Consultation Policy Manager

Harris County•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project/Program Manager II – Consultation Policy Manager serves as the Office of County Administration’s (OCA) lead staff member for the implementation and ongoing administration of the County’s Consultation Policy. This position provides strategic policy analysis, research, coordination, and employee relations support to ensure the effective operation of the County’s labor-management consultation process. The Project/Program Manager II – Consultation Policy Manager serves as the primary agenda coordinator and meeting facilitator for the Consultation Team, acts as the liaison to Commissioners Court on Consultation Policy matters, and serves as OCA’s Management Agent ex-officio designee as needed. Working closely with OCA, Human Resources & Talent (HRT), and the County Attorney’s Office (CAO), County department leadership, employee representatives, and the Employee Consultation Review Board, the Project/Program Manager II – Consultation Policy Manager develops policy recommendations, conducts research, coordinates stakeholder engagement, and supports the Management Agent (Harris County) in advancing collaborative labor-management relationships across the County. This position plays a key role in fostering a positive workplace environment by providing research, analysis, and recommendations related to employee relations, workplace grievances, conflict resolution, and organizational effectiveness while ensuring compliance with applicable employment laws, County policies, Consultation Policy procedures, and the County Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Organizational Leadership, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in employee relations, human resources, labor relations, policy analysis, public administration, government operations, or a closely related field.
Experience conducting policy research, preparing executive-level written materials, and facilitating meetings with multiple stakeholders is required.
Knowledge of employee relations principles, conflict resolution, workplace investigations, and performance management practices.
Knowledge of public administration principles, governmental operations, and policy development.
Knowledge of, or strong ability to learn, applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into practical recommendations.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to facilitate and lead meetings, build consensus, and navigate sensitive workplace issues.
Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with executive leadership, elected officials, department leadership, employees, and labor representatives.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and discretion when handling confidential matters.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Understands and supports the County’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical public service.
Promotes public trust through accountability, transparency, and sound judgment.
Values collaboration and demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives, experiences, and opinions.
Builds effective partnerships across departments and stakeholder groups.
Exercises initiative and independent judgment while maintaining a solutions-oriented approach.
Demonstrates adaptability in a dynamic organizational environment.
Communicates effectively with executive leadership, employees, and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Preference for a graduate-level degree.
Experience working within a governmental or public sector environment is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct support to the County Administrator, who serves as the implementation lead and administrator for the County’s Consultation Policy, ensuring consistent administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of consultation processes.
Coordinate all Consultation Team and Employee Consultation Review Board meetings, including developing agendas, facilitating meetings, documenting discussions, tracking action items, and monitoring implementation of recommendations.
Serve as the County Administrator’s Management Agent ex-officio designee as needed and provide strategic support to the Management Agent and its representatives.
Serve as the primary liaison between OCA and Commissioners Court regarding Consultation Policy matters, including preparing agenda items, presentations, briefing materials, and status updates.
Conduct research and analysis on labor-management relations, employee relations, workplace policies, organizational practices, and emerging employment trends.
Prepare high-quality policy briefs, research reports, issue papers, executive summaries, fact sheets, talking points, and recommendations for the County Administrator and other executive leadership as well as to Commissioners Court, including on proposed changes and updates to the County Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual.
Provide guidance and support to the County Administrator regarding workplace concerns, employee relations issues, conflict resolution strategies, and performance management practices.
Collaborate with OCA, HRT, CAO, and County department leadership to advance Consultation Policy initiatives and facilitate cross-functional coordination.
Monitor changes in employment laws, labor relations trends, and public sector best practices, recommending policy updates as appropriate.
Maintain confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of professionalism and discretion.
Perform other duties as assigned.