Overview

Galveston County, Texas is home to one of the Texas Gulf Coast's most comprehensive public health organizations. Serving the county and its thirteen member cities, this Tier 1 governmental health district delivers essential services across three areas: traditional public health, a Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care and wellness services, and the county's largest EMS provider.

Reporting to the United Board of Health, the Executive Director holds full responsibility for the organization's operations, strategy, and roughly 251 employees. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone ready to establish clear standards, strengthen accountability, and build a high-performance, professional culture.

The Board is looking for a firm, structured leader with strong financial judgment, high integrity, and the resolve to set expectations, make difficult decisions, and align the organization to a shared direction. If you lead through consistency and earn trust by following through, this is a rare opportunity to shape both an organization and a community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and administration across all GCHD operations, including clinical service delivery, public health programs, and EMS.
• Lead strategic planning and policy development in line with the organization's Strategic Health Plan and Board direction.
• Establish clear operational standards, budget discipline, and accountability across all divisions.
• Lead organizational restructuring, including assessment of divisional leadership, pay structures, and departmental operations.
• Direct grant strategy and applications to federal, state, and private funders, with particular emphasis on HRSA, and manage all funding-agency reporting.
• Oversee compliance, fiscal operations, and program performance, including HRSA requirements and health clinic quality standards.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with healthcare providers, hospitals, local governments, and underserved communities.
• Lead public health preparedness and disaster response.
• Partner with and support the United Board of Health on governance and reporting.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

One of the following:

• Master's degree in Public Health Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field, plus 5+ years of managerial experience in a health services organization; or
• Bachelor's degree in a business or administrative field, plus 7+ years of managerial experience in a health services organization.

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

• Demonstrated knowledge of HRSA programs, requirements, funding mechanisms, and sub-grant management.
• Experience preparing and submitting grant applications to federal, state, and private funders, and reporting to funding agencies.
• Strong financial and budget management skills, including the ability to review and validate budgets, grant formulas, and funding allocations.
• Demonstrated change leadership: setting standards, holding teams accountable, and strengthening organizational culture.
• Demonstrated experience addressing community and public health issues.
• Outstanding communication skills, high ethical standards, and a commitment to HIPAA and confidentiality.
• Valid Texas driver's license, or the ability to obtain one upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven or more years of progressive executive management within a public health or community health center organization.
• Direct experience overseeing outpatient clinics or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) operations.
• Compliance and fiscal oversight experience, particularly with HRSA or similar federal programs.
• Nonprofit or government healthcare operations background.
• Familiarity with IT governance and organizational cybersecurity oversight.

Reporting and Team

The Executive Director reports directly to the United Board of Health and leads an executive team spanning Public Health, Nursing, Coastal Health & Wellness, EMS services, Finance, Grants, HR, and Communications. The role is supported by an Assistant Executive Director.

Benefits

Salary: $200,000 to $220,000, commensurate with experience.

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

Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

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

Relocation assistance available for out-of-area candidates (receipt-based reimbursement, 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

Executive recruiters and headhunters Texas: Keller Executive Search, TX

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.