POLICY DIRECTOR (COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (EXE LEV))

Full Job Description

APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

JOB CLASSIFICATION: POLICY DIRECTOR (COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT)
DEPARTMENT: CITY COUNCIL, AT LARGE 4 OFFICE
REPORTING LOCATION: 900 BAGBY
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY* Occasional weekend and evening meetings as scheduled
*Subject to change

About Council Member Alejandra Salinas:Alejandra Salinas is a fourth-generation Texan and a nationally recognized attorney elected in December 2025 as a Houston City Council At-Large Member, representing the entire city.

She is the first openly LGBTQ+ Latina ever elected to the Houston City Council and the first Latina elected citywide in nearly 30 years.For nearly a decade, Alejandra has stood up for individuals and businesses in the courtroom.

As a partner at Susman Godfrey, one of the nation’s top litigation firms, she has helped protect Harris County elections, challenged discriminatory school policies, and secured significant monetary recoveries.

On Council, Alejandra will prioritize safer neighborhoods, affordable and reliable city services, and resilient infrastructure to ensure that all Houstonians—no matter what part of town they live in—can pursue their own version of the American Dream.POSITION OVERVIEWThe Policy Director is a senior member of Council Member Alejandra Salinas’s staff and serves as the principal policy advisor by developing and implementing the Council Member’s policy agenda.

This position leads the development of legislative and policy proposals, and ensures the office’s initiatives are informed by research, data, and community engagement.Working closely with the Chief of Staff, the Policy Director provides strategic guidance on City Council business, including agenda items, committee matters, and legislative priorities, and coordinates with communications and constituent engagement staff to ensure policy objectives are clearly communicated to the public.

The ideal candidate is an experienced policy professional with strong analytical and writing skills, excellent judgment, and the ability to navigate complex political and policy environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of the Council Member’s policy agenda, ensuring alignment with legislative priorities and constituent needs.
• Advise the Council Member and Chief of Staff on policy, legislative, and budget decisions, including potential risks, benefits, and political considerations.
• Establish and prioritize policy initiatives, identifying opportunities to advance equity, justice, and community impact.

Policy Research & Council Agenda Analysis

• Conduct thorough research and analysis to inform policy proposals, legislative decisions, and strategic initiatives.
• Review Council agendas, briefing materials, and proposed legislation, and provide guidance on potential amendments, voting decisions, and legislative strategies, producing concise policy memos, talking points, and recommendations.
• Monitor local, state, and national legislative developments, and assess their potential impact on Council priorities.
• Draft high-quality policy briefs, memos, reports, and other materials that clearly communicate complex issues to internal staff, stakeholders, and the public.
• Coordinate with city departments, legal staff, and external stakeholders to ensure Council decisions are well-informed and strategically aligned.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Represent the Council Member in policy discussions with city departments, community organizations, and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with communications and constituent engagement staff to ensure policy initiatives are clearly conveyed to the public.
• Lead or support strategic advocacy efforts to advance the Council Member’s policy priorities.
• Engage diverse stakeholders in policy development.
• Represent or staff the Council Member at community meetings, events, and stakeholder convenings as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONSThis position requires availability during regular business hours and periodic evenings and weekends to support community meetings and special events.

Job Description DisclaimerThis summary is intended as a high-level description of the general nature and work performed.

The Council office reserves the right to amend responsibilities as necessary to meet organizational needs.

Requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTSBasic knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and simple mathematical functions like percentages, ratios, etc.

as might normally be acquired through attainment of a high school diploma or a GED.EXPERIENCE One year of administrative experience is required.SUBSTITUTION: College education may substitute for experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTSNone

Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who possess the following:

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in policy analysis, legislative work, government affairs, or related fields.
• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Strong writing, analytical, and research skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information into concise, actionable recommendations.
• Familiarity with local government operations, public policy processes, key Houston stakeholders, and relevant policy areas such as housing, public safety, infrastructure, workers’ rights, public health, or urban planning.
• Experience coordinating policy with communications, advocacy, and constituent engagement efforts, including drafting digestible policy briefs and memos for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to anticipate and address emerging issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a small, dynamic team.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service and community-centered governance.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

Additional Information

SELECTION/SKILLS TEST REQUIREDThe selection process will involve application review and/or interview.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - No Pay Grade - 20 SALARY INFORMATIONFactors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

APPLICATION PROCEDURESOnly online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown.

Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. or call 832-393-0350.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm ; If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-0350.

(TTY 7-1-1) If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.