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POLICY DIRECTOR (COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (EXE LEV))

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POLICY DIRECTOR (COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (EXE LEV))

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

900 Bagby-City Hall Annex

Job Type

Executive Level

Job Number

37928

Department

City Council

Opening Date

01/07/2026

Closing Date

1/14/2026 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

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 OVERVIEW

The 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 CONDITIONS

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

Job Description Disclaimer

This 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic 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 REQUIREMENTS

None

PREFERENCES

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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TEST REQUIRED

The selection process will involve application review and/or interview.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - No

Pay Grade - 20

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only 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 (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.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

+ Medical

+ Dental

+ Vision

+ Wellness

+ Supplemental Insurance

+ Life insurance

+ Long-term disability

+ Retirement pension

+ 457 deferred compensation plan

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ 10 days of vacation each year

+ 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday

+ Compensable Sick Leave

+ Personal Leave

+ Flexible schedules

+ Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions

+ Professional development opportunities

+ Transportation/parking plan

+ Section 125 pretax deductions

+ Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan

+ Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves

+ Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Which best describes your education?

+ High School Diploma

+ Associate Degree

+ Bachelor's Degree

+ Master's Degree or Beyond

+ None of the Above

03

How many years of experience in policy analysis, legislative work, government affairs, or a closely related field do you have?

+ Less than 1 year

+ 1 year

+ 2 - 3 years

+ 4 - 5 years

+ 6 - 7 years

+ 8 - 9 years

+ 10 years or more

04

Describe your working experience with policy analysis, legislative work, government affairs, or a closely related field. (See resume is not an acceptable answer. If no experience, use N/A.)

05

Please indicate your level of proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

+ BEGINNER: Perform daily word processing tasks in Word, enter correct data, create a database, import data from Excel in Access, format cells, rows and columns in Excel, create a PowerPoint presentation file with a title slide, bullet points and place in slide loop mode; creates a new e-mail message, checking e-mail in Outlook.

+ INTERMEDIATE: Basic formatting and create a variety of templates, mail merges in Word; create primary key to associate data between multiple tables, create a select query in Access; create, modify, and format charts, use graphic objects to enhance worksheets & charts in Excel; add special affects to presentation (design and animation) in PowerPoint; reply, forward, print and delete an e-mail message in Outlook.

+ ADVANCED: Manage table data, sort and filter merges in Word, create a split form and report and back up your databases in Access; use the filter and formula functions to manipulate data in Excel; transition presentation slides, link Excel charts to presentation and add voice in PowerPoint; delete e-mails from the Inbox, Sent Items and Deleted Items folders, Add, edit, move and delete appointments on your calendar.

+ EXPERT: Produce table of contents, footnotes, endnotes, bookmarks in Word, manage Macro commands, and manage database objects in Access, use advance formula functions (Vlookup, IF, IS) manage macro commands, group rows in Excel; publish presentation online, embed objects into presentation in PowerPoint; managing multiple calendars, set rules for incoming mail, create subfolders for mail to be placed in Outlook.

+ I have no experience in working with Microsoft Office Products

06

Which describe your professional skillset or experience? (Please check all that apply)

+ Highly organized with the ability to manage a high volume of scheduling requests and a dynamic calendar

+ Proactive in promptly identifying and managing a variety of tasks

+ Familiarity with crafting talking points and/or memos

+ Working collaboratively with a small but dynamic team to coordinate problem solving in a variety of challenging situations

+ Commitment to public service

+ Familiarity with City of Houston operations and procedures

+ Knowledge of current issues and stakeholders in the District.

+ None of the above

07

This position will require work during regular office hours as well as up to several evenings weekly and some weekends to attend neighborhood meetings and special events. Are you available to work some nights and weekends?

+ YES

+ NO

Required Question