Criminal Justice Policy Advisor

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 Garcia's 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 Commissioner's 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:

• Executes a policy portfolio through the development of positions, proposals, strategy, and programming that drive change aligned with the Commissioner's 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 Commissioner's strategic vision.

• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to ensure efficacy of policies and alignment with the Commissioner's 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 Commissioner's 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 Commissioner's 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 Commissioner's goals.

• Fosters strong…