This is a key leadership position responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing policies, initiatives, and strategic priorities to advance the county's goals and address key challenges. This role involves collaborating with county leadership and departments, elected officials, community stakeholders, and external partners to drive policy development, facilitate decision-making, and ensure alignment with the county's mission and values.

• Lead the development and implementation of policy initiatives and strategic priorities in alignment with the county's vision, goals, and values;
• Conduct research, analysis, and data-driven assessments to inform policy recommendations and decision-making processes;
• Collaborate with county departments, agencies, and elected officials to identify emerging issues, trends, and opportunities for policy intervention;
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholder groups to develop policy proposals, action plans, and implementation strategies;
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement processes, including public forums, focus groups, and advisory committees, to gather input and feedback on policy priorities and initiatives;
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the local, state, and federal levels, analyzing their potential impact on county operations and priorities;
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for county leadership, elected officials, and community stakeholders on policy issues, options, and recommendations;
• Provide policy analysis and guidance to county leadership, elected officials, and department heads to support informed decision-making and strategic planning;
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders, to advance shared policy objectives;
• Represent the county's interests in meetings, negotiations, and collaborations with external partners, advocating for policies that promote equity, sustainability, and community well-being.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, public administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred;
• Extensive experience in policy development, analysis, and implementation, preferably in a governmental or public sector setting.
• Strong understanding of local government operations, legislative processes, and policy frameworks;
• Excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and data into actionable policy recommendations;
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders and audiences;
• Political acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to navigate complex political environments and build consensus around policy priorities;
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a demonstrated understanding of how to integrate these principles into policy development and implementation;
• Familiarity with policy analysis tools, methodologies, and best practices.
• Passion for public service and a deep commitment to improving the lives of Montgomery County residents through effective policy-making and governance;

• Ability to drive or have reliable transportation to any of the Montgomery County facilities and communities;
• Ability to work occasionally after normal business hours to attend community meetings and other events.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception. This position requires a valid driver's license and reliable transportation for off-site meetings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.