Public Policy Director

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.

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:

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

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Respond to and support local CASA programs regarding law, policy and practice when support is needed.
• Develop communications and meeting materials for the Public Policy Committee of the Texas CASA Board of Directors.
• Represent Texas CASA and the CASA network to the media as needed.
• Perform all other duties and complete special projects assigned by supervisor.
• Supervise Public Policy Specialist.
• Supervise interns when applicable.
• Willingness to register and serve as a lobbyist under Texas Ethics Commission guidelines.

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…