Public Policy Director

TEXAS CASA SEEKS

PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR

Location: Austin, Texas

Reports to: Chief External Relations Officer

Effective: 11/20/2025

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:

Develop policy and conduct legislative research on a broad range of issues related to the child welfare system. Create, analyze, and advocate for legislation and policies aimed at improving services and outcomes for children, youth and families experiencing the Texas foster care system. Lead planning and coordination of Public Policy Department events, including interim trainings, the Volunteer Appreciation Reception and CASA Day at the Capitol. Facilitate outreach and collaboration with other stakeholders on a range of policy issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Advance legislative and public policy issues.
2. Educate and empower other Texas CASA staff and the CASA network to advocate for improvements to the child welfare system.
3. Educate the CASA network through trainings and written & verbal communications on legislative changes, policy changes and how changes impact volunteer advocacy.
4. Serve as a partner, resource, and resource broker to policy makers in the judicial, executive and legislative branches during legislative sessions and interims.
5. Collaborate with stakeholders on policy advocacy and policy implementation efforts affecting children in state custody due to abuse and neglect.
6. Plan and execute effective Public Policy Department events and trainings.
7. Research, develop and advance policy priorities in collaboration with Texas CASA staff, the CASA network and other relevant stakeholders.
8. Participate in and represent Texas CASA in stakeholder meetings, conferences and other initiatives.
9. Other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Respond to and support local CASA programs regarding law, policy and practice when support is needed.
2. Develop communications and meeting materials for the Public Policy Committee of the Texas CASA Board of Directors.
3. Represent Texas CASA and the CASA network to the media as needed.
4. Perform all other duties and complete special projects assigned by supervisor.
5. Mentor and lead the public policy team members; Public Policy Specialist and Public Policy Interns, when applicable; including performance reviews, goal setting, disciplinary actions and employment decisions.
6. Willingness to register and serve as a lobbyist under Texas Ethics Commission guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university or relevant work experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of legislative experience at the Texas Legislature, a non-profit or in a Texas state government agency.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Texas Legislature Online and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must pass a background check.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in public policy, social work, public health or related field.
• Work experience or knowledge of the Texas child welfare system.
• Proficiency in Telicon.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of legislative and administrative policy development process.
• Effective verbal and written communications.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Skill in performing research, synthesizing and organizing information in oral and written form for a wide variety of audiences, including mental health providers and consumers, legislators, administrators, CASA volunteers, and foster care alumni.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex program and policy issues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently under pressure, prioritize responsibilities, identify and resolve conflicts in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations to gain and keep a high level of trust, confidence, and respect.
• Ability to explain facts, advocate ideas, and negotiate and collaborate with individuals and groups, externally and internally.
• Must possess a focused and disciplined work ethic, be detail oriented and be comfortable working in a team-oriented environment.

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

COMPENSATION: $90,000 - $100,000 annually

BENEFITS: Hybrid (partially remote and in person) working environment. In addition, the person will be eligible to participate in Texas CASA standard employee benefit programs, which include:

• Vacation, Personal Days, Paid Sick Time
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% Employer Contributions
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability

HOW TO APPLY:

Please upload a PDF cover letter, resume and three references to https://texascasa.applytojob.com/apply/gU7HC7v8z3/Public-Policy-Director.

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.

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.

BENEFITS: Hybrid (partially remote and in person) working environment. In addition, the person will be eligible to participate in Texas CASA standard employee benefit programs, which include:

• Vacation, Personal Days, Paid Sick Time
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% Employer Contributions
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university or relevant work experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of legislative experience at the Texas Legislature, a non-profit or in a Texas state government agency.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Texas Legislature Online and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must pass a background check.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in public policy, social work, public health or related field.
• Work experience or knowledge of the Texas child welfare system.
• Proficiency in Telicon.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of legislative and administrative policy development process.
• Effective verbal and written communications.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Skill in performing research, synthesizing and organizing information in oral and written form for a wide variety of audiences, including mental health providers and consumers, legislators, administrators, CASA volunteers, and foster care alumni.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex program and policy issues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently under pressure, prioritize responsibilities, identify and resolve conflicts in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations to gain and keep a high level of trust, confidence, and respect.
• Ability to explain facts, advocate ideas, and negotiate and collaborate with individuals and groups, externally and internally.
• Must possess a focused and disciplined work ethic, be detail oriented and be comfortable working in a team-oriented environment.

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.