Texas House of Representatives

Summary:  Research and write about pending legislation for the Daily Floor Report produced for House members during legislative sessions. Research and write in-depth reports on a variety of state policy issues during the interim.

 ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Research, analyze, and write about pending legislation for the House Research Organization’s Daily Floor Report, a compilation of bill analyses for each bill on the Daily House Calendar that includes a bill digest, arguments, and other key bill information.
• Write in-depth reports and short blog articles on complex state policy issues and legislative processes, including state budget development and agency Sunset reviews.
• Follow assigned policy areas and committees, including attending legislative hearings and briefings, following relevant state agencies and organizations, and compiling notes and research.
• Communicate with relevant stakeholders, including legislative staff, state agencies, and advocacy groups.
• Collaborate with other HRO writing and editing staff to develop and refine publications. 
• Help coordinate staff and intern assignments for certain policy areas and publications, as needed.
• Participate in comprehensive pre-session training and ongoing professional development activities. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Education & Experience

Individuals with backgrounds or degrees in writing, law, public policy, journalism, government, finance, and related fields are encouraged to apply. Direct experience and interest in policy issues related to taxes and finance, judiciary and civil jurisprudence, environment and natural resources, or human services are strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced skills in writing for a general audience and in critical analysis. 
• Experience or demonstrable interest in state policy issues and the legislative process. 
• Ability to assemble and synthesize information rapidly under deadline pressure.
• Must be highly organized and detail-oriented. 
• Commitment to factual accuracy, objectivity, and impartial analysis. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability during legislative sessions to work considerable extended hours and some weekends and holidays, as needed.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment; must be proactive and flexible. 
• Ability to work independently on long-term projects and adapt to seasonal changes in workload.
• Must be able to work in the office; this is not a remote position. 

Must adhere to department dress code and demonstrate the ability to follow all policies and procedures as set forth in the Personnel Manual of Policies & Procedures. 

GENERAL SALARY INFORMATION:

To be considered as an applicant for this position, one must complete a Texas House of Representatives application and submit a resume, a cover letter outlining your interest in and qualifications for the position, and a professional writing sample. Applications may be found at: Texas House Application.

Please Note: Only applicants scheduled for an interview will be contacted. The Texas House of Representatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you require reasonable accommodations during the application process, please call (512) 463-0865.