Senior Policy Advisor

Senior Policy Advisor

The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar's Office (HCTO) is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Policy Advisor. Reporting to the Director of Policy and Innovation, the Senior Policy Advisor provides advanced policy research, legislative analysis, and strategic policy initiative support to HCTO's policy function. This position conducts complex policy research, evaluates legislative and operational impacts, develops policy recommendations, and prepares executive-level briefing materials to support the elected official and senior leadership. The Senior Policy Advisor serves as a key contributor to HCTO's policy initiatives, including legislative analysis, Commissioners Court matters, strategic research, benchmarking, continuous process improvement efforts, and support for continuous process improvement efforts.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. 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

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Political Science, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• Minimum three (3) 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, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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 the ability to prepare 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.

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

Education, Experience & Training:

• Master's Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Political Science or 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of fundamental property tax concepts, rules, and operations.
• Understanding of fundamental voter registration processes, list maintenance obligations, and the roll of voter registration in the election process.

General Information

Work Environment:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting subject to frequent interruptions, with extensive work at a computer workstation and site visits to various Tax Offices, Harris County, and community facilities, both outdoors and indoors.
• Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours and occasional overnight travel to conferences and training sessions required.

Physical Demands:

• This role is a standard office role that requires remaining stationary for long periods of time. At times, boxes or equipment must be transported weighing up to 30-50 lbs.

Standard Hours:

• 8 am - 5 pm; some evenings and weekends

Location:

• 1001 Preston, Houston, TX 77004