About Texas 2036 

Texas 2036 is a nonprofit public policy organization building long-term, data-driven strategies that ensure Texas’ continued prosperity by identifying and building support for nonpartisan legislative solutions that address problems in Texas today — and in the future.

We achieve this by creating a strategic framework supported by robust data resources, ambitious legislative agendas and coalitions advocating for meaningful state policies. We are a dynamic, rapidly growing organization seeking energetic individuals passionate about identifying and developing data-informed, pragmatic legislative options to address the critical issues that will matter most to all Texans.

Summary 

Texas 2036 uses data to drive civic demand for non-partisan solutions that will improve the lives of all Texans. The Policy Advisor for Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy will be responsible for identifying, developing, and synthesizing complex data into meaningful recommendations for state action; communicating data-based policy findings and recommendations in a clear and understandable manner to legislative offices, state agencies, the media, and the general public; organizing coalitions to achieve meaningful policy reforms; and managing concurrent projects and collaborating with Texas 2036 colleagues as well as external consultants and partners to amplify these efforts. The Policy Advisor will report to the Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy and work alongside a team of skilled professionals in a collaborative, diverse, and creative environment. The Policy Advisor must be capable of working independently and entrepreneurially, and should be self-motivated to solve historically difficult problems to improve the lives of all Texans. 

Responsibilities 

The Policy Advisor works to evaluate various state policies within the areas of infrastructure and natural resources policy to determine potential changes or recommendations that are likely to sustain Texas as the best place to live and work. The Policy Advisor is expected to: 

• Serve as an expert and leading voice on infrastructure and natural resource policy issues in Texas, including but not limited to energy, electricity, water, transportation, and emergency preparedness. 
• Identify, collect, and analyze complex information and data to support data-driven policy analysis and recommendations and synthesize those results into concise, plain language terms for communication to wide audiences. 
• Research and evaluate state policies relating to infrastructure and natural resources, including the in-depth analysis of relevant data, state law, bills, rules, and operations to identify opportunities to develop, refine, and advance Texas 2036 policy priorities. 
• Write reports, articles, memoranda, and other briefs on key topics relating to infrastructure and natural resources policy to inform the public and advance policy changes. 
• Work with key stakeholders, including policymakers, coalition partners, researchers, and advocates to deepen understanding of key issues, develop data-driven policy solutions, build consensus, and advance the adoption and implementation of those solutions. 
• Monitor state policy activities and report concisely on information relevant to policy priorities from different sources, including agency and legislative initiatives, reports from the media, other think tanks, and advocacy organizations, and academic research literature. 
• Participate in public speaking engagements, including legislative and agency hearings, conferences, and media interviews. 
• Perform other duties as assigned to help the organization achieve its long-term goals.

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate will have a combination of the following qualifications and experience: 

• 4+ years of public policy experience, including experience working with the Texas Legislature and/or relevant state agencies. Advanced degrees in relevant fields may count toward experience. All candidates must have a working knowledge of state government and the legislative process. 
• Understanding of policy issues involving Texas’ energy system, electric market, utility operations, and energy resources. 
• Familiarity with other key infrastructure and natural resources policy areas, including transportation, information technology, emergency preparedness, and water.
• Results-oriented attitude and self-motivated entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, diverse, collaborative environment while managing and prioritizing many simultaneous projects. 
• Strong communication skills, including team, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Strong written communication skills, including messaging skills and ability to effectively communicate data-based information. Candidates must be capable of writing clearly, concisely, and persuasively without the assistance of artificial intelligence.
• Ability to respectfully engage, support, and collaborate in an intellectually diverse and creative work environment with colleagues and stakeholders of diverse personal and ideological backgrounds. This includes a commitment to constructive dialogue on controversial topics impacting our state.
• Strong research skills and ability to analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data, identify trends or areas of concern, and investigate issues. Able to develop effective, workable policy solutions supported by data and evidence using appropriate state policy levers. 
• Able to translate concepts, ideas, and broad goals into concrete tasks and agendas with tactical next steps for implementation. 
• Able to work outside of standard office hours, including holidays, nights and/or weekends, as required during business peaks, particularly during the state legislative session.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and GSuite applications (Google Drive/Docs/Sheets/etc.) 
• Ability to effectively manage outside consultants.

Compensation and Benefits 

Texas 2036 offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, and dental insurance with employee premiums paid by Texas 2036, a cell phone stipend, and a 401K matching program. Additionally, employees enjoy generous paid time-off and paid parental leave policies. Texas 2036 fosters a flexible and entrepreneurial work environment, emphasizing personal accountability, collaboration, and professional conduct. 

Location 

The Policy Advisor position will be based in Texas 2036’s Austin office. This is a hybrid role and the Policy Advisor will be expected to be present in the Austin office during the work day, three days a week on average. Additional office days may be required as needed, particularly during legislative sessions. The Policy Advisor must be able to travel (up to 20 % of the time) to cities across Texas for meetings with various stakeholders, including board members, advisors, stakeholders, partners, and Texas 2036 colleagues. 

To Apply 

If you are interested in applying for the Policy Advisor, Infrastructure and Natural Resources position, please send an email to jobs@texas2036.org. Include your resume as well as a cover letter addressing your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the position’s responsibilities and qualifications.