Sr. Policy Advisor - Generalist

The Mission of the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis:

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

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for equity, policy innovation, and public service? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where you can lead impactful initiatives and coach emerging policy leaders? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Senior Policy Advisor - Generalist.

As a Senior Policy Advisor - Generalist, you’ll serve as a working manager and thought partner within the Policy Division, overseeing 1–2 Policy Advisors and spearheading initiatives in one or more critical policy areas. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who blends policy expertise, strategic advocacy, and executive presence to advance Commissioner Ellis’ vision of equity and justice across Harris County.

In this role, impeccable writing skills are essential, as you will craft clear, compelling, and strategically tailored content—including memos, reports, and public communications—for both internal leadership and external stakeholders, ensuring complex policy ideas are accessible and actionable.

Why Join Us?

At the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis, we are committed to equity, opportunity, and justice. Our Policy Division drives innovative solutions that improve the lives of residents and reshape systems for the better. As part of our team, you'll have the platform, support, and responsibility to make lasting change.

Essential Duties

• Develop subject matter expertise in assigned policy issue areas. 
• Develop and execute monitoring, tracking, outreach, and engagement plans for assigned issue areas.
• Report and communicate important national, state, and local trends and developments in issue spaces (and provide recommendations related policy challenges and opportunities) to leadership in timely manner.
• Perform quality policy research and analysis efficiently and thoroughly. 
• Design and develop actionable policy solutions to enhance the quality of life for all Harris County residents.
• Utilize strategic communications to inform key constituencies, advance and defend key policy priorities, complex policy information clearly and concisely to relevant target audiences.
• Develop and implement strategic advocacy efforts plans to advance and defend policy priorities.
• Engage with stakeholders, teammates, and decision makers – including residents, issue area experts, staff of other elected offices, etc. – in a professional and diplomatic manner to advance and defend organizational priority initiatives
• Supervise, coach, develop, and hold accountable direct reports to equip them with skills to effectively meet team expectations and standards.
• Embody the values of Commissioner Ellis’ office and the Policy team, including a strong work ethic, collaborative environment, and steadfast commitment to team and office missions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university (e.g. Master of Public Policy, Master of Public Administration, or Juris Doctor)

Experience:

• At least 7 years of relevant work experience in field or organization that requires policy analysis and research skills, with experience synthesizing complex information through memos, reports and proposals
• Demonstrated experience managing staff at different levels of experience, as part of a collaborative team
• Significant experience managing multiple competing projects and deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and justice, consistent with the mission of the Office of Commissioner Ellis
• Experience developing and implementing strategic advocacy campaigns, especially on social justice issues aligned with Precinct One policy priorities
• Experience working in or closely with government offices at the local, state or federal level
• Experience conducting research, policy design and/or advocacy in at least one of the following policy areas: criminal justice, public safety, health, housing, community development, infrastructure resilience and disaster recovery, urban planning/transportation, environmental justice and climate change, economic equity and opportunity, and public finance and budgeting

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Embodies Precinct values and culture and steadfast commitment to the Precinct and Policy team missions.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching and management skills.
• Highly proficient in strategic policy communications.
• Highly proficient in strategic policy issue advocacy plan development and implementation
• Possesses 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.
• Exceptional project management skills to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and make judgements on how to allocate time.
• Has a high level of flexibility in fast-paced environments, and is proactive, self-motivated, and mission-driven. Deals effectively with pressure, remains persistent even under adversity, and recovers quickly from setbacks.
• Encourages a respectful and collaborative work environment that recognizes and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Has ability to develop and create successful working relationships with staff of organizations, partners, grant makers, grantees, and other elected officials at every level throughout Harris County, Texas, and the United States.
• Demonstrates awareness and respect for cross-cultural differences and creates innovative and inclusive programmatic solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft software applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferences

• Highly proficient in quantitative and/or data analytic skills (preferred)

General Information

Position Type and 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

Physical Demands:

• At times files or boxes must be transported weighing up to 15lbs.