Public Affairs Coordinator
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Location: In-person / CIST Administrative Office / Austin, Texas
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Chief Operations Officer
Supervises: This position will not supervise
Starting Salary $4,000/monthly ($48,000/yearly) (contingentonexperience)
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About Communities In Schools
Rooted in community for over 40 years, Communities In Schools of Central Texas (CISCT) is a sophisticated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Austin, Texas. Communities In Schools (CIS) is a national organization that ensures every student has what they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond. At CISCT, our mission is simple: surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We are a nearly $24 million organization serving tens of thousands of students annually across Central Texas.
Communities In Schools of Central Texas seeks a Public Affairs Coordinator to support the organization's governmental relations, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement efforts. This role will assist with legislative tracking, stakeholder communications, relationship management, advocacy events, and project coordination. The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and eager to build relationships with leaders across education, government, and community organizations. This position plays an important role in advancing CIS of Central Texas' public affairs priorities and strengthening partnerships that support student success.
The successful candidate will be highly organized, dependable, and willing to grow relationships with stakeholders across schools, government, and other partners. The position will support the organization’s advocacy strategy through stakeholder engagement, coordination, relationship building, and lifecycle management to ensure successful advocacy for CIS of Central Texas.
What You’ll Do
Advocacy
Monitor and track local, state, and federal legislation relevant to the organization's mission.
Research policy issues and prepare briefing materials, fact sheets, and summaries.
Assist with the development of advocacy campaigns and initiatives.
Maintain legislative and stakeholder databases.
Support the coordination of meetings with elected officials, policymakers, and community leaders.
Assist with the preparation of testimony, public comments, and advocacy correspondence.
Prepare advocacy materials for board members, leadership, and volunteers.
Relationship Building and Communication
Cultivate relationships and networks to broaden awareness and deepen the impact of CIS of Central Texas’ programmatic work.
Develop and nurture relationships with partners and allies in support of the organization's mission.
Prepare for and attend meetings with stakeholders, including elected officials, commissions, and community partners, to strengthen relationships and increase awarenes of CIS of Central Texas.
Support the drafting of talking points and presentations aligned to legislative and advocacy priorities.
Draft advocacy updates, newsletters, presentations, and stakeholder communications.
Stakeholder & Customer Relationship Management
Maintain and support the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) process, which includes:
Identifying, tracking, and communicating with stakeholders such as elected leaders, governmental leaders, and community partners.
Ensuring timely communication of organizational priorities, events, and needs.
Draft personal messages, briefs, and follow-ups with stakeholders.
Assist with scheduling, calendar coordination, and meeting logistics.
Work closely with the CEO, COO, and consultants to keep them informed and connected with important stakeholders around CIS priorities.
Organizational Policy Development
Support leadership in reviewing organizational policies and procedures impacted by legislative or regulatory changes.
Ensure organizational policies are aligned with current laws, legislative changes, and needs of school district partners.
Administrative Support
Support advocacy events, trainings, and meetings.
Maintain a calendar of legislative hearings, governmental meetings, school board meetings, and local government commissions and committees that would facilitate advocacy by CIS of Central Texas.
Assist with consultants and volunteer needs for advocacy-related activities.
Provide in-person support to organizational leaders during meetings and events.
What You Bring
Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Government, Public Policy, Communications, Education, Social Work, or related field preferred.
Minimum of two (2) years of governmental relations experience, which could include:
Internships
Nonprofit or governmental experience
Political or policy support, such as with campaigns, legislative offices, or political organizations
Experience with customer relationship management (CRM), including coordination, follow-up, and task management with the outreach lifecycle of stakeholders
Professional written and verbal communications
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of the legislative process and the structure of state and local government
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred
Experience in nonprofit, education, or social service organizations
Experience working directly with elected leaders
Experience using CRM platforms such as Salesforce, EveryAction, HubSpot, or similar systems.
Knowledge of local area school districts, city and county government, and NGOs
The Ideal Candidate
Balances strategic thinking with hands-on execution
Leads with clarity, accountability, and curiosity
Builds strong relationships across teams and departments
Approaches challenges with thoughtfulness and urgency
Believes data should serve people and improve outcomes
Why Join CIS?
Community-centered culture focused on impact, growth, and connection
Communities In Schools of Central Texas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
For more than 40 years, Communities In Schools has been helping students achieve in school, graduate and go on to bright futures. Our school-based staff work directly on elementary, middle and high school campuses in Central Texas. In addition to providing individual student support, they work to provide whole school supports, helping ensure school environments are safe and inclusive for all students.
