Senior Policy Advisor

Harris County•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar’s Office (HCTO) is seeking an experienced Senior Policy Advisor to provide advanced policy research, legislative analysis, and strategic policy initiative support. Reporting to the Director of Policy and Innovation, this role conducts complex research, evaluates legislative and operational impacts, develops policy recommendations, and prepares executive-level briefing materials for the elected official and senior leadership. The position contributes to legislative analysis, Commissioners Court matters, strategic research, benchmarking, and continuous process improvement. The Senior Policy Advisor analyzes proposed legislation affecting HCTO’s statutory responsibilities, operations, staffing, funding, and service delivery; monitors Commissioners Court agendas and actions; and supports policy considerations during annual budget development. The advisor collaborates with operational divisions, the County’s Intergovernmental & Global Affairs Department, and data and finance analysts to incorporate expertise, data, performance measures, and fiscal considerations into analysis and recommendations. The role also manages assigned policy projects, supports legislative and Court tracking systems, builds collaborative relationships, and develops subject matter expertise across Property Tax Collection, Motor Vehicle Services, and Voter Registration. Work is performed primarily in an office setting, with extensive computer use and site visits to Tax Offices, Harris County locations, and community facilities. The position requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends and occasional overnight travel to conferences and training sessions. Standard hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some evening and weekend work. The role requires remaining stationary for extended periods and may involve transporting boxes or equipment weighing up to 30–50 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Political Science, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
At least three years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, legislative affairs, government relations, public administration, strategic planning, or a related field.
Experience conducting policy analysis and developing recommendations for executive leadership.
Experience analyzing legislation, regulations, or government policies.
Experience preparing briefing materials for executive leadership or elected officials.
Knowledge of public policy analysis, legislative affairs, governmental operations, and strategic planning.
Understanding of the Texas legislative process and county government.
Ability to research, analyze, and summarize complex policy issues.
Ability to synthesize qualitative research, quantitative data, and operational information into strategic recommendations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive-level memoranda, briefing materials, presentations, and reports.
Ability to translate complex policy issues into clear recommendations and actionable insights.
Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to conduct benchmarking and comparative research.
Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive policy matters.
Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on the job application; a resume may be attached as supporting documentation, but only information stated on the application will be used for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Political Science, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience monitoring and analyzing legislation during Texas legislative sessions.
Experience conducting benchmarking and comparative research.
Experience supporting continuous process improvement initiatives.
Experience working with operational teams to evaluate impacts and develop recommendations.
Experience using data and performance measures to support policy analysis.
Understanding of fundamental property tax concepts, rules, and operations.
Understanding of fundamental voter registration processes, list maintenance obligations, and the role of voter registration in the election process.

Responsibilities

Conduct complex policy research and analysis and support the development of policy frameworks, implementation plans, and recommendations aligned with strategic priorities.
Conduct research, benchmarking, comparative analysis, and performance analysis to identify best practices, emerging trends, operational improvement opportunities, and information for policy recommendations.
Manage assigned policy projects, including timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement.
Develop policy memoranda, briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, presentations, and other decision-support materials for the elected official and senior leadership.
Brief the elected official and senior leadership on legislative developments, policy issues, operational impacts, and strategic considerations.
Analyze proposed legislation affecting HCTO’s statutory responsibilities, operations, staffing, funding, and service delivery during and between Texas legislative sessions.
Use data, performance measures, and operational information to support policy analysis and recommendations.
Collaborate with operational divisions to gather subject matter expertise, operational impacts, and fiscal considerations.
Collaborate with the County’s Intergovernmental & Global Affairs Department on research, analysis, implementation considerations, and strategic recommendations concerning legislative matters affecting HCTO.
Monitor and analyze Commissioners Court agendas and actions affecting HCTO and provide leadership timely information about potential operational, fiscal, staffing, and policy impacts.
Partner with the Data Analyst and Finance Analyst, as appropriate, to incorporate data findings into policy analysis, process improvement efforts, recommendations, and executive briefings.
Conduct comparative analyses of operational performance and service delivery to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
Support annual budget development by coordinating with Finance and Division Chiefs to understand funding needs, evaluate policy priorities, and assess organizational impacts of budget decisions.
Build collaborative relationships across HCTO and with governmental affairs partners to support policy analysis and implementation.
Support legislative and Court tracking systems and reporting processes that provide timely, accurate information to leadership.
Develop subject matter expertise across Property Tax Collection, Motor Vehicle Services, and Voter Registration.
Perform other duties as assigned.