage in issues according to the Council's priorities and mission.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Experience: At least two [2] years of experience in planning, coordinating and/or evaluating advocacy or public policy strategies
• Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of the primary federal and state programs that provide services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.
• Awareness of the Texas Legislative process and ability to research and analyze state and federal laws and policy and procedures and prepare summaries, testimony or other responses consistent with the goals and priorities of the Council.
• Proficiency in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Council members, co-workers, advocate and agency colleagues, policy makers and the public.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and executing tasks and assignments that require close attention to detail, and deftness in making clear, concise, meaningful oral and written presentations relative to assigned tasks.
• Aptitude for development and use of effective advocacy techniques and strategies.
• Strong comprehension of computer operation and Microsoft Office software.
• Skill in the utilization of social media.

New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.

The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.

TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
• Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
• Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
• Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page.