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

Agency Information

Per a Governors Executive Order, the Texas Education Agency is the designated state agency for the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD), and as such, provides administrative support to hire and select the best talent to support TCDDs 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.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.

Core Values

• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
• We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

Job Description

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 Public Policy Analyst to perform highly complex professional public policy and legislative advocacy activities consistent with the goals, objectives, and priorities of TCDD.

In this role, the Public Policy Analyst monitors disability policy discussions of state agency boards, advisory bodies or workgroups, and the Texas Legislature and recommends strategies to advance TCDDs 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.

Please note that a resume and tailored cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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 Councils 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 Councils 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 a state legislative office or in legislative advocacy, public policy analysis, or public policy development at the state level.

Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis

Other Qualifications

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military
• 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 candidates 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 roles requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.

Benefits

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.

Military/Veteran Information

Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference (MEP) will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

To claim Military Employment Preference, applicants must:

• Select the applicable Military Employment Preference category in the employment application.
• Upload supporting documentation verifying eligibility in the Attachments section of the application before submitting the application.

Important: Self-identifying as eligible for Military Employment Preference does not by itself establish eligibility. Supporting documentation is required for TEA to verify eligibility before Military Employment Preference can be applied during the selection process. Applicants who do not submit sufficient documentation may not be considered eligible for Military Employment Preference. This requirement is consistent with TEAs Military Employment Preference procedures.

For information about eligibility requirements, required supporting documentation, and instructions for claiming Military Employment Preference, please review the Military Employment Preference page, which outlines eligible categories, documentation requirements, and the eligibility verification process.

To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the States Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.

Additional Information

TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.

TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.

To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add capps.recruiting@cpa.texas.gov and @tea.texas.gov to your safe senders list.

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