Senior Policy Advisor

Position Overview:

Harris County seeks a mission- and data-driven, service-oriented contributor who will help drive OCA's success and support efforts to achieve Commissioners Court's priorities, reflected largely in the Harris County Strategic Plan . The Senior Policy Advisor is responsible for working closely with the Managing Director of Policy and Performance (and other members of the OCA Executive Team or the County Administrator, as needed) to provide policy, financial, and operational analysis of high-priority projects that the Office of County Administration (OCA) leads or supports.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Information/Research:

Drafts briefings and other materials for the County Administrator, the Managing Director of Policy and Performance, and other members of the OCA Executive Team, as needed, to summarize progress, key details, and next steps regarding major County priority programs, policies, and initiatives. Attends high-level meetings regarding a range of public policy topics, documenting and tracking follow-ups for OCA senior leadership. Occasionally conducts research regarding best practices and evidence-based approaches, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative sources to inform recommendations.

Commissioners Court Preparation:

Plays a key role in driving OCA's preparation for Commissioners Court meetings. Prepares supporting documentation for Commissioners Court agenda items that includes summary and (when needed) detailed analysis of fiscal, programmatic, and policy impacts. Collects, analyzes, and presents data to support clear and accurate communication of agenda items to decision-makers.

Data Analysis:

Collects, interprets, visualizes, and communicates data to support decision-making by senior leadership and Commissioners Court. Uses quantitative and qualitative data to track performance, identify trends, and evaluate program effectiveness. Employs data tools such as Excel, dashboards, or other analytical platforms.

Strategic Plan Implementation:

Supports the County's efforts to implement and regularly update the five-year Harris County Strategic Plan by the development of Project Plans for priority initiatives, facilitating revisions to the Strategic Plan, and synthesizing information for updates to Commissioners Court.

Performance Tracking:

Supports the tracking of departments' progress vis-à-vis the Harris County Strategic Plan . Attends selected Department Progress Meetings and Goal Area Committee meetings.

Communication:

Supports regular communication with OCA leadership, department leadership and staff, Commissioners Court staff, and OCA Division Directors as applicable on key updates and project progress.

Other Duties:

This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 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.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Experience leading and driving meaningful improvements or launching new projects and programs, tracking performance of those improvements and new initiatives, adjusting based on changes and feedback, reporting results, and addressing roadblocks. One (1) year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education. Demonstrated track record of producing high-quality, concise written work—including briefings, policy memos, and analytical documents—that synthesizes complex information for senior leadership. Clear commitment to advancing equity, justice, diversity, and opportunity in operations and public policy design.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Highly skilled in oral and written communication, with excellent ability to review and edit memos, policy documents, process flows, reports, and other documents. Advanced knowledge of or ability to learn quickly about public policy, Texas county government operations, laws, statutes, functions, programs, and best practices for county operations. Ability to execute tasks - including and especially polished written work products - in an effective and timely manner, prioritize assignments to meet directives while managing workload levels, and manage projects flexibly based on changing context, needs, information, and priorities. Ability (or ability to learn quickly) to collect, interpret, visualize, and communicate data—both quantitative and qualitative—to track performance, identify trends, and evaluate program effectiveness, and to proficiently use data tools such as Excel, dashboards, or statistical/analysis platforms. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and project management applications. Ability to work amidst ambiguity with a high level of emotional intelligence, curiosity, integrity, ethics, and transparency. Ability to provide counsel to, interface with, and obtain feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders, including at the leadership level (elected and appointed officials).

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. Graduate degree in Public Policy/Administration, Law, Organizational Design, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or related field. Ten (10)+ years of relevant work experience. Experience working with and/or analyzing government infrastructure departments, preferably in the local context.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

Regular Full-time Monday - Friday | Must be available at all times. Works nights and weekends as required. This position may work from home periodically in accordance with department policy.

Salary:

Depends on Qualifications Based on 26 Pay Periods Plus, benefits

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

This position is based in an office environment, where the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, and filing cabinets is routine. This is largely a sedentary role. However, requirements include the ability to lift up to 10 pounds, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Some local travel may be required.

Reporting Relationship:

Reports To Position:

Managing Director, Policy and Performance Supervises Positions:

May supervise other team members on a project-by-project basis 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.