STRATEGIC INITIATIVES DIRECTOR - Precinct 1

The Strategic Initiatives Director will manage initiatives aimed to advance the strategic priorities of the Commissioner's Office relating to County financials, organizational culture, operational efficiency, job creation, public safety, constituent services, and other important County performance measures. This position provides strategic leadership across the full lifecycle of major initiatives—from concept development through execution and evaluation—and manages complex projects in both an independent and collaborative nature. The ideal candidate has strong research, analytical, and project management skills; must be well versed in engaging high-level decision makers, government officials, and constituents; and excels at connecting with key stakeholders in the private sector. Strong interpersonal communication, leadership development, and business skills are required to be successful in this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Strategic Leadership Provide executive-level strategic leadership to advance the Commissioner's vision, policy priorities, and long-term goals. Formulate strategy and initiatives to pursue approved strategic goals; write business plans for each initiative to include objectives, timelines, and resources. Research and analyze key demographics, financial information, public safety reports, and economic data to assess the status of and identify future trends related to the Commissioner's priorities. Research and interpret statutes, regulations, and local ordinances that inform and shape local government. Identify challenges in county government proactively and devise and present actionable solutions. Communicate plans to key stakeholders including County departments as well as public and private entities at all levels to stimulate buy-in and collaboration. Project Management Lead end-to-end project management for high-priority initiatives, including scope definition, workplan development, resource allocation, milestone tracking, and risk mitigation. Implement approved plans, measure initiative progress, and adjust projects as needed to ensure timely, on-budget delivery. Conduct financial, budget, and performance analysis related to the Commissioner's priorities; prepare special reports as requested. Manage multiple concurrent projects across diverse policy and operational domains with competing timelines and stakeholder demands. Provide departmental analysis and program evaluation in the areas of budget, community and economic development, criminal justice, emergency management, human resources, public health, transportation, planning, human services, facility management, information technology, and legislative issues as requested. Operations & Organizational Efficiency Oversee operational functions of assigned initiatives to ensure alignment with the Commissioner's Office priorities, performance standards, and compliance requirements. Evaluate current processes and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery. Coordinate cross-departmental workflows and ensure seamless execution across County agencies and external partners. Monitor and report on operational performance metrics; develop dashboards and reporting tools to track initiative outcomes. Constituent Services & Community Engagement Serve as a key liaison between the Commissioner's Office and constituents, ensuring timely and responsive communication on inquiries, concerns, and service requests. Design and lead community engagement strategies that promote equitable access to county programs and services across Precinct One. Partner with community organizations, faith-based institutions, academic institutions, and nonprofit sectors to address constituent needs and co-develop solutions. Represent the Commissioner's Office at public forums, community events, and stakeholder convenings. Leadership Development & Stakeholder Relations Mentor and develop staff capacity within the Commissioner's Office, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth. Build and maintain relationships with senior leadership and key stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. Lead activities related to stakeholders' engagement, collaboration, and performance. Identify leadership development opportunities for team members and support succession planning efforts. Perform other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Must have strong ability to analyze and identify problems, solutions, and project results and to adhere to strict deadlines. Demonstrated experience in project management methodologies, strategic planning and execution, and public policy advancement. Experience with locating, securing, and synthesizing a diversity of information. Must have sound research skills and the ability to find and extract information from a variety of sources including the internet and telephone conversations. Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing and to prepare and arrange a variety of written, statistical, and illustrative materials in an organized required format. Must be able to work both independently and within a close-knit team. Possesses a strong understanding of and the ability to quickly understand statutes, regulations, and local ordinances that inform and shape local government. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including representatives from various private, public, and governmental agencies; Commissioners Court; and County departments. Requires demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, project development, benchmarking, strategic plan development, administration, budgeting, evaluation, and program implementation. Demonstrated commitment to constituent services and community engagement, with the ability to translate complex government processes into accessible, actionable information for the public. Proven experience in leadership development, team coaching, and building organizational capacity. Ability to review and quickly understand the basic principles of grant programs; experience in fundraising is a plus. Must have advanced computer experience to create spreadsheets, databases, publications, graphics, narrative reports, application submissions, and correspondence. Should also be knowledgeable in techniques of conducting research. Incumbent must have the ability to work well with others. Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Five (5) years of experience in strategic planning and execution, project management, public relations strategy, and/or public policy advancement. Physical Demands and Work Environment While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to bend, hear, keyboard, sit, stand, talk, work alone and with others, and work overtime. Decision Making This position will exercise independent judgment and have discretion and autonomy in working with County departments, elected officials, and other entities in seeking information, developing strategy and initiatives, and providing analysis of and recommendations on policies and issues. Contacts Interacts with County Judge and staff; Commissioners Court; County Administrator and staff; other County departments; federal, state, and local governments; non-governmental organizations; private businesses; and community constituents and stakeholder organizations.