Policy Advisor, Workforce and Economic Development

Houston, TX
Posted on  

Job Description

Position Description

Position Overview:
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and motivated professional to join her team to further transform the way we do government.

As a member of the County Judge’s Policy Team, the Policy Advisor will work with other staff members to develop and implement the County Judge’s policy agenda, liaise with experts from across the country, and use evidence and research to inform the direction of the County Judge’s actions, policy, and advocacy. Each Policy Advisor is responsible for leading specific policy initiatives and projects from ideation to implementation.

About the Harris County Judge:
Harris County is the third largest and most diverse county in the nation, with a population of more than 4.7 million, rivaling the size of the entire state of Louisiana. Judge Hidalgo functions as the CEO of Harris County and presides over the Harris County Commissioners Court, the County's governing body. Along with four County Commissioners, the County Judge directs a budget of more than $4 billion providing essential services such as justice administration, flood control, infrastructure, and housing. Judge Hidalgo also serves as Harris County’s Director of Emergency Management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead the Workforce and Economic Development portfolio, developing positions, proposals, strategy, and policy details from ideation to implementation to improve Harris County systems and services to make it more fair and equitable for those who need it most;
  • Collaborate with the Early Childhood Initiatives division, Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity, Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, Harris County Public Library, and Harris County Resources for Children and Adults to advance the County Judge’s Workforce and Economic Development policy priorities;
  • Attend internal and external meetings related to Workforce and Economic Development, including department check-ins, ARPA Focus Area Team meetings, and community events related to policy areas;
  • Produce policy memos and briefs for the County Judge, including applicable trends and frameworks to ensure that advice, policy development, service delivery reforms, and major initiatives are reflective of current best practices;
  • Develop the County Judge’s positions on pressing policy and legislative matters as they arise and work with the Communications Team to create materials that convey positions;
  • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with County agency and department staff, community partners, and other stakeholders on key county-wide initiatives and programs;
  • Deliver clear, effective, and strategic communication, including briefing materials and presentations, to a wide range of audiences and stakeholders;
  • Co-manage Policy Fellows who provide research and analytical support for policy initiatives and priorities;
  • Work with the County Judge, CJO leadership team, and Policy Team to define short- and long-term policy priorities in Harris County;
  • Represent the County Judge in national policy, research, and innovation conversations.

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.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Required Supporting Documents:


  • Cover Letter
  • Updated Resume
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in relevant positions with increasing levels of responsibility.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong sense of urgency and engagement in reforming systems and designing innovative policies for local government;
  • Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills, particularly in briefing and conveying complex information in a succinct and clear manner;
  • Effective time management and prioritization with experience meeting multiple tight deadlines and balancing numerous projects in a fast-paced and changing environment;
  • Ability to develop and drive new initiatives, work cross-departmentally, work within multidisciplinary teams, oversee projects to completion, and track results;
  • Strong collaborative skills and ability to work autonomously with accountability;
  • A driving interest in developing successful working relationships with governments at every level throughout Harris County, Texas, and the United States;
  • Innovation and creativity in developing policy solutions;
  • A good sense of humor and ability to adapt to change.

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

  • With a preference for graduate degrees related to education, social work, public administration, or public policy.
  • With a preference for policy design and implementation experience related to workforce/economic development, early childhood education and juvenile justice.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

  • Regular Full-time
  • Monday – Friday | 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
    • Requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, on a frequent basis.
Salary:
  • Depends on Qualifications
  • Based on 26 Pay Periods
    • Plus, benefits
Reporting Relationships:
  • Reports To Position: Deputy Director of Policy

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Harris County is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Accordingly, the County judges applicants and employees on individual merit and qualifications, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. The only exceptions are based on bona fide occupational qualifications.

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.


BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
    • Accrual rates increase based on years of service
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
  • Healthcare Reimbursement Account
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
  • Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
  • Flexible schedule (varies by department)
  • Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
https://benefitsathctx.com/

Recommended Jobs

Similar Jobs