Position Description

• Build and manage the Policy Team in consultation with the Chief Policy and Innovation Officer
• Manage the policy portfolio, including developing positions, proposals, and strategy to advance opportunity and justice for Harris County residents in all policy areas, including justice & safety, infrastructure & sustainability, health & opportunity, and good government.
• Lead on policy projects including countywide policies, county budget, Precinct 4 programs, support for Harris County boards and commissions, and select events. Track project milestones and assign/delegate/review tasks to other team members as relevant
• Collaborate with key stakeholders and community leaders on public policy development
• Develop and maintain relationships with County departments and agencies, research institutions, government offices, and others
• Submit Precinct 4 items for inclusion on the Commissioners Court agenda
• Review and as needed, write memos for Commissioner on relevant Court items
• Track, assign, and lead briefings on Commissioners Court agenda items
• Support the Commissioner of Precinct 4 at Commissioners’ Court
• Closely collaborate across Precinct 4 divisions, including Public Affairs, Infrastructure, and Operations to execute Precinct 4 and countywide policies and Precinct 4 projects. Coordinate with Compliance and Finance as needed.
• Staff Commissioner or represent her at Precinct 4 events and meetings. Request meetings and coordinate with other Precinct 4 teams to ensure that they are scheduled, all relevant individuals are invited, memos are submitted in advance (as needed), notes are taken, and follow-up emails are sent (as needed).
• Provide policy support for grant applications and innovative programs
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; graduate degree in a related field preferred.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in or with government departments or agencies.
• Experience managing multiple competing priorities, projects, and deadlines.

• This role may, from time to time, require work outside standard business hours, including evenings or weekends.

Preferences

• Experience coaching policy advisors to prepare written and verbal briefs.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including for concise descriptions of complex issues.
• Ability to collaborate with thought leaders across a variety of disciplines.
• Strong sense of urgency about the work for the constituents of Precinct 4.
• Ability to work effectively in a team or autonomously with accountability.
• Dynamic leadership style that invites partnership, builds trust, and motivates others.
• Ability to assess problems and identify solutions in a proactive and collaborative manner.

General Information

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.