Policy Analyst

Have you ever wanted to learn more about health and human services, the workforce system, or other key government functions? The Sunset Commission is seeking motivated, analytical, curious, and innovative individuals with a desire to help government work better.

Opening Date: February 18, 2025 Closing Date: Open until filled

Job Title: Policy Analyst (multiple entry-level positions)

Starting Salary: $65,000

Expected Start Date: June 4, 2025

Job Description

Sunset policy analysts work as part of a team to conduct nonpartisan, objective evaluations of Texas state agencies. Key responsibilities include collecting and analyzing information and data on an agency’s operations; identifying state laws and operations in need of improvement; writing concise, persuasive reports recommending changes; making oral presentations on the results of reviews; and providing information and assistance to legislators and their staff. In the course of this work, Sunset policy analysts come up with creative ways to improve state government and agency operations, learn about a wide variety of policy issues, work with the top management of state agencies, interview stakeholders both in and outside state government, and participate in the legislative process. Periodic travel and occasional long hours are components of this job.

We are a fun, hard-working team of intellectually curious people who believe in our mission to improve government operations. The Sunset Commission is an equal opportunity employer.

Required Qualifications

Education

• A bachelor’s degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong research skills and ability to analyze and synthesize information and data, identify problems, investigate issues, and develop effective solutions supported by evidence.
• Ability to objectively assess current state policy and agency practices and develop workable recommendations for consideration by the Sunset Commission and Texas Legislature.
• Ability to write clearly and persuasively and summarize complex information accurately and concisely.
• Ability to independently and effectively create timely, relevant, and accurate work products.
• Strong communication skills, including team, interpersonal, and interviewing skills. Ability to build effective working relationships with team members, agency personnel, stakeholders, and legislative staff.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple work assignments to meet tight project deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in public policy, law, social sciences, business administration, journalism, or a similar field.
• Program evaluation, policy analysis, project management, government, or other relevant professional experience.

Benefits

• State of Texas benefits package, including health insurance, employer-matched retirement plan, and paid vacation and sick leave. Dental, vision, and disability insurance; health and dependent care savings accounts; 401(K); and an employee assistance program are also available.
• Small professional office located in the Capitol Complex in downtown Austin with parking.
• Merit increases, bonuses, and opportunities to advance based on individual performance and initiative.
• Emphasis on professional development through both in-house training and opportunities to attend external training sessions, workshops, and seminars.
• $2,000 relocation bonus for new hires residing 250 miles or more from Austin, TX

How to Apply

Please visit our website at https://www.sunset.texas.gov/about-us/jobs for details on the application process. Applications submitted via really will not be considered. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Persons with disabilities or who wish to request an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation with the application process may contact the Sunset ADA Coordinator at (512) 463-1300. Individuals using a TTY, VCO, or HCO assistive device may contact Relay Texas at 7-1-1 for assistance in contacting the Sunset Commission by phone. The Sunset Commission will work with anyone making a request to provide reasonable accommodations. Sunset participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Austin, TX 78701

Salary : $65,000