Policy Scholar, Secure & Sovereign Nation

The Texas Public Policy Foundation is seeking an experienced and motivated Policy Scholar to join our Secure & Sovereign Nation campaign.

About TPPF:

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit research-based think tank in Austin, Texas. Established in 1989, TPPF promotes conservative principles and develops free-market approaches to public policy challenges affecting Texans and all Americans. To achieve its mission, TPPF analyzes complex issues, creates legislative policy solutions, and advocates for those solutions at the Texas Legislature, Congress, and other public forums.

Life at TPPF:

The Foundation offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization that shapes the future of Texas & beyond through innovative thought leadership. At TPPF, you will have the opportunity to be part of an engaged team whose mission is to create a freer future for all Texans and Americans. We look for individuals who are passionate about advancing conservative public policy and embody servant leadership. With a strong belief in personal responsibility, we trust our people and want to empower them to make the right decisions for the right reasons - this is why it is crucial we bring the right people on board. We value our team and work to cultivate a culture of hard work, entrepreneurship, intellectual curiosity, and collaboration. As a team, we support one another and strive to create an environment in which our team members are inspired to excel, motivated to innovate, and empowered to be servant leaders for the cause of liberty.

The Role:

Description:

Secure & Sovereign Nation (SSN), an initiative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, is seeking a Policy Scholar to support the development of state and national policy solutions related to U.S.–Mexico relations, border security, transnational criminal organizations, and homeland defense.

This is an entry-level policy role designed for individuals who are intellectually curious, highly accountable, and passionate about advancing serious security-focused policy solutions. The ideal candidate possesses strong research and writing capabilities and a demonstrated interest in the geopolitical, security, and governance challenges facing North America.

SSN operates from the understanding that lasting security requires confronting the growing convergence between foreign terrorist organizations, corruption, and political instability in Mexico and throughout the region.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct academic and policy research related to U.S.–Mexico relations, border security, cartel activity, immigration enforcement, and regional governance

• Assist in drafting policy briefs, reports, legislative materials, testimony, and research

• Draft opinion pieces and contribute to public-facing communications efforts

• Support media engagement efforts, including preparation for interviews, podcasts, and public appearances

• Liaise with policymakers, legislative offices, law enforcement stakeholders, coalition partners, and subject matter experts

• Represent SSN and TPPF professionally at meetings, conferences, briefings, and public events

• Assist senior staff with strategic initiatives, rapid-response research, and policy development projects

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in homeland defense policy and security affairs

• Demonstrable ability to produce top-tier academic research

• Strong research and writing abilities

• Excellent organizational skills and personal accountability

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Professional communication skills and comfort engaging with high-level stakeholders

• Proficiency in Spanish highly desirable.

Benefits at TPPF: 

TPPF values our team members and strives to provide a comprehensive benefits package so that our people can focus on achieving the mission. We offer competitive salaries and excellent health insurance, for staff & dependents. In addition, we have generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policies, including holidays and parental leave, and retirement contribution matching.