Job Opening: Director of Policy and Legal – TAASA

Job Opening: Director of Policy and Legal – TAASA

Job Title:

Classification (Exempt/Non-Exempt):

Status (FT, PT, Intern):

Director of Policy and Legal

Exempt

FT

Reports to (title of position):

Location:

Salary:

CEO

Austin, TX

$75,000-$80,000

Are you interested in becoming part of a movement to end sexual violence? We are hiring a

Director of Policy and Legal to join our team.

The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault is a non-profit organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas through education, prevention and advocacy. We are a unifying force bringing together parties involved in and affected by sexual assault as a catalyst for change. We desire to support survivors on their paths to hope, healing and justice.

TAASA’s culture is based on becoming the truest and most authentic expression of ourselves, honoring our callings, and being of service to humanity and our world.

TAASA offers its employees excellent benefits, including 100% coverage for medical, dental, vision and 401K. We also offer PTO and flexible work schedules.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to hr@taasa.org?

*Position will remain open through Friday, November 8th, 2024. Expected start date for the position is January 1st, 2025.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The position of Director of Policy and Legal at the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) is responsible for monitoring local, state, and federal policies and practices affecting sexual assault survivors in Texas and implementing strategies for improvements. This position directs the Policy and Advocacy Team’s analysis and evaluation of sexual assault policy and practice, maintains relationships with all parties relevant to sexual assault policy in Texas, provides policy education regarding the impact of policies and practices on sexual assault survivors and the organizations that serve them, and serves as TAASA’s primary external point of contact regarding policy,

practice, and legal matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage Policy and Advocacy Team staff, including directing the Policy and Advocacy Team’s analysis and evaluation of law and policy affecting sexual assault survivors
  • Maintain communication with TAASA member programs and other service providers (including law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and other affiliated professionals) concerning survivor and advocate experiences under state and federal law.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with TAASA members, sexual assault service providers, media, and other relevant parties; serve as primary TAASA representative concerning matters of law, policy, and practice, specifically legal referrals and advice to survivors, education about best practices in sexual violence policy and practice, and training and TA for sexual assault programs and other organizations serving survivors on how to implement new sexual assault statewide laws and policies in trauma-informed ways.
  • Work with other TAASA staff to provide education and awareness on sexual assault policy and practice.
  • Other duties as assigned by CEO.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES

  • Minimum 5 years in a leadership position supervising 3 or more staff
  • Minimum 10 years of policy and statute work – understanding legislative frameworks and developing, analyzing, and advising on public or organizational policies
  • Strong familiarity with issues affecting sexual assault survivors, including comprehensive understanding of Texas and federal sexual assault laws
  • Strong understanding of Texas’ policy and legislative process
  • Ability to work quickly and independently with diverse stakeholders in high-pressure settings
  • Excellent organizational skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in handling multiple complex projects with overlapping timelines
  • Superior analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize and clearly explain opposing policy positions
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and in a trauma-informed manner with survivors of sexual violence
  • Alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the organization, and a commitment to utilizing these in all aspects of the work.
  • Abide by all organizational policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines.
  • Commitment to and respect for diversity within the office, including value for all individuals and respect for differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socio-economic circumstance, immigration status, and record of arrest or conviction.
  • Show a demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships, through inclusion and equity, with other staff, volunteers, board of directors, funding sources, and vendors
  • Show initiative in building interpersonal and communication skills through self- awareness and transparency.
  • Be innovative in growing oneself and the organization through ongoing learning and training.
  • Advanced degree in law or public policy required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

- Experience with Texas Legislature or Texas legal system

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

- Willingness to handle occasional long hours and travel.

The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to maintain a nondiscriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment, or bias based upon a person's race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, or marital status.