External Affairs Coordinator

As an External Affairs Coordinator at the Harris County District Attorney�s Office (HCDAO), you will help build trust between the community and our Office. We create partnerships that prevent crime and enhance community safety. We work to raise awareness about crime issues and survivor services.

Coordinators serve as liaisons between the HCDAO and key stakeholders across Harris County�including civic groups, advocacy organizations, law enforcement partners, schools, faith-based institutions, businesses, and community leaders.

Each Coordinator is assigned a primary portfolio but is expected to support countywide External Affairs efforts, helping increasing access to our office and the resources we offer.

The ideal candidate is relationship-driven, organized, proactive, and able to represent the office with professionalism and diplomacy. Our mission enables healing for survivors and families impacted by crime in Harris County. Our message is simple: transparency, legitimacy, and prevention through community partnership connection.

HCDAO is hiring Coordinators focused on building relationships in these areas: Law Enforcement & Public Safety and Advocacy & Policy Partners.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Community Relationship Management

• Through a consistent presence throughout Harris County, the External Affairs Coordinators build relationship with community leaders, serving as a bridge to our Office
• Coordinators meet one-on-one or with small community groups regularly, to listen to concerns, provide updates, and take feedback back to HCDAO
• You will learn to identify trends, concerns, and opportunities raised through engagements and brief leadership with timely summaries and recommendations
• Keep accurate contact records, meeting notes, and prioritize follow-up items
  
  

Portfolio Area Responsibilities

• Law Enforcement & Public Safety
• Attend and document community policing meetings such as PIPs, public safety meetings, and agency-led forums
• Track public safety concerns communicated by residents and law enforcement partners
• Prepare regular summaries for leadership
• Support planning and execution of safety-based outreach efforts including National Night Out, public safety fairs, and crime prevention campaigns

• Advocacy Organizations & Policy Partners
• Liaise with advocacy organizations working on criminal justice reform, reentry, youth justice, and equity in public safety
• Coordinate ongoing touchpoints with advocacy partners
• Maintain a comprehensive tracker of advocacy partners and issues; provide updates and recommendations of priorities, outcomes, and commitments.
  

Event Support & Representation

• Attend HCDAO partnership events representing the office (including parades, conferences, meetings, town halls, etc.)
• Staff the District Attorney or HCDAO leadership at events, ensuring preparedness (briefing materials, talking points, logistics, etc.).
• Assist with planning, execution, and follow-up for office-hosted events including expunction clinics, listening sessions, town halls, educational forums, and outreach events.
• Prepare routine engagement summaries, partner updates, and weekly activity plans.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor�s Degree Required (Public Policy, Criminal Justice, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, or related field preferred).
• 1�3 years of experience in community engagement, public affairs, advocacy, organizing, education, government, or related work (experience can include internships, fellowships, volunteer roles, or leadership positions).
• Relevant work experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to prepare briefs, meeting summaries, talking points, and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders and communities.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment in representing public officials.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain organized documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, and comfort with digital project management tools.
  
  

Preferences

• Experience working with or within Harris County community networks (PIPs, civic clubs, schools, chambers, advocacy groups, etc.).
• Familiarity with the criminal justice system, public safety issues, or local government operations.
• Experience in event planning, policy engagement, outreach campaigns, or community organizing.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills (please make sure to point out)
  
  

Position Type, Salary, Typical Hours, Work Environment

• Regular, Full-Time, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. � 5 p.m.
• This position requires the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• The starting salary for this position is $70,000 or higher, based on experience and qualifications
• This position requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to twenty (20) pounds
• Remote work is limited but granted on an occasional case by case basis
• Office located downtown Houston, Texas, although community-based events are countywide
• Must have a valid Driver�s License (TX upon hire)
  
  

Benefits

Harris County offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for regular (full-time) employees, which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Wellness programs
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Ten (10) days of vacation per year during the first five years of service (increases with tenure)
• Eleven (11) County holidays plus 1 floating holiday
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care and Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Additional benefits may be available to regular full-time and eligible part-time employees:
• Retirement pension through the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS)
• Transportation assistance through the Metro Ride Sponsor Program
  
  

Application Notice

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual status updates. If selected for an interview, a recruiter will contact you directly. We truly appreciate your interest in joining our team.