Senior Policy Advisor - Budget & Tax
Harris County
Houston, TX
Description
Position Description
The Mission of the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis:
Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Office is committed to becoming a national model for delivering responsive public service that utilizes inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity, and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County. Key Areas of focus for our organization include, but are not limited to:
- Advancing more effective, fair and equitable criminal justice system.
- Furthering economic justice, equity, and opportunity for all Harris County residents, especially those often and historically left behind by government programs.
- Ensuring equitable outcomes in health and access to quality, affordable healthcare
- Fighting for environmental and climate justice that keeps all communities safe and healthy.
- Equitably investing in developing and maintaining resilient infrastructure and transportation for the 21st century
- Building and defending voting rights and a democracy that ensures equitable representation.
- Progressing equity and social and racial justice as common threads through all areas of public policy and public service.
What you will do at Precinct One
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for equity, policy innovation, and public service? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where you can lead impactful initiatives and coach emerging policy leaders? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Senior Policy Advisor - Budget & Tax.
What you will do at Precinct One
The Senior Advisor for Budget and Tax Policy is a senior leadership role in the Policy Division responsible for developing, advancing, and implementing the fiscal strategy of the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis (OCRE). This position provides expert guidance on budget development, revenue systems, and tax policy to ensure that public resources are deployed effectively, transparently, and equitably. The role requires strong data-driven decision-making and advanced analytical capabilities to evaluate complex budgetary and tax policy issues.
The Senior Advisor will lead rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis, develop data models and performance dashboards, and apply statistical and economic forecasting tools to support high-impact policy recommendations. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in interpreting large and complex datasets to identify fiscal risks, opportunities for efficiency, and strategies for long-term sustainability. This position is suited for a strategic thinker who combines technical rigor with policy judgment to drive outcomes that ensure fiscal accountability, sustainability, and community impact.
All Policy Division team members are responsible for advancing, developing, and defending policies consistent with the Precinct One mission. Policy Advisors will conduct research and analysis, draft policy briefs and recommendations, monitor and track developments, organize relevant stakeholders, and propose and implement strategic plans in relevant areas of public policy to aid in advancing reforms. Senior Advisors must be able to fulfill all policy advising expectations with a high level of proficiency and may be responsible for supervising other Policy team members. This role requires strong data-driven decision-making and advanced analytical capabilities to evaluate complex budgetary and tax policy issues.
Why Join Us?
At the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis, we are committed to equity, opportunity, and justice. Our Policy Division drives innovative solutions that improve the lives of residents and reshape systems for the better. As part of our team, you'll have the platform, support, and responsibility to make lasting change.
Essential Duties
- Develop subject matter expertise in assigned policy issue areas.
- Develop and execute monitoring, tracking, outreach, and engagement plans for assigned issue areas.
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis to assess fiscal impacts of proposed policies.
- Develop data models and dashboards to monitor budget performance and tax revenue trends.
- Utilize statistical tools and economic forecasting techniques to support policy recommendations.
- Interpret large datasets to identify patterns, risks, and opportunities for efficiency.
- Report and communicate important national, state, and local trends and developments in issue spaces (and provide recommendations related to policy challenges and opportunities) to leadership in timely manner.
- Perform quality policy research and analysis efficiently and thoroughly. Design and develop actionable policy solutions to enhance the quality of life for all Harris County residents.
- Utilize strategic communications to inform key constituencies, advance and defend key policy priorities, and complex policy information clearly and concisely to relevant target audiences.
- Develop and implement strategic advocacy efforts plans to advance and defend policy priorities.
- Engage with stakeholders, teammates, and decision makers – including residents, issue area experts, staff of other elected offices, etc. – in a professional and diplomatic manner to advance and defend organizational priority initiatives
- Supervise, coach, develop, and hold accountable direct reports to equip them with skills to effectively meet team expectations and standards.
- Embody the values of Commissioner Ellis’ office and the Policy team, including a strong work ethic, collaborative environment, and steadfast commitment to team and office missions.
- Other duties as assigned.
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.
Requirements
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university required. Years of relevant experience may be substituted for an advanced degree.
Experience:
- At least (8) eight years of relevant work experience in field or organization that requires policy analysis and research skills, with experience synthesizing complex information through memos, reports and proposals
- Demonstrated experience managing staff at different levels of experience, as part of a collaborative team
- Significant experience managing multiple competing projects and deadlines
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and justice, consistent with the mission of the Office of Commissioner Ellis
- Experience developing and implementing strategic advocacy campaigns, especially on social justice issues aligned with Precinct One policy priorities
- Experience working in or closely with government offices at the local, state or federal level
- Experience conducting research, policy design and/or advocacy in at least one of the following policy areas: economic equity and opportunity, and public finance and budgeting
- Experience and Advanced proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, or statistical software).
- Strong ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
- Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills grounded in data.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Embodies Precinct values and culture and steadfast commitment to the Precinct and Policy team missions.
- Exceptional leadership, coaching and management skills.
- Highly proficient in strategic policy communications.
- Familiarity with data visualization and reporting platforms.
- Knowledge of predictive analytics and machine learning applications in public policy
- Highly proficient in strategic policy issue advocacy plan development and implementation
- Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills. Has the ability to translate complex concepts into plain oral or written language. Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
- Exceptional project management skills to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and make judgements on how to allocate time.
- Has a high level of flexibility in fast-paced environments, and is proactive, self-motivated, and mission-driven.
- Deals effectively with pressure, remains persistent even under adversity, and recovers quickly from setbacks.
- Encourages a respectful and collaborative work environment that recognizes and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Has ability to develop and create successful working relationships with staff of organizations, partners, grant makers, grantees, and other elected officials at every level throughout Harris County, Texas, and the United States.
- Demonstrates awareness and respect for cross-cultural differences and creates innovative and inclusive programmatic solutions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft software applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
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.
Preferences
- Master’s, PhD or Professional Degree from an accredited college or university, strongly preferred.
- Highly proficient in quantitative and/or data analytic skills (preferred)
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Full-time | Regular
- Monday - Friday | Evenings and weekend will be required at times.
Work Environment:
- This position includes standard office work which may require remaining stationery and working at a computer workstation for extended periods.
- Will generally perform duties in an office, though sometimes at external event locations
- Occasional travel within Harris County
Physical Demands:
- At times files or boxes must be transported weighing up to 15lbs.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- 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
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 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
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- 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.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com