Position Description

Position Overview:
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is transforming the way we do government and is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and motivated professional to join our team and shape the vision for the future of Harris County.

As a member of the County Judge's Policy Team, the Policy Advisor for Criminal Justice will work with the Director of Policy, Deputy Director of Policy, fellow Policy Advisors, and other staff members to develop and implement the County Judge's criminal justice policy agenda, liaise with experts from across the country, and use evidence and research to inform the direction of the County Judge's actions, policy, and advocacy. Each Policy Advisor is responsible for leading specific policy initiatives and projects from ideation to implementation, with this role focused on criminal justice reform.

About the Harris County Judge:
Harris County is the third largest and most diverse county in the nation, with a population of more than 4.7 million, rivaling the size of the entire state of Louisiana. Judge Hidalgo functions as the CEO of Harris County and presides over the Harris County Commissioners Court, the County's governing body. Along with four County Commissioners, the County Judge directs a budget of more than $4 billion providing essential services such as justice administration, flood control, infrastructure, and housing. Judge Hidalgo also serves as Harris County’s Director of Emergency Management.

About Harris County Criminal Justice Reform:
Judge Hidalgo has advanced evidence-based policies that enhance public safety while working to reform our criminal justice system. Over the past several years, Harris County has implemented a variety of results-based, community-informed initiatives designed to break the cycle of recidivism, combat gun-related violence, protect the constitutional rights of defendants, and restore trust between the system and the people it serves.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead the criminal justice policy portfolio, developing positions, proposals, strategy, and policy details from ideation to implementation to improve Harris County's criminal justice system to make it more fair and equitable for those who are impacted;
Work with the County Judge, Chief of Staff, Director of Policy, Deputy Director of Policy, and members of the Policy Team to define short- and long-term policy priorities for criminal justice reform in Harris County;
Provide data, analysis, and recommendations to the County Judge and Leadership Team regarding progress to date on criminal justice reform objectives;
Produce policy memos and briefs for the County Judge, including applicable trends and frameworks to ensure that advice, policy development, service delivery reforms, and major initiatives are reflective of current best practices;
Advise the County Judge on department and precinct-level requests pertaining to criminal justice reform that come before Commissioner's Court, including biweekly agenda items, annual operating budgets, and Capital Improvement Plan proposals;
Develop the County Judge’s positions on pressing policy and legislative matters as they arise and work with the Communications Team to create materials that convey positions;
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with County agency and department staff, community partners, and other stakeholders on key county-wide initiatives and programs;
Deliver clear, effective, and strategic communication, including briefing materials and presentations, to a wide range of audiences and stakeholders;
Co-manage Policy Fellows who provide research and analytical support for policy initiatives and priorities;
Work with the County Judge, CJO leadership team, and Policy Team to define short- and long-term policy priorities in Harris County;
Represent the County Judge in national policy, research, and innovation conversations.

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.

Requirements

Required Supporting Documents:

Cover Letter
Updated Resume

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in relevant positions with increasing levels of responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proven track record in criminal justice policy and reform;
Strong sense of urgency and engagement in reforming criminal justice systems and designing innovative policies for local government;
Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills, particularly in briefing and conveying complex information in a succinct and clear manner;
Effective time management and prioritization with experience meeting multiple tight deadlines and balancing numerous projects in a fast-paced and changing environment;
Ability to develop and drive new initiatives, work cross-departmentally, work within multidisciplinary teams, oversee projects to completion, and track results;
Strong collaborative skills and ability to work autonomously with accountability;
A driving interest in developing successful working relationships with governments at every level throughout Harris County, Texas, and the United States;
Innovation and creativity in developing policy solutions;
A good sense of humor and ability to adapt to change.

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

With a preference for graduate degrees related to criminal justice, government, public administration, public policy, education, law (JD or JM), or a related field.
With a preference for policy design and implementation experience related to criminal justice at the local level.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

Regular Full-time
Monday – Friday | 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
- Requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, on a frequent basis.

Salary:

Depends on Qualifications
Based on 26 Pay Periods
- Plus, benefits

Reporting Relationships:

Reports To Position: Director of Policy, Deputy Director of Policy

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Harris County is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Accordingly, the County judges applicants and employees on individual merit and qualifications, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. The only exceptions are based on bona fide occupational qualifications.

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.

BENEFITS

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.

The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Wellness Plan
Life Insurance
Long-term disability
Employee Assistance Program
Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
- Accrual rates increase based on years of service
Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
Professional development opportunities
Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
Healthcare Reimbursement Account
457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:

Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
Flexible schedule (varies by department)
Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:

https://benefitsathctx.com/