Policy Director

Harris County • Houston, TX

8h • Onsite

About The Position

Harris County Precinct 4’s Policy Director advances Precinct 4’s policy and innovation agenda by directing the development and implementation of County policy under the leadership of the Chief Policy and Innovation Officer. The Director of Policy will be responsible for managing the policy team as well as 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 across all policy areas.

Requirements

• Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• graduate degree in a related field preferred.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• 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
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager