Director of Public Policy

Director Of Public Policy

Austin, TX

Ownwell helps property owners reduce the costs of owning real estate. Our proprietary software automatically identifies property owners that are overpaying on real estate expenses. We then manage the end-to-end process of reducing bills through tax appeals, exemptions, and corrections.

Over $40 billion is overpaid in property taxes every year, and inaccurate tax assessments disproportionately affect people of color, immigrants, as well as low-income communities.

We're dedicated to making the costs of property ownership more transparent and equitable. We believe that regardless of status or level of real estate expertise, everyone should have access to the information, tools, and resources to manage their real estate with confidence.

Ownwell is well-funded and venture-backed by some of the best investors in the world. Our customer base has grown by more than 1000% year-over-year with exceptional feedback demonstrating clear product market fit. We are looking for driven and passionate team members who thrive in a collaborative, positive culture where we all win together. If this sounds like the place for you, come help us change the way everyday homeowners manage their real estate across the country.

People are our superpower! Centered in everything we do is a true sense of team. We listen and we learn from each other. We are on this rocketship together and embrace a fast-paced, truly collaborative environment. We are here to win as a team and as a company.

We've brought together General Appraisers, Certified Public Accountants, Property Tax Consultants, Data scientists, PhDs, best-in-class customer support representatives, and more to deliver top results for our customers.

Our core values are our guiding principles in everything we do:

• Customer Obsession
• Take Ownership
• Do The Right Thing
• Go Far Together
• Accelerate Innovation

Meet The Public Policy Team

Hopefully it is you! We need a driven solo player/coach to build out the Policy function and leverage external vendors in the short term planning to build a team in the long term. You'll report directly to the General Counsel and work closely with the full leadership team. Manages outside firms and state lobbyists.

The Role:
Director Of Public Policy

We're hiring a strategic Director of Public Policy to design and deliver our multi-state legislative and regulatory agenda. You'll secure policy wins that expand our serviceable market, improve fairness and transparency in property taxation, and protect homeowners. You are equal parts policy entrepreneur, coalition builder, and execution athlete. Primary mandate: offense (expand TAM) and defense (mitigate adverse bills); secondary: administrative/regulatory wins and data transparency.

Set the strategy

• Develop a 2–3 year legislative and regulatory roadmap that expands market access and improves homeowner outcomes across current states and new priority states identified through discovery.
• Prioritize high-leverage levers: statutes, rules, attorney general opinions, comptroller guidance, appraisal district/ARB procedures, data access, and pilots.
• Define the policy thesis and narrative that resonates with legislators, regulators, and homeowner groups.

Deliver wins

• Draft, sponsor, and shepherd priority bills; craft amendments; manage vote paths and whip counts.
• Drive rule makings and administrative petitions; file comments; negotiate guidance and MOUs that unlock operational improvements (e.g., standardized evidence exchange, appeal timelines, digital access).
• Coordinate testimony, fact sheets, economic impact briefs, and homeowner stories with Comms/Marketing.

Build coalitions & relationships

• Convene homeowner, taxpayer, REALTOR®, landlord, and consumer advocacy groups; partner with chambers, think tanks, and local leaders to create durable alliances.
• Maintain trusted relationships with legislative offices, state agencies (e.g., Comptrollers, Departments of Revenue), appraisal districts, and ARBs.
• Own and direct external partners: select, brief, and manage state lobbyists and policy consultancies; drive accountability and ROI.

Operate with excellence

• S…