The Texas Alliance for Child and Family Services 

Policy Analyst 

Salary range - $60,000 - $69,000

FLSA Status - full time, exempt

Location - remote, Austin based

Background: The Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS) is Texas’ leading network of mission-driven organizations that have embraced the call to serve vulnerable children, youth and families in their communities.  TACFS members across Texas work to prevent and address child trauma through services including prevention and early intervention, family preservation, residential/foster care services, adoption, post-adoption, youth runaway and transition services, mental health, education, substance abuse and other programs designed to promote safety and reduce risk for children, youth and families.   

Our mission is to work collectively to support and strengthen children, youth and families in communities across Texas. TACFS’ vision is to build a vibrant, strong, and unified network of child, youth- and family-serving community providers providing high-quality services across Texas. 

 The TACFS team proudly encompasses the values of being: 

  • Collaborative 

  • Forward-thinking 

  • Honest Brokers 

  • Inclusive 

  • Reliable 

  • Solutions-Focused  

  • Thoughtful 

The organization was established in 1975, but we are continuously evolving and changing in response to the dynamic nature of the work we do.  Our overall strategic aim is to support our members so they can do what they do best…care for children and families.   

Reporting: The Policy Analyst reports to the Director of Policy and is part of the Public Affairs team. The Policy Analyst will guide the TACFS network through the legislative process by supporting the development and implementation of funding and policy priorities, analyzing the impact of draft legislation, developing relationships with elected officials and staff, and providing regular updates and resources to the member network. 

Responsibilities:  The Policy Analyst is responsible for supporting the ongoing work of advocacy between the TACFS network and the Texas Legislature, state agencies, and other external partners and stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is comfortable navigating a mission-driven, multi-faceted, team-oriented environment.

Job duties include but are not limited to: 

  • Work with Director of Policy, leadership team, and TACFS Board to advocate for funding and legislative priorities that improve TACFS member’s ability to serve children, youth, and families and increase the visibility and influence of our network at the local, state, and national level.    

  • Develop and maintain relationships with TACFS members, elected officials and staff, state agencies officials and staff, and other external partners. 

  • Support the legislative process including tracking legislation, communicating with staff and legislators, providing resources, coordinating TACFS board and member visits and testimony, and generally facilitating the progression of TACFS legislative priorities.  

  • Support policy and funding implementation with state agencies and other system partners. 

  • Represent and present on behalf of TACFS at state and national conferences, convenings, and other events. 

  • Support the TACFS Advocacy Committee and support planning and coordination of TACFS Advocacy Day. 

  • Other duties as assigned. 

 Required Qualifications: 

  • Committed to the TACFS mission to support child- and family-serving organizations across Texas.  

  • Bachelor’s degree. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.  

  • 3-5 years' experience with the Texas Legislature, state agency, state association or nonprofit in the field of external relations, communications, media relations and/or outreach and advocacy services (comparable experience in another field/industry may be considered) with demonstrated success. 

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

  • Team player who enjoys working collaboratively with TACFS staff, member agency staff, and other partners.  

  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate work and adjust to dynamic and rapidly changing legislative timelines. 

  • Goal-oriented and a “quick study” who quickly adapts and adjusts as needed. 

 Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience with CRM software such as Salesforce 

  • Project management skills 

  • Strong Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, and Canva skills 

This is a full-time position, based in Austin, TX with a flexible, accommodating work environment.  Additional hours may be required during the Legislative Session. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.  TACFS offers a competitive benefits package and has an unlimited PTO policy. Some travel will be required.  

TACFS is an equal opportunity employer. TACFS does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided and maintained based on qualifications, merit, business need and available funding.  

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