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Policy Development Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Director of Public Policy

Austin, TX

$114K - $140K/yr

  • PTO

The Director will support policy development, coalition building, and communications strategy to advance traffic safety initiatives through technology. This position plays a critical role in shaping ...

Director of Public Policy

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$225K - $250K/yr

  • PTO

The Director will support policy development, coalition building, and communications strategy to advance traffic safety initiatives through technology. This position plays a critical role in shaping ...

Director of Public Policy

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$114K - $140K/yr

  • PTO

The Director will support policy development, coalition building, and communications strategy to advance traffic safety initiatives through technology. This position plays a critical role in shaping ...

Cybersecurity Policy Writer & Governance Lead

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Lead the development, review, and lifecycle management of cybersecurity policies, standards, and specifications. * Establish and mature governance frameworks aligned with industry-best practices and ...

Policy Scholar

Austin, TX · On-site

$107K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Take advantage of both internal and external ongoing development opportunities. * Represent the Foundation in media as required. Qualifications: * Two or more years of experience in policy-related ...

Development Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledgeable in current and possible future development trends, policies, practices, innovations, and information. * High-level industry awareness of current development trends, financing, deal ...

Development Manager

Austin, TX

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledgeable in current and possible future development trends, policies, practices, innovations, and information. * High-level industry awareness of current development trends, financing, deal ...

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Showing results 1-20

Policy Development information

See Austin, TX salary details

$43.6K

$103.8K

$155.1K

How much do policy development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy development in Austin, TX is $103,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $126,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is policy development?

Policy development is the process of creating, evaluating, and implementing rules, guidelines, or courses of action that guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes within organizations or governments. This process involves identifying issues, researching possible solutions, consulting stakeholders, drafting policy documents, and often reviewing and revising policies based on feedback and changing circumstances. Effective policy development helps ensure consistency, compliance, and the achievement of organizational or governmental objectives.

How does a policy development professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Policy Development professionals often work closely with departments such as legal, compliance, operations, and communications to ensure that proposed policies are practical, legally sound, and align with organizational objectives. Collaboration often involves cross-functional meetings, gathering input from stakeholders, and integrating feedback into policy drafts. This team-oriented approach helps ensure policies are comprehensive, implementable, and well-communicated across the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in policy development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Policy Development, you need strong analytical, research, and writing skills, often supported by a degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, data visualization software, and legislative tracking systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement, and critical thinking abilities help professionals excel when building consensus and navigating complex issues. These skills are essential for crafting effective, evidence-based policies that address societal challenges and achieve organizational goals.

What is the difference between Policy Development vs Policy Analysis?

AspectPolicy DevelopmentPolicy Analysis
Primary FocusCreating and drafting policiesEvaluating and analyzing policies
Skills RequiredResearch, writing, policy draftingData analysis, critical thinking, evaluation
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, policy offices, government agenciesResearch institutions, government departments, think tanks
Common CertificationsPolicy or public administration degreesPublic policy, statistics, or research certifications

Policy Development involves creating and drafting policies to address specific issues, often requiring strong writing and research skills. Policy Analysis focuses on evaluating existing policies through data analysis and critical assessment. While both roles require understanding of public policy and related credentials, Policy Development is more about crafting policies, whereas Policy Analysis emphasizes evaluating their effectiveness.

What are popular job titles related to Policy Development jobs in Austin, TX?

For Policy Development jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Policy Development job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,839 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Sr Manager - State Policy and PUC Relations

Ercot

Austin, TX

$107K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources. We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow's energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career.

ERCOT is committed to fostering inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We know that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. An inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future.

JOB SUMMARY

Manages and directs a team responsible for coordinating ERCOT's policy initiatives, working with internal subject matter experts (SMEs) to provide ongoing communication and advisory support on state policy matters before the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Texas Legislature. Supports the General Counsel organization and the Director of State Policy in maintaining and coordinating ERCOT's relationship with the PUC. Directs team workflows and resource allocation to ensure internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies have access to well-organized, data-driven information on the context, details, and implications of key state policy matters. Oversees analysis and monitoring of relevant Texas legislation, PUC rulemakings, ERCOT stakeholder activities, and market protocol and procedure changes. Effectively communicates and manages project milestones and quality standards, coordinating closely with leadership and state policy attorneys within the General Counsel department. Leads team development through mentorship, coaching, and performance management, and serves as the primary escalation point for complex or sensitive assignments. Exercises broad independent judgment in managing day-to-day team operations, while proactively keeping leadership informed of matters requiring executive direction or decision-making.

JOB DUTIES
  • Manages and directs team efforts to research, analyze, and synthesize state policy matters, ensuring deliverables are accurate, timely, and aligned with General Counsel and organizational priorities.
  • Exhibits strong verbal and written communication skills to oversee development of executive-facing briefings, presentations, and analytical materials, ensuring content is data-driven and clearly articulates the costs, benefits, and implications of potential ERCOT Board, PUC, and stakeholder actions.
  • Directs team coordination with the General Counsel organization, Executive Team, and external stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive, well-informed market view supports comprehensive policy development.
  • Leads planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs, projects, and processes supporting deliberation on key policy issues, decision sequencing, and effective governance.
  • Reviews materials prepared for Board, Executive Team, and PUC consideration to ensure alignment with data-driven decision-making standards; escalates concerns to General Counsel as appropriate.
  • Oversees team monitoring of PUC Open Meetings, work sessions, legislative hearings, and relevant state policy dockets, ensuring timely, accurate updates to General Counsel and Legal department.
  • Partners with Legal department to direct tracking and reviewing of state policy projects and PUC filings, assigning team workload and escalating matters requiring General Counsel attention.
  • Coordinates across the Executive Team and ERCOT staff to ensure delivery of sound impact analysis and implementation guidance in support of key policy development issues.
  • Manages team participation in internal ERCOT meetings and oversees special assignments, ensuring appropriate staffing and successful delivery of outcomes.
EXPERIENCE
  • Requires minimum 10 years job-related work experience and 3 years in a management or leadership role in excess of degree requirements. Minimum years of job-related experience can include time in leadership roles.
  • Prefer progressively responsible experience in the Texas electric utility market and experience interacting with the Texas PUC.
EDUCATION
  • Bachelor's Degree: Economics, Political Science, Journalism, Legal Studies, Business Administration, Communications (Required)
  • Master's Degree: Economics, Political Science, Journalism, Legal Studies, Business Administration, Communications (Preferred)
  • or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required

The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and the essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. It is not an exhaustive list of the duties expected to be performed, and management may, at its discretion, revise or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment with ERCOT. Both ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time. #LI-IV1 ; #Hybrid

ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law.

Expected Salary Range:

$173,000 - $238,000