Policy Advisor

Harris County

Houston, TX


Description

Position Description



Working At Harris County Precinct 4:
You will be surrounded by team members who bring “heart, hustle, and higher standards” to work each day. These leaders advance opportunity and justice as they deliver services to and advocate for the residents of Harris County. The team you will be joining is innovative, dynamic, and forward-looking.

What you will do for
Harris County Precinct 4 (HCP4)
Harris County Precinct 4 Policy Advisors will work with the team to develop County policy and help implement Commissioner Briones’s policies. The Policy Advisor will also be responsible for liaising with national experts, local stakeholders, and other County departments and agencies to inform the Commissioner’s agenda and develop innovative and sustainable solutions to local needs in their policy areas as assigned.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.
  • Support and/or lead a policy portfolio developing positions and proposals to advance opportunity and justice for Harris County residents in the relevant policy areas.
  • Support and lead on projects including countywide policies, Precinct 4 programs, support for commissions and committees, and select events. Track project milestones.
  • Conduct research, identify best practices, and craft strategy for policies and programs.
  • Support Commissioner Briones in preparation for Commissioners Court including writing memos, presenting recommendations, drafting talking points, and verbally briefing the Commissioner.
  • Support the Precinct 4 Communications team with talking points, press releases, blogs, social media, and other communications. Ensure that accurate and appropriate data is used and that the communications reflect Precinct 4 goals and priorities.
  • Support and train interns and analysts. If delegating work, set clear deadlines and expectations and provide feedback.
  • 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).
  • Closely collaborate with the Precinct 4 team, including Policy & Innovation, Public Affairs, Infrastructure, and Operations to execute Precinct 4 and countywide policies and Precinct 4 projects. Always coordinate with Compliance and Finance as needed.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with County departments and agencies, community partners, research institutions, government offices, and other stakeholders.
  • Incorporate innovation into policy work, brainstorm and support grants applications, support the Precinct4Forward non-profit work as needed.

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

Requirements

Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in relevant positions, preferably in policy-related work.

    • Relevant Master’s or other relevant postgraduate degrees can be accepted towards years of experience.
  • Experience managing multiple competing projects and deadlines.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Is passionate about local policy and improving access to justice and opportunity for all.
  • Has excellent writing, editing, and organizing ability to create clear and concise policy documents.
  • Can translate complex issues into plain language.
  • Has experience in relevant policy area(s).
  • Has strong project management skills and can handle multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
  • Can develop working relationships with community members, research institutions, government staff, and elected officials.


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

Education:


  • Advanced degree in relevant area including but not limited to public policy, public administration, law, economics, or planning (preferred)
Experience:
  • Policy design and implementation experience in the relevant area. (preferred)

General Information

Position Type, Salary and Typical Hours of Work:
  • Regular | Full-time
  • Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
  • Ability to work outside of normal business hours and on weekends
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
  • This position requires a significant amount of time outdoors and exposure to a variety of environmental and extreme weather conditions. This position also requires traveling to parks located throughout the precinct and at long distances. The ability to work outdoors during all seasons and to drive safely is essential. The ability to operate standard office equipment and software platforms is required.
  • Essential functions involve significant physical demands related to repeated lifting of up to 50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance rarely; carrying tools, materials, and equipment over rough terrain; climbing, reaching, and bending. Frequently to walk, sit, talk, drive, hear, bend, stoop, twist, and balance.
What You Will Get in Return:
You will be surrounded by team members who bring “heart, hustle, and higher standards” to work each day. These leaders advance opportunity and justice as they deliver services to and advocate for the residents of Harris County. The team you will be joining is innovative, dynamic, and forward-looking.

Featured Benefits
:
Harris County employees receive a competitive salary plus medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee after the first two months of full-time continued employment. Vacation, sick-time, and floating holidays allow our employees to recharge and balance work and personal time. Mandatory participation in our retirement program allows employees to save for retirement. Various other benefits and discounts lead to the satisfaction and engagement of our employees.

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.

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

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 department.

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


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