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.
Requirements
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
Assistant Executive Director at Keller Executive Search — BranchFactor
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.
Benefits
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.
Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.
To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.
Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.
Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.
Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.
Privacy and Pay Equity:
California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
State-Specific Information:
Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.
Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.
Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.
Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment
Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.
Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.