Specialist, Public Policy

## Description
The **Greater Houston Partnership** works to make Houston one of the best places to live, work, and build a business. As the economic development organization for the region, the Partnership champions growth across 12 counties by bringing together business and civic‑minded leaders dedicated to the area’s long‑term success. Representing more than 900 member organizations and approximately one‑fifth of the region’s workforce, the Partnership is the place companies come together to make an impact.

When you join the Partnership, you gain the opportunity to work with an organization helping guide the future of the Houston region. Our team of professionals work across multiple disciplines, including Economic Development (Regional and International), Executive, Finance & Accounting, Marketing & Communications, Member Engagement, Public Policy, Regional Workforce Development, Research, Resources, and the Center for Houston’s Future.

We look forward to telling you more about the organization and helping determine if a career with the Partnership is right for you.

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## Today, We Are Looking For
The **Specialist, Public Policy** will coordinate the Partnership’s local, state, and federal advocacy efforts. The role will manage legislative bill and issue tracking, analyze policy trends and polling data, and provide timely insights to inform advocacy strategies.

Working closely with subject matter advocates and the Senior Director of Policy Engagement, the Specialist will align policy priorities with programs, committees, events, communications, and member engagement opportunities. The role will also support policy advisory committees and build relationships with members, policymakers, coalitions, and community partners to advance issues that strengthen the Houston region’s growth and competitiveness.

The ideal candidate is analytical, politically astute, relationship‑oriented, and highly organized, with a strong understanding of legislative processes and the ability to move effectively between policy analysis, advocacy, and member engagement.

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## Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The following responsibilities are essential to job performance:

– **Relationship Building** — Build and maintain strong relationships with members, policymakers, elected officials, government staff, business organizations, nonprofit partners, and other stakeholders to advance the Partnership’s policy priorities.
– **Policy Coordination** — Work closely with Public Policy subject matter advocates to support their portfolios, identify cross‑cutting issues, and align advocacy activities across the division.
– **Advocacy Support** — Support advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.
– **Legislative Tracking** — Lead legislative session bill tracking by monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on proposed legislation, amendments, hearings, votes, and other developments relevant to the Partnership’s priorities.
– **Issue Tracking** — Manage a comprehensive issue‑tracking process across policy portfolios, ensuring leadership and advocates have timely information on emerging issues, risks, opportunities, and required actions.
– **Data Analysis** — Conduct frequent data analysis using legislative activity, economic indicators, member feedback, polling data, and other sources to identify trends, inform advocacy strategies, and measure progress.
– **Reporting & Dashboards** — Develop dashboards, reports, briefing materials, and tools that clearly communicate advocacy activity, developments, and policy outcomes to the Chief Policy Officer.
– **Program Alignment** — Manage alignment between policy priorities and programs, events, committees, and member engagement activities.
– **Stakeholder Leverage** — Leverage the Partnership’s Board, members, relationships, and brand to advance policy priorities and deliver tangible outcomes.
– **Strategic Guidance** — Provide guidance across divisions on policy development, advocacy strategies, committee priorities, programs, and related initiatives.
– **Coalition Work** — Design and execute advocacy strategies and participate in coalitions that advance policy objectives.
– **Advocacy Strategy** — Develop and implement strategies focused on issues that expand economic growth and opportunity throughout the Houston region.
– **Monitoring Dynamics** — Monitor political, legislative, regulatory, and stakeholder dynamics and adapt strategies as circumstances evolve.
– **Committee Alignment** — Align advocacy objectives with Public Policy Advisory Committees and the strategic goals of Houston Next.
– **Executive Advising** — Advise the Chief Policy Officer on developments and advocacy matters important to leadership, members, and the region.
– **Major Initiatives** — Assist with federal fly‑ins, state advocacy days, legislative visits, fact‑finding missions, coalition activities, communications campaigns, and special projects.
– **Representation** — Attend and participate in major events, coalition engagements, hearings, panel discussions, and other opportunities to represent the Partnership.
– Other duties as assigned.

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## Requirements

### Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
– Strong written and interpersonal communication skills (comfortable developing presentations and interacting with external entities).
– Ability to work well in fast‑paced, deadline‑oriented environments with limited supervision.
– Understanding of the unique economic and social challenges facing the Houston region.
– Ability to translate major goals into functional objectives.
– Comprehensive knowledge of departmental functions.

### Education Requirements
Bachelor’s degree preferred.

### Required Experience
2–3 years’ experience in government, public policy, political campaigns, legislative advocacy, and/or government affairs is required.

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## Physical Requirements
– Good vision and hearing acuity (with adaptive aids if necessary).
– Manual dexterity and skillful use of a computer keyboard.
– Physical exertion may include bending, pushing, standing, and walking. Must be able to move or lift approximately 25 pounds on occasion.

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## Mental and Aptitude Requirements
Job requires the ability to hear, see, and talk; analytical, conceptual, problem‑solving, planning, and decision‑making skills.

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## Safety Requirements
Adhere to office safety policies and procedures.

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The Greater Houston Partnership is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are treated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other reason prohibited by law.

Apply here