Criminal Justice Policy Advisor
Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Location
Houston, TX
Job Type
Regular Full-time
Job Number
16999
Department
Commissioner Precinct 2
Opening Date
07/21/2026
Closing Date
8/21/2026 11:59 PM Central
Max Number of Applicants
100
Position Description
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:
Policy Portfolio Management
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 relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, businesses, and other stakeholders to gather input, solicit feedback, and build consensus around Commissioner's policy initiatives.
Represents the Precinct and effectively communicates the Commissioner's goals at community meetings, hearings, sessions, conferences, and seminars and/or on boards, panels, and committees.
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
Education:
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 but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
General Information
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:
Reporting Relationships:
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.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Retirement Savings Benefit
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position? Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.
02
If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?
03
Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs.
04
Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in public policy which may include, but not be limited to, working for a public official, government agency, research institution or advocacy organization? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)
05
Please provide the dates of employment during which you obtained experience working in public policy which may include, but not be limited to, working for a public official, government agency, research institution or advocacy organization. Provide the month and year that began and ended the experience [ Example: "January 2020 - December 2025" ] If this experience is not clearly documented in the Work Experience section, your application will be disqualified. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A" in the space provided.
06
Do you have proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools?
07
Which of the following describes your level of proficiency using a personal computer and common office software such as MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Please select your level of proficiency based on the following descriptions:
Advanced:
A person with this level of skills is able to produce very large, complex formal documents that require a table of contents, footnotes, endnotes, bookmarks, and other special elements; a wide range of graphic effects, and use advanced techniques for analyzing and manipulating data. Has full mastery of Macro commands and skills to tie the objects together into a cohesive system by using Macros and Visual Basic for Applications code. Makes interactive presentations by using hyperlinks and action buttons.
Intermediate:
A person with this level of skills is able to customize toolbars, import and insert graphs, embed Excel data, and elaborate reports. Understands the concepts of databases and is able to work with charts and to use the list management capabilities of Excel. Able to use complex query techniques, create efficient forms and reports, and create Macros to automate these forms. Makes interactive presentations by using hyperlinks and action buttons.
Basic:
A person with this level of skills is able to use basic formatting, editing, printing functions, and understands the document page setup. Has the ability to enter and correct data, modify a workbook, format a worksheet, and use printing functions. Understands the different database concepts and structures and is familiar with data validation and is able to create a simple presentation in PowerPoint, run it, and print it.
Entry Level:
A person with this level of skills has the ability to open, create, save and modify documents in Word, send and receive email in Outlook and create spreadsheets in Excel. Format documents for printing, comfortable using the printer menu to preview documents. Has ability to change the font, the margins, insert or delete pages and use the built-in spellchecker and grammar check.
Required Question
Employer Harris County
Address 1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone 713-274-5445
Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx