Public Health Ops Leader — Assistant Executive Director

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.

Required Qualifications

One of the following:

• Master's degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Health Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field, plus 4+ years of senior-level managerial experience in a public health or healthcare organization; or
• Bachelor's degree in a related field, plus 6+ years of progressive senior-level managerial experience in a public health or healthcare organization.

An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Demonstrated knowledge of HRSA programs, sub-grant management, requirements, and federal funding mechanisms.
• Experience preparing and submitting grant applications to federal and state funders, and managing funding agency relationships and reporting.
• Strong financial and budget management skills, including the ability to scrutinize budgets, grant formulas, and funding allocations, and hold departments to accurate reporting.
• Firm, structured leadership with the backbone to set standards, have direct conversations, drive change initiatives, and align to Board and Executive Director direction.
• Demonstrated experience in public health program management, operations, community engagement, and emergency preparedness.
• Outstanding communication skills, sound judgment, high ethical standards, and a commitment to HIPAA compliance and public service.
• Valid Texas driver's license, or the ability to obtain one upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of public health leadership experience, including experience working with a Board of Health or elected officials.
• Direct experience with public health services such as WIC, immunizations, infectious disease control, EMS, or environmental health.
• Familiarity with IT governance and cybersecurity oversight in a public sector or healthcare environment.
• Nonprofit or government healthcare operations background.

Reporting and Team

The Assistant Executive Director reports directly to the Executive Director and serves as a key liaison with department directors, the Board of Health, and external partners. The role supports oversight of executive leadership areas spanning Public Health, Nursing, Coastal Health & Wellness, EMS services, Finance, Grants, HR, and Communications.

Salary : $150,000 to $170,000, commensurate with experience.

Pension : True defined-benefit pension plan with 100% match and a lifetime monthly payment (8-year vesting).

Health : Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Employee perk : No-cost access to Coastal Health & Wellness clinics for employees.

Relocation : Receipt-based reimbursement available, typically capped at $10,000.

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