Vice President of Policy and Advocacy

About Texans Care for Children

Texans Care for Children is a statewide, 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan, multi-issue children's advocacy organization based in Austin, Texas. We develop policy solutions, produce research, and engage Texas community leaders to educate policymakers, the media, and the public about what works to improve the well-being of Texas children and families.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek to build an organization that reflects the diversity of the population we serve.

About the Role

The Vice President of Policy and Advocacy represents an intentional transition in organizational leadership. In this role, you will assume day-to-day leadership of the Policy Team while the CEO focuses on the organization's broader strategic direction. You will serve as a member of the leadership team and a thought partner to the CEO, helping shape the organization's strategic plan and future vision.

This position is fundamentally a people leadership role. You will manage through trust, lead with empathy, and set clear expectations while holding the team to a high standard. You will foster a collaborative, supportive, and outcomes-driven team culture, communicating directly and honestly while navigating conflict with confidence.

Effective advocacy in Texas requires more than policy expertise; it demands sound political judgment and the ability to protect the organization's credibility across a politically diverse landscape. Your value will be grounded in the organization's rigor, nonpartisanship, and trustworthiness. You will need to develop fluency across multiple issue areas, quickly earn the trust of an experienced team, and navigate a dynamic legislative environment with agility.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Austin, Texas. Texans Care for Children offers a hybrid, flexible work environment, recognized as a "Best Place to Work for Working Parents."

Work location

Work model: Hybrid

Travis County Constable Precinct Five, 700, Lavaca Street, Austin, Travis County, Texas, 78701, United States

Austin, Texas

Key Responsibilities

check_circleProvide strategic oversight of advocacy campaigns leveraging research, coalition building, and media outreach
check_circleManage performance of issue-area Directors and provide regular coaching and feedback
check_circleLead recruitment, onboarding, and integration of new policy team members
check_circleDevelop and manage the policy team budget in coordination with Directors
check_circleMonitor state and federal policy issues and assess impacts on Texas children and families
check_circlePromote the policy agenda through presentations, media interviews, and policymaker education
check_circleLead cross-departmental strategy in partnership with the CEO to maximize organizational impact
check_circlePartner with Development and Communications teams to advance funder relations and strategic messaging
check_circleOversee organizational compliance with ethics and lobbying rules and regulations
check_circleLead development of the organization's comprehensive legislative agenda and advocacy efforts
check_circlePartner with CEO and COO on Board activities, HR matters, and employee retention
check_circleManage policy team consultants, contractors, and a team of 6-8 members

Requirements

verifiedMaster's degree in public policy, public health, social work, education, law, or related field
verified12+ years experience in public policy (15+ preferred)
verifiedExperience building and managing high-performing teams
verifiedSubject matter expertise in maternal and child health, child protection, mental health, or early learning
verifiedStrong understanding of Texas policy landscape and political environment
verifiedExperience developing and executing advocacy campaigns
verifiedExperience advocating alongside people of various viewpoints and backgrounds

Nice to Have

Fifteen or more years of experience in public policy and related fields.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleHybrid, flexible work environmentcheck_circleEmployer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and childrencheck_circleEmployer retirement matching contributions up to 3%check_circleStipend programs for home phone and internetStipend program for student loan repayment

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Public Policy, Public Health, Social Work, Education, Law, Maternal And Child Health, Child Protection, Mental Health, Early Learning, Advocacy Campaigns.

Education: Master's degree with a focus on public policy, public health, social work, education, law, or other relevant fields required.

Frequently asked questions about Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texans Care for Children

What does a Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texans Care for Children do?expand_more

In this Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texans Care for Children role, you will provide strategic oversight of advocacy campaigns leveraging research, coalition building, and media outreach; manage performance of issue-area directors and provide regular coaching and feedback; lead recruitment, onboarding, and integration of new policy team members; and develop and manage the policy team budget in coordination with directors.

What are the requirements for this Vice President of Policy and Advocacy role?expand_more

To qualify for the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texans Care for Children position, applicants should have: Master's degree in public policy, public health, social work, education, law, or related field; 12+ years experience in public policy (15+ preferred); Experience building and managing high-performing teams; Subject matter expertise in maternal and child health, child protection, mental health, or early learning; Strong understanding of Texas policy landscape and political environment; and Experience developing and executing advocacy campaigns.

Where is the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy role at Texans Care for Children located?expand_more

Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texans Care for Children is based in Travis County Constable Precinct Five, 700, Lavaca Street, Austin, Travis County, Texas, 78701, United States. This is a hybrid role.

Is this Vice President of Policy and Advocacy job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

Texans Care for Children has listed this Vice President of Policy and Advocacy role as hybrid.

How much experience is required for this Vice President of Policy and Advocacy role?expand_more

Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texans Care for Children typically requires 12+ years of relevant experience at the executive level.

What skills do you need for the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy role at Texans Care for Children?expand_more

Key skills for Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texans Care for Children include Public Policy; Public Health; Social Work; Education; Law; Maternal And Child Health; Child Protection; and Mental Health.

What education is required for Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texans Care for Children?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Master's degree with a focus on public policy, public health, social work, education, law, or other relevant fields required.

What category does the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy role belong to?expand_more

Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texans Care for Children is part of the charity & voluntary job category on Recrutus.

About Texans Care for Children

About the Role

Work Environment

Work location

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Nice to Have

Benefits & Perks

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Skills, education and keywords

Frequently asked questions about Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texans Care for Children

Skills Required