Job Description

About Houston-Galveston Area Council 

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is one of the largest regional planning commissions in the country with a diverse service area of 13 counties and more than 7 million people. We are the pulse of our region addressing issues that cross city limits and county lines every single day.  

We make decisions that affect our transportation system, ensure the safety and well-being of our seniors, connect people to jobs, help families recover from natural disasters, preserve water quality for our children, and so much more. We work to make the region a great place to live, work, and thrive. 

What will I be doing?

The Program Coordinator – Special Projects provides high-level project, research, and analytical support to the Enterprise Solutions Department, which includes HGACBuy, HGAC Energy, the Local Development Corporation, and Economic Development. This position supports cross-departmental strategic initiatives, special projects, and program development efforts.

The Program Coordinator will manage projects, conduct in-depth research and analysis, prepare professional reports and briefing materials, support strategic planning efforts, and coordinate initiatives that span multiple programs and teams.

Key responsibilities include:

üSupport planning and execution of cross-departmental strategic initiatives and special projects across Enterprise Solutions teams.

üManage assigned projects from concept through implementation, including work plans, timelines, coordination, and tracking deliverables.

üConduct research and analysis related to:

oProgram development and improvement

oEconomic development, procurement, lending, and grant programs

oMarket, industry, policy, and funding trends

üPrepare high-quality written materials including:

oReports, white papers, and issue briefs

oStrategy and planning documents

oLeadership and Board briefing materials

oData summaries and analytical memos

üAssist with process improvement initiatives, organizational planning efforts, and cross-team coordination.

üSupport development of new initiatives, pilots, and program concepts.

üAttend, organize, and support internal and external meetings, including:

oPreparing agendas, materials, notes, and action-item tracking

oCoordinating follow-up and supporting implementation of decisions

üPrepare presentations and other materials for leadership, partners, and stakeholders.

üWork closely with staff across HGACBuy, HGAC Energy, the Local Development Corporation, and Economic Development to advance department priorities.

üProvide project coordination, analytical, and implementation support as assigned.

Key Qualifications

üStrong research, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to structure complex or ambiguous issues and develop practical solutions.

üDemonstrated experience preparing professional reports, briefs, or written materials for leadership or stakeholders.

üExperience supporting or coordinating projects, initiatives, or multi-step work efforts involving multiple stakeholders or teams.

üStrong writing and communication skills, with the ability to prepare professional reports and presentations.

üStrong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

üStrong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams, disciplines, and organizational levels.

üStrong customer service and stakeholder service orientation, with the ability to work responsively and professionally with internal clients, partners, and external stakeholders.

üProficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

üFamiliarity with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, and their application in a professional work environment.

Do you have… 

üBachelor’s degree in an applicable academic discipline or related field of study  

ü3 years of experience working with local government, nonprofit programs, school, or in job-related duties 

Preferred Qualifications

ü1-3 years of experience in project coordination, research, analysis, consulting, or program support.

üExperience conducting research, analysis, or policy/strategy support work.

üExperience supporting:

oStrategic planning, project management, or program development initiatives

oEconomic development, finance, procurement, lending, energy, or grant-funded programs

üFamiliarity with:

oPublic sector, regional planning, or quasi-governmental organizations

oData analysis, performance reporting, or business process improvement

üDemonstrated interest in public service, economic development, or public-sector innovation.