Assistant Executive Director

Galveston County Health District; Texas City (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Galveston County Health District is seeking an Assistant Executive Director to provide strategic and operational support. This role is central to managing GCHD operations and ensuring effective public health services across Galveston County.

A Master’s degree or substantial experience in public health is required. Key responsibilities include oversight of daily operations, grant application management, and leading strategic initiatives in public health preparedness. Join us in shaping healthcare for our coastal Texas community.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of senior-level managerial experience in public health.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HRSA programs and regulatory compliance.
• Valid Texas driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with overall management of GCHD operations.
• Oversee daily operations and ensure service delivery.
• Lead initiatives on public health preparedness.

Skills

Public health program management

Strategic planning

Community engagement

Leadership

Grant writing

Education

Master’s Degree in Public Health or related field

Bachelor’s Degree with extensive experience

Job description

Assistant Executive Director

The Assistant Executive Director serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and provides high-level operational and strategic support to the Executive Director of the Galveston County Health District. This position plays a critical role in the day-to-day management of GCHD operations while contributing to long-term planning, program performance, and organizational effectiveness.

The Assistant Executive Director helps ensure the delivery of essential public health services, including vital statistics, environmental health, animal services, community health nursing, immunizations, WIC, infectious disease monitoring, public health preparedness, and emergency medical services, across Galveston County and its thirteen member cities. This role acts as a key liaison with department directors, the Board of Health, and external partners.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist the Executive Director with overall management and administration of GCHD operations.
• Oversee daily operations of assigned departments and programs, ensuring high-quality service delivery and regulatory compliance.
• Support strategic planning, policy development, and implementation of the organization’s Strategic Health Plan.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on Board of Health governance, including preparation of reports, agendas, and presentations.
• Lead or co-lead major initiatives related to public health preparedness, disaster response, and emergency management.
• Monitor program performance, fiscal operations, and compliance across the organization.
• Prepare and develop grant applications to federal, state, and private foundations, with specific emphasis on HRSA funding opportunities.
• Participate in the development and submission of grant applications and management of funding agency relationships.
• Build and maintain strong community relations and partnerships with local governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
• Represent the Executive Director at meetings, events, and in the community as assigned.
• Respond to Board-mandated tasks and special projects as directed by the Executive Director.
• Assist with budget development, financial oversight, and resource allocation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or the Board of Health.

Qualifications Required

• Master’s Degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Health Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field with at least four (4) years of senior-level managerial experience in a public health or healthcare organization, OR
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field with at least six (6) years of progressive senior-level managerial experience in a public health or healthcare organization.
• Demonstrated experience in public health program management, operations, and community engagement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) programs, requirements, and funding mechanisms.
• Strong knowledge of public health principles, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.

Preferred

• At least five (5) years of experience in a public health leadership role.
• Experience with grant writing, fiscal management, and reporting to federal/state funding agencies.
• Direct experience with public health services such as WIC, immunizations, infectious disease control, EMS, or environmental health.
• Previous experience working with a Board of Health or elected officials.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, co-workers, the Board, and community partners.
• Superior communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively both verbally and in writing.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and ability to function independently.
• High ethical standards and commitment to quality public service, fairness, and inclusivity.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and best practices for protecting confidential information.
• Flexibility to shift priorities quickly and respond to public health emergencies.
• Strong customer service orientation and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the Galveston County Health District.

This position offers a significant leadership opportunity to help shape and strengthen public health services in an important coastal Texas community.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Galveston County Health District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.