DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY in Houston, Texas at Houston Parks Board

Houston Parks Board’s (HPB) mission is to expand, improve, and protect parks and greenspace in the Houston region. Since 1976, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization has utilized public-private partnerships and its extensive philanthropic, government, and community relationships to create an interconnected network of parks, trails, and greenspace for a more resilient and equitable Houston region.

For 50 years, Houston Parks Board has partnered with the government and philanthropic leaders to expand, improve, and steward Houston's park system. Over the last decade, Bayou Greenways created the nation's largest connected urban trail network, investing more than $250 million and adding over 150 miles of trails and greenspaces that now connect neighborhoods, improve mobility, strengthen resilience, and serve nearly four million users annually.

Building on this trajectory, Houston Parks Board has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan. The plan calls for expanding beyond our current greenways to strengthen connectivity, reimagining 25 neighborhood parks, creating world-class regional destinations, and ensuring Houston's park system continues to meet the needs of one of America's fastest growing and most diverse cities. To achieve these goals, Houston Parks Board will need to raise its profile, ensure our communities prioritize investments in greenspace and convene partners to amplify our collective voices.

More information on Houston Parks Board and its initiatives is available at: www.houstonparksboard.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Public Policy is responsible for developing and executing a public policy strategy to advance Houston Parks Board’s (HPB) mission to expand, improve and protect parks and greenspace in the Houston region.

As a key member of HPB’s strategic direction-setting, the Director works closely with the CEO and the HPB executive team to develop and implement the organization’s strategy, a key component of which is engaging with public-sector partners to advance HPB’s mission. This role is focused on systemic policy advancement – building support for the Houston region’s park priorities among elected officials, activating community support, and maintaining and expanding HPB’s positive relationships with local, state, and federal government entities. The Director is expected to provide both strategic leadership and tactical execution to transform HPB’s project-based successes into long-term, systemic civic impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a comprehensive public policy strategy that advances HPB’s mission through research, policy development, issue advocacy, and engagement of stakeholders including the general public, elected officials and coalition development of greenspace non-profits.
• Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal legislation to identify opportunities or threats to HPB’s work and strategic plan as well as broader park and land use legislation.
• Lead the development of policy briefs and technical analyses that translate HPB and sector data into compelling narratives for stakeholders.
• Track and develop strategies around systemic issues such as public park funding, recurring maintenance needs and collaboration across regional partners.
• Partner with the CEO and HPB leadership to refine frameworks for public and public-sector engagement.
• Serve as a liaison between HPB and key external partners at the City of Houston, Harris County, other local governmental entities (e.g., TIRZs, Management Districts, Harris County Flood Control District) and state/federal agencies.
• Support the President & CEO in engaging the Board of Directors by providing updates on the public policy landscape and the status of public-sector partnerships.
• Work closely with the Communications and Development teams to ensure that public policy efforts reinforce fundraising strategies and public branding.
• Work to convene other greenspace groups and non-profits to ensure coordination across the greenspace ecosystem and develop shared strategies.
• Represent HPB at certain public events, including conferences, community forums and governmental entity public meetings to advance the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Coordinate with the Projects, Development and Communications teams to translate public policy work into actionable strategies.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Policy Landscape Awareness: Deep knowledge of the public policy landscape in Houston, including the roles and responsibilities of the region’s governmental entities. Experience in government relations, public policy, or senior legislative staffing with a focus on Houston/Harris County.
• Systemic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to move beyond transactional project wins to achieve systemic changes in public funding or municipal policy.
• Technical Proficiency: Ability to interpret complex interlocal agreements, municipal budgets, and legislative language to advance organizational goals.
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional ability to translate technical park needs into public policy "wins" for a variety of public and private stakeholders.

DESIRED PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Diplomatic & Principled: A strategic thinker who can navigate the nuances of the region's complex stakeholder landscape while maintaining the organization's mission integrity.
• Highly Relational: Ability to build deep, trusting, long-term relationships with public entities, elected officials, community groups and internal staff.
• Mission-Driven: A passionate advocate for park equity and the belief that parks are essential civic infrastructure.

BENEFITS:

This is a salary-exempt position. The salary range is $120,000-$145,000, based on experience. HPB provides an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and a 403b retirement plan. This is a hybrid position, with time in the office weekly, as well as the expectation for some travel.