About the Harris County Judge:

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and motivated professional to join her team to further transform the way we do government. The County Judge functions as the CEO of Harris County and presides over the Harris County Commissioner’s Court, the County’s governing body. Along with four County Commissioners, the County Judge directs a budget of more than $4 billion providing essential services such as justice administration, flood control, infrastructure, and housing. Harris County is the third largest and most diverse county in the nation, with a population of more than 4.5 million people.

Job Purpose:

As a member of the County Judge’s Policy Team, the Senior Policy Advisor will work with other staff members to develop and implement the County Judge’s policy agenda, liaise with experts from across the country, and use evidence and research to inform the direction of the County Judge’s actions, policy, and advocacy. Each Senior Policy Advisor is responsible for leading specific policy initiatives and projects from ideation to implementation.

The Policy Team is seeking a candidate with a robust background in local government and legislative and legal analysis experience, to lead the County Judge Office’s (CJO) County Governance portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the county governance policy portfolio, developing positions, proposals, strategy, and policy details from ideation to implementation to improve Harris County systems and services to make it fairer and more equitable for those who need it most.

• Produce policy memos and briefs for the County Judge, including applicable trends and frameworks to ensure that advice, policy development, service delivery reforms, and major initiatives are reflective of current best practices.

• Develop the County Judge’s positions on pressing policy and legislative matters as they arise and work with the Communications Team to create materials that convey positions.

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with County agency and department staff, community partners, and other stakeholders on key county-wide initiatives and programs.

• Deliver clear, effective, and strategic communication, including briefing materials and presentations, to a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.

• Co-manage Policy Analysts and Policy Fellows, who provide research and analytical support for policy initiatives and priorities.

• Work with the County Judge, CJO leadership team, and Policy Team to define short- and long-term policy priorities in Harris County.

• Represent the County Judge in national policy, research, and innovation conversations.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net .

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

• Cover letter
• Resume

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in relevant positions with increasing levels of responsibility

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong sense of urgency and engagement in reforming systems and designing innovative policies for local government.

• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills, particularly in briefing and conveying complex information in a succinct and clear manner.

• Effective time management and prioritization with experience meeting multiple tight deadlines and balancing numerous projects in a fast-paced and changing environment.

• Ability to develop and drive new initiatives, work cross-departmentally, work within multidisciplinary teams, oversee projects to completion, and track results.

• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work autonomously with accountability.

• A driving interest in developing successful working relationships with governments at every level throughout Harris County, Texas, and the United States.

• Innovation and creativity in developing policy solutions.

• A good sense of humor and ability to adapt to change.

NOTE : Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.