Assistant Executive Director

Keller Executive Search International; Texas City (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Keller Executive Search International is helping a Texas Gulf Coast public health district recruit an Assistant Executive Director to serve as the operational backbone. The role reports to the Executive Director and drives performance across three service areas: traditional public health, a Federally Qualified Health Center, and EMS services, in a district with ~251 employees.

The successful candidate will lead day-to-day operations, establish clear standards, ensure regulatory compliance, and

Job description

Overview

Seeking an Assistant Executive Director to serve as the operational backbone of one of the Texas Gulf Coast's most comprehensive public health organizations. Serving Galveston County and its thirteen member cities, this district delivers essential services across three areas: traditional public health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (Coastal Health & Wellness), and the county's largest EMS provider (Galveston Area Ambulance Authority).Reporting to the Executive Director, the Assistant Executive Director plays a central role in the day-to-day management of the organization's departments, programs, and roughly 251 employees. This is a hands-on operational role for someone ready to establish clear standards, drive accountability, and help build a high-performance, professional culture from the number-two seat. The Executive Director and Board are looking for a firm, structured leader with strong financial judgment, high integrity, and the ability to coordinate effectively across a complex multi-service district. If you lead through consistency and earn trust by following through on the hard calls, this is a meaningful opportunity to help shape both an organization and a community.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Director in overall management, administration, and strategic planning across GCHD operations, acting in the Executive Director's capacity when required.
• Oversee the daily operations of assigned departments and programs, driving consistent service delivery, regulatory compliance, and operational standards.
• Direct grant management, including preparation of HRSA and other federal and state grant applications, sub-grant oversight, and funding agency reporting.
• Monitor program performance, fiscal operations, and budget compliance across departments; identify and address inaccuracies in financial reporting.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on Board of Health governance, including preparation of reports, agendas, and presentations.
• Lead or co-lead public health preparedness, disaster response, and emergency management initiatives.
• Support budget development, resource allocation, and financial oversight across the organization.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, local governments, and healthcare providers, and represent the Executive Director at meetings and events as assigned.