Criminal Justice Policy Advisor

The Criminal Justice Policy Advisor works with the Policy Team Policy Director Precinct leadership County departments criminal justice system partners community organizations and other stakeholders to develop and advance Commissioner Garcias criminal justice policy agenda. The position serves as a key resource for research analysis strategy development and implementation of policies and programs focused on public safety violence prevention diversion reentry behavioral health justice system efficiency and community well-being. The Criminal Justice Policy Advisor provides evidence based actionable recommendations that align policy outcomes with the Commissioners priorities and the needs of Harris County residents.

The position supports the development implementation and evaluation of criminal justice initiatives through collaboration with local state and national experts government agencies service providers advocacy organizations and community members. Performs highly advanced (senior level) consultative and technical policy work. Work involves leading a portfolio of criminal justice policy projects at various stages of development and implementation; coordinating with County departments and justice system partners on policies procedures programs budgets and strategic initiatives; establishing priorities performance measures and accountability frameworks; conducting policy and budget analysis; and communicating with elected officials department leadership governmental agencies community stakeholders and the public. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Policy Portfolio Management

• Executes a policy portfolio through the development of positions proposals strategy and programming that drive change aligned with the Commissioners vision.

• Utilizes research analyses data and develops innovative evidence-based policy proposals that address complex challenges faced by Harris County that positively impact residents that are aligned with the Commissioners strategic vision.

• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to ensure efficacy of policies and alignment with the Commissioners goals and values.

• Provides expert advice and recommendations for elected officials County leadership and department heads on policy matters to inform decision-making.

• Crafts and implements plans to communicate and explain project portfolio methodologies and strategic goals to internal and external stakeholders.

• Develops metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of programs and coordinates with interdisciplinary teams to identify issues risks and opportunities for improvement and strategies to mitigate or avoid future risks within the portfolio.

Budgeting and Resource Management

• Understands the governmental budgeting processes and works to identify resources needed to execute the Commissioners strategic plan.

• Prepares briefs for senior leadership which evaluate department and program budget requests.

• Plans monitors and evaluates the Harris County annual budget.

Local State and Federal Policy Landscape Analysis

• Monitors analyzes and tracks changes to County policy and related local state and federal laws and regulations

• Collaborates closely with the Director of Legislative Affairs the Director of External Affairs the Harris County Department of Intergovernmental Affairs and key internal stakeholders to analyze the impact of local state and federal policies on the Precinct and County strategic plans.

• Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures statutes and rules; and takes corrective action(s) as needed.

Strategic Planning and Commissioners Court Preparation

• Composes briefing documents for senior leadership to drive evidence-based decision-making.

• Facilitates expedited strategic decision-making during Commissioners Court by providing research-based recommendations.

• Produces high-level advice and counsel to senior leadership and major stakeholders to establish strategic plans and objectives for the Precinct.

• Analyzes qualitative and quantitative data to form evidence-based recommendations for policy implementation and change.

• Creates policy memos and relevant background documents highlighting key points to inform long-range and short-term policy plans.

Policy Liaison

• Collaborates with Community Relations Communications Division and other Precinct departments to develop effective advocacy and outreach strategies to maximize efficacy of strategic priorities and policies.

• Amplifies the Commissioners strategic plan and goals through coordinated messaging policy briefs and issue letters around priority policy initiatives programs and issues.

• Liaises with subject-area experts; city state and federal elected officials and agencies; and outside advocates and stakeholders on policy-related issues to drive policy changes aligned with the Commissioners goals.

• Fosters strong relationships with community organizations advocacy groups businesses and other stakeholders to gather input solicit feedback and build consensus around Commissioners policy initiatives.

• Represents the Precinct and effectively communicates the Commissioners goals at community meetings hearings sessions conferences and seminars and/or on boards panels and committees.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
you need special services or accommodations please call or email .
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:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework Public Policy Public Administration Public Affairs Political Science Research Science Economics or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of experience in public policy which may include but not be limited to working for a public official government agency research institution or advocacy organization.

• Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of local state and federal government policy.

• Ability to manage multiple policy initiatives analyze complex challenges evaluate alternatives develop practical solutions and communicate findings through written reports and recommendations.

• Strong research analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable policy recommendations.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing including speaking in front of public audiences.

• Ability to work well with diverse coworkers and groups of internal and external stakeholders.

• Skill in prioritizing and managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

• Skill in establishing plans and executing objectives and goals that support a strategic plan.

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite is required.

• Ability to work flexible hours. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

NOTE: Qualifying education experience knowledge and skills must be documented in your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resumewill not be accepted for qualifications.

• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools is preferred.

Hours:

• Full-time.

• Typical work hours of 8-5 with some weekends and nights.

Work Environment:

• This job operates in a clerical office setting.

• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers phones photocopiers filing cabinets and fax machines.

• Noise level in the work environment is usually average.

Physical Demands:

• This is largely a sedentary role; however some filing is required.

• This would require the ability to lift files of up to 50 lbs. open filling cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

Location:

• 1001 Preston Houston TX 77002

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports To Position: Policy Director

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.