General Counsel

Raise Your Hand Texas is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. We support public policy solutions that invest in our students, encourage innovation and autonomy, and improve college and workforce readiness.

The future of Texas – our economy, communities, and citizenry – depends on how well we prepare our students today. All students deserve a level playing field and equal access to a quality public education. We believe our public schools represent our greatest hope for educating and preparing all 5.5 million Texas students for the future.

The Role: General Counsel & Policy Advisor

Raise Your Hand Texas is seeking a full-time General Counsel & Policy Advisor in support of the policy initiatives of RYHT. He/she will participate in policy formation and advocacy as part of the RYHT policy team. We are looking for energetic, highly motivated senior-career individuals with a passion for the goals and ideals of public education.

The ideal candidate will combine broad experience with all aspects of Texas school law, particularly school finance, assessment and accountability, charters, and special populations. A coherent understanding of the respective roles of local, state, and federal participants in our public school system is essential as well as significant experience with the Texas legislative process, including bill analysis and the public hearings process.

Location:

Headquarters: 1005 Congress Ave, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78701

Responsibilities:

Legal analysis including state/federal legislation and agency rulemaking

Legislative bill drafting

Public testimony on all Raise Your Hand policy issues

Contract analysis and drafting

Qualifications:

Law Degree from an American Bar Association accredited school of law

Admission to the Bar of Texas

A minimum of five (5) years of experience; preferred three of the years be in a law firm or in-house corporate department, preferably with labor and employment experience

Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to maintain effective collaborative relationships with Company leadership and staff

Advanced research, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Strong decision-making, organizational, and planning skills

Ability to multi-task several priorities and multiple-demanding projects within a high stress environment

Broad knowledge of Texas public education and Texas public policy