Legislative Director

The Office of State Representative Erin Zwiener is seeking an experienced Legislative Director who is highly motivated, excels in fast-paced environments, and has strong interpersonal, writing, and communication skills. The Legislative Director, under direction from the Member and/or Chief of Staff, assists in the development of policy positions and management of the official legislative agenda. Assists with training, managing, and developing the staff to efficiently and effectively assist the Member to represent the district. 

Responsibilities 

Representative’s Legislative Agenda

• In consultation with the Representative and/or Chief of Staff, develop, track, and promote the Representative’s legislative agenda; 

• Manage the Representative’s legislation through the process, including drafting, bill filling, and hearing requests; 

• Compile background information and draft talking points for committee hearings and floor debates; and

• Serve as the Representative’s liaison in meetings with constituents, state agencies, interest groups, and other legislative offices; and

• Other duties as assigned. 

Representative’s Committee Assignments

• In consultation with the Representative and/or Chief of Staff, manage Representative’s committee assignments;

• Monitor legislation and upcoming votes for committees on which the Representative serves; 

• Prepare Representative for committee including assembling the committee binder, performing, stakeholder outreach, drafting questions and talking points, making vote recommendations;

• Draft talking points for committee hearings and floor debates regarding bills through committee; 

• Scrub bills for Points of Order; and

• Other duties as assigned. 

Constituent/Public Engagement

• In consultation with the Representative and/or Chief of Staff, draft legislative correspondence, speeches, and talking points; 

• Assist with creating and executing an effective communication plan amplifying policy priorities to engage Hays County residents, including a monthly newsletter;

• Regularly assist with maintaining a strong social media presence to engage constituents and highlight the work of the office and the Representative; 

• Assist with supervision of legislative staff; 

• Assist in researching how statewide policy will directly impact constituents; and 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Representative and/or Chief of Staff.

Required Qualifications

• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills and overall professionalism

• A thorough understanding of, and experience with, the Texas legislative process;

• Impeccable organizational skills;

• The ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and balance ongoing assignments;

• Experienced at succinctly and concisely preparing information and data;

• A detail-oriented work ethic with adherence to strict deadlines;

• Team-oriented mentality with the ability to take initiative on independent assignments; and

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, CMS, LMS, TLIS, & CapWeb.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for a Texas legislator for two regular sessions; at least one as a policy analyst; and

• Experience with public policy that aligns with the Representative’s legislative initiatives.

Expectations

• This is a full-time, salaried position. Hours will often exceed 40 hours per week; evening and weekend time is required.

• This position is expected to be based out of, and remain in Austin during the entire duration of the legislative session. Generally, personal travel is prohibited during this time. 

Compensation

• Commensurate with experience, market salaries, and budget limitations set by the Texas Legislature.

How to Apply:

Applicants must fill out this form, send a resume (two page resume at most), brief writing sample (800 words or less), and three references (name, title, email and phone number) to the Chief of Staff at Stephanie.Chiarello@house.texas.gov. 

• The resume must be titled FirstName.LastName.Resume (ex: Stephanie.Chiarello.Resume). 

• The Writing Sample must be titled FirstName.LastName.WritingSample (ex: Stephanie.Chiarello.WritingSample). 

• The three references must be included at the bottom of your writing sample. 

• Failure to follow these instructions will result in a rejection of your application without notification.