Lead Policy Advisor - Budget

About the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis: There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county’s government. Commissioner Rodney Ellis represents the constituents of Precinct One. With approximately 1.17 million residents, Harris County Precinct One is a diverse, urban precinct that covers 363 square miles. Precinct One’s multi‑racial, multi‑ethnic population is roughly 33 percent African American, 38 percent Latino, 21 percent Anglo, 6 percent Asian and 2 percent other or multiple races. Precinct One stretches south to Brazoria County and reaches into eastern and northern sections of Harris County. The Precinct’s territory includes a large section of Downtown Houston, including the Downtown Harris County Courthouse Complex, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the BBVA Compass Stadium. Other notable landmarks include the 263‑acre NRG Park Complex and the renowned Texas Medical Center. The Precinct is also the higher educational home to Houston Community College, Rice University, Texas Southern University, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Precinct One manages more than 21 parks, 10 community centers, numerous hike‑and‑bike trails, three maintenance service centers and several area offices, all of which provide an array of services to Precinct One residents. Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Office Mission Precinct One: Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Office is committed to becoming a national model for delivering responsive public service that utilizes inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity, and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County. Key Areas of focus for our organization include, but are not limited to: Advancing more effective, fair and equitable criminal justice system. Furthering economic justice, equity, and opportunity for all Harris County residents, especially those often and historically left behind by government programs. Ensuring equitable outcomes in health and access to quality, affordable healthcare. Fighting for environmental and climate justice that keeps all communities safe and healthy. Equitably investing in developing and maintaining resilient infrastructure and transportation for the 21st century. Building and defending voting rights and a democracy that ensures equitable representation. Progressing equity and social and racial justice as common threads through all areas of public policy and public service. What you will do at Precinct One: The Lead Policy Advisor for Budget helps move forward the fiscal work of the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis (OCRE). Working under the Senior Advisor for Budget & Tax, this role provides analysis and insight on the County’s budget, revenue systems, and tax policy to support fair, transparent, and responsible use of public resources. The position calls for strong analytical thinking and the ability to use data to understand complex budget questions and guide decision‑making. The Lead Advisor conducts both quantitative and qualitative analysis, builds models and dashboards, and uses forecasting tools to support clear and actionable policy recommendations. The ideal candidate can translate large and complex datasets into meaningful insights that highlight risks, opportunities, and trends tied to Precinct One’s and the County’s strategic budget priorities. This role is a good fit for someone who is strategic, detail‑oriented, and committed to using data and policy judgment to strengthen fiscal responsibility and community impact. Policy Division team members are responsible for advancing, developing, and defending policies consistent with the Precinct One mission. Conduct policy research and analysis and work on cross‑department planning and policy efforts. Prepare and present consensus recommendations to leadership and policymakers that address complex issues. Enable policy making progress and successful implementation. Direct and contribute subject matter expertise to the workflow of Policy Advisors. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Monitor, analyze and track changes to county budget, policies and related local, state and federal laws and regulations. Draft succinct policy memos and relevant background documents, distilling complex issues into clear and understandable terms. Serve as liaison to internal and external County departments, as well as city, state, and federal elected officials and agencies, and outside advocates and stakeholders, to advance, protect, and successfully implement policies. Think strategically and enable strategies to advance and defend key budget and tax policy priorities. Perform research to evaluate budgets, while considering best practices and new strategies; specific areas of inquiry may include data analysis, financial modeling, and policy analysis to inform budget decision making. Develop and prepare agendas, presentation materials, reports, fact sheets, and other documents that effectively describe research findings and policy initiatives to diverse audiences. Delegate and direct the workflow of Policy Advisors. Lead as the subject matter expert and assist Policy Advisors. Ensure procedures and protocols are followed throughout the Policy Division. Other duties as assigned. 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. All applicants must provide a resume and cover letter. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Policy, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Political Science, Law, Economics, Research Science, or a related field of study. Experience: Five (5) years experience in policy analysis, related government experience or other areas of analysis that can advance Precinct One's mission. Education may substitute for experience. Experience in delegating and directing workflow of others. Proficiency in Microsoft software applications which could include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook. Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and justice consistent with the Precinct One mission, with experience in some combination of research, policy development, and advocacy. Quantitative and/or data analytic skills. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to perform highly skilled research and policy analysis, and to apply critical thinking to evaluate issues and justifiable policy recommendations, solutions, and approaches. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Has the ability to translate complex concepts into plain oral or written language. Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. Written work product should not need significant revisions. Ability to work in and facilitate cross‑functional teams. Possesses exceptional project management skills to manage a variety of projects simultaneously. Ability to create strong, positive working relationships. Encourages a respectful and collaborative work environment that recognizes and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. Strategic thinker who understands the policymaking process, can identify pathways to enable policy improvements and protection, and how to work with internal and external partners to enable effective policy adoption and implementation. Demonstrates awareness and respect for cross‑cultural differences and creates innovative and inclusive programmatic solutions. Exceptional interpersonal skills: collegial, energetic, flexible, motivated, and able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, grantees, consultants, and others who contribute to program development and management. Has ability to develop successful working relationships with staff of organizations and other elected officials at every level throughout Harris County, Texas, and the United States. Has a high level of flexibility in fast‑paced environments, and is proactive, self‑motivated, and mission‑driven. Can work independently and as part of a team. Embodies Policy and Precinct values and culture, including a strong work ethic, collaborative environment, and steadfast commitment to the Precinct and Policy team missions.

NOTE:

Advanced degree in Master of Public Policy, Master of Public Administration, or Law Degree from an accredited college or university (preferred). Experience working in or with government departments or agencies. (preferred). Demonstrated ability to partner with community coalitions and local leaders to accelerate their work to achieve equitable policies and outcomes (preferred). Ability to analyze data, monitor budget performance, identify economic disparities, and develop and implement strategies to address disparities (preferred). Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented in 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. Hours: Full‑time | Regular Monday - Friday | Evenings and weekend will be required at times. Work Environment: This position includes standard office work which may require remaining stationery and working at a computer workstation for extended periods. Will generally perform duties in an office, though sometimes at external event locations. Occasional travel within Harris County. Location: This in‑office role is located at 2787 El Camino Street, Houston, TX 77054. Physical Demands: Ability to lift at least 20 lbs. Subject to kneeling, crouching, walking, sitting, twisting, standing, carrying equipment, and reaching as needed to perform the essential functions. Ability to support field production and event coverage, including moving between indoor and outdoor locations, setting up basic equipment, and working in varying weather conditions as needed. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Harris County