The Lone Star Justice Alliance (LSJA) is seeking individuals to join its staff in Dallas or Austin, Texas. LSJA is a nonprofit legal organization that improves the lives of youth and emerging adults in the justice system. We envision a justice system that uses developmentally-appropriate responses to behavior and treats youth and emerging adults with equity and dignity to promote resilience, conserve costs, and increase public safety.

Job Title: Director of Advocacy and Government Relations

Location: Austin, TX

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Position Overview:
The Director of Advocacy and Government Relations is a pivotal leadership role within Lone Star Justice Alliance (LSJA). This individual will develop and execute strategies to advance LSJA’s policy and advocacy objectives at the local, state, and federal levels. The Director will foster relationships with policymakers, community stakeholders, and advocacy partners to promote systemic reforms that enhance justice and equity, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Development and Advocacy:
– Develop and implement comprehensive advocacy strategies aligned with LSJA’s mission and strategic priorities.
– Analyze and monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments impacting LSJA’s work.
– Draft policy briefs, position papers, and testimony to effectively communicate LSJA’s policy positions.
– Lead grassroots and grasstops advocacy efforts, mobilizing community support for key initiatives.

Government Relations:
– Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, agency leaders, and their staff.
– Represent LSJA at legislative hearings, policy forums, and stakeholder meetings.
– Serve as the primary point of contact for government entities and policymakers.- Coordinate with lobbyists, state partners, or external consultants to advance legislative priorities as needed.

-Work with state government agencies to identify internal systems of alignment and changes that enhance programming and reduce barriers for LSJA population piorities.

Coalition Building and Community Engagement:
– Collaborate with community organizations, advocacy groups, and stakeholders to amplify LSJA’s impact.
– Lead coalition-building efforts to support shared policy goals.
– Organize and participate in community events, town halls, and other public forums to promote LSJA’s mission.

Strategic Leadership and Management:
– Provide thought leadership on advocacy strategies and justice reform issues.
– Develop metrics to assess the effectiveness of advocacy efforts and ensure continuous improvement.
– Supervise and mentor advocacy staff, interns, or volunteers as assigned.
– Manage budgets and resources allocated to advocacy and government relations.

Communications and Public Relations:
– Collaborate with the communications team to align advocacy messaging with organizational campaigns.
– Serve as a spokesperson for LSJA’s policy initiatives, providing media interviews and public statements as needed.

Qualifications:
– Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
– Minimum of 7 years of experience in advocacy, government relations, or policy analysis, preferably in criminal justice or social justice.
– Demonstrated expertise in legislative processes and policymaking at the state and federal levels.
– Strong relationships with policymakers, advocacy networks, and community stakeholders in Texas (preferred).
– Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and interpersonal relations.
– Proven ability to lead and manage teams, projects, and budgets effectively.
– Passion for social justice and a commitment to LSJA’s mission and values.

Compensation and Benefits:
$130,000 to $160,000 plus employer-paid employee health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample that demonstrates policy or advocacy expertise to ehenneke@lsja.org Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About Lone Star Justice Alliance:
Lone Star Justice Alliance (LSJA) is a Texas-based nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the justice system to improve outcomes for youth and emerging adults. By advocating for innovative, community-based solutions, LSJA seeks to create a justice system that is fair, equitable, and restorative. Learn more at https://www.lonestarjusticealliance.org/careers/

The Lone Star Justice Alliance (LSJA) is seeking interns in its Dallas and Austin offices for Summer 2025. LSJA is a nonprofit legal organization that improves the lives of youth and emerging adults in the justice system. We envision a justice system that uses developmentally-appropriate responses to behavior and treats youth and emerging adults with equity and dignity to promote resilience, conserve costs, and increase public safety.