Child Care Policy Analyst; Austin at State of Texas Austin, TX

Child Care Policy Analyst (Program Specialist IV-V) – Austin

The State of Texas is seeking an experienced Policy Analyst for its Child Care & Early Learning (CC&EL) division. The successful candidate will possess knowledge in child development, policy analysis and development, program development, and project management, along with exceptional written communication skills. This position reports to the Child Care Policy Manager and works closely with team members across the CC&EL division and the agency.

A detail-oriented professional with a passion for child care, a strong foundation in policy analysis and development, program development, and project management. You are an adaptable individual who possesses strong written and verbal communication skills, a commitment to producing high‑quality work, a motivated, collaborative problem solver, and someone who can work independently as well as part of a team.

You will perform highly complex to advanced (senior‑level) analysis and consultative services, research, plan, develop, and implement child care and early learning programs, and provide technical assistance to program staff, government agencies, community organizations, and the public.

• Develop and assist in the development of plans, policies, procedures, standards, rules, reports, and guidelines for the child care program.
• Research, interpret, and analyze complex federal or state legislation, statutes, and regulations to determine impact on the child care program.
• Provide written recommendations on impact to program operations, management, policy changes, and necessary process improvements.
• Develop and facilitate trainings, webinars, and presentations on program standards, policy changes, and special initiatives.
• Coordinate major policy projects and special initiatives, keeping management abreast of progress, issues, and risks.
• Perform complex policy and programmatic research to support agency policy development and special initiatives.
• Represent the department at cross‑department meetings and at agency and division‑wide efforts, and represent the agency at meetings and conferences with federal, state, and local agencies or organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Program Specialist IV:
  Two years of full‑time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.
• Program Specialist V:
  Two years and six months of full‑time experience in the same area.
• Both Levels:
  Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.

• Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Experience with policy analysis and development.
• Strong knowledge of child development and early childhood education.
• Attention to detail and an enthusiasm for producing high‑quality work products.
• Experience presenting to or training adults.
• Experience writing and interpreting policy.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research and analysis.
• Ability to quickly learn complex new content and to gather, assess, correlate, and analyze facts.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple, shifting priorities.
• Ability to explain policies and procedures to others.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Affairs, Public Policy, Social Work (macro), or related field with policy coursework is preferred.

• A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
• Competitive starting salary: $4,523.16—$6,833.33 per month.
• Defined Retirement Benefit Plan.
• Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts.
• Medical Insurance.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick and family care leave.

This position involves travel up to 10% of the time and the ability to carry or lift 15 pounds. Working hours may vary beyond the standard 8:00 am–5:00 pm, Monday–Friday. The position is onsite at 1117 Trinity Street, Austin, TX. Candidates must be Texas residents or willing to relocate to Texas.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.