Lead Policy Advisor - Budget

Lead Policy Advisor For Budget

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  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.

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 policy making process, can identify pathways to enable policy improvements and protection, and how work with internal and external partners to enable effective policy adoption and implementation.
• Demonstrates awareness and respect for cross-cultural…