Community Relations

Position Overview:

County Judge Hidalgo has a bold, new vision for what is possible through Harris County government. As a member of the County Judge’s Community Relations team, Fellows will work directly with Judge Hidalgo’s staff and community leaders, gaining professional and personal development experience. The Fellowship provides hands-on experience for current or recently graduated college students who are passionate about supporting community engagement and the work to improve Harris County.

Fellows are expected to commit to 15-20 hours per week regularly, with an option of up to 40 hours per week, regularly collaborating with their peers during evenings and weekends. 

Fellows will attend community meetings, prepare meeting summaries, and assist with events. Fellows will also attend meetings with Harris County department staff.

About the Harris County Judge:

Harris County is the third largest and most diverse county in the nation, with a population of more than 4.7 million, rivaling the size of the entire state of Louisiana. Judge Hidalgo functions as the CEO of Harris County and presides over the Harris County Commissioners Court, the County's governing body. Along with four County Commissioners, the County Judge directs a budget of more than $4 billion, providing essential services such as justice administration, flood control, infrastructure, and housing. Judge Hidalgo also serves as Harris County’s Director of Emergency Management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend community meetings, events, and briefings, sharing what you learned through reports and inputting that information into databases
• Attend commissioners court, learning about the process, and researching issues raised by constituents 
• Support efforts in assigned areas to identify organizations and civic leaders 
• Work alongside community members focused on key issues with dedicated outreach, organization and relationship management
• Attend community relations team meetings, sharing best practices and information gleaned from community meetings
• Manage communications through email, phone, or in person visits with constituents
• Problem solve both independently and as part of a team
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituents in diverse communities
• Knowledge of issues and events in the county; especially where the County Judge is involved
• Possess exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills in a deadline driven work environment
• Self-starter and highly adaptable, while handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to finish work under tight deadlines with minimum supervision and quickly changing priorities
• Skilled at initiating conversations with various stakeholders to determine important matters to them and their communities
• Has a can-do attitude and is resourceful

• Encourages a respectful and collaborative work environment that recognizes and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality and sound judgment, maintain composure under pressure and manage time efficiently
• Work as an advocate for Harris County
• Organized and goal driven

Education and Experience

• Juniors, seniors, and recent graduates from an accredited college or university
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and readiness to work on several projects simultaneously
• Valid driver’s license 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Teams, Outlook, various database software, and the Google Suite

Organizing experience on a political or advocacy campaign

Provide a cover letter and resume

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on 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.

Typical Hours of Work:

• Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
• Requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, on a frequent basis