Policy Director

Job Duties and 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
• 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

Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in or with government departments or agencies
• Experience managing multiple competing priorities, projects, and deadlines

Additional Requirements

• This role may, from time to time, require work outside standard business hours, including evenings or weekends

Preferences

• 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

General Information

• Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
• WORKING AT HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4: You will be surrounded by team members who bring “heart, hustle, and higher standards” to work each day
• The team you will be joining is innovative, dynamic, and forward-looking
• 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
• 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