This executive recruitment is being conducted exclusively by Keller Executive Search on behalf of the Galveston County Health District.
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants should submit their application through Keller Executive Search using the link below:
Executive Director - Keller Executive Search
The Executive Director provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the Galveston County Health District. GCHD delivers essential public health services to Galveston County and its thirteen member cities. These services include maintenance of vital statistics records, issuance of food and environmental permits, oversight of the county’s largest animal services facility, operation of multiple health clinics providing primary care, preventive services, chronic disease management, and reproductive health services, community health nursing services, immunizations, WIC program administration, monitoring of TB, STD, and HIV patterns, public health preparedness, and operation of the Galveston Area Ambulance Authority (the county’s largest EMS entity).
The Executive Director is responsible for the effective management and administration of all Health District operations, including oversight of clinical service delivery, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, policies, and strategic goals while maintaining strong relationships with the Board of Health, funding agencies, and the community.
Essential Job Functions
• Provide executive-level management and administration of all GCHD operations, including clinical operations across health clinics.
• Lead mission, policy, and strategic planning initiatives with a focus on expanding and improving accessible clinical services.
• Support Board governance and work collaboratively with the United Board of Health.
• Build and maintain strong community relations and partnerships, particularly with healthcare providers, hospitals, and underserved populations.
• Prepare and develop grant applications to federal, state, and private foundations, with specific emphasis on HRSA funding opportunities.
• Manage reporting requirements to public and private funding agencies, including HRSA.
• Oversee compliance, fiscal operations, and program performance, including HRSA program requirements and health clinic quality standards.
• Respond to Board-mandated tasks and perform other duties as assigned.
• Lead public health preparedness and disaster response activities.
• Work toward the goals and objectives of the Strategic Health Plan, including clinical service delivery metrics and patient access goals.
• Provide strategic oversight of health clinic operations, including staffing, quality improvement, patient flow, integration of public health and primary care services, and expansion of clinic-based programs to meet community health needs.
Qualifications Required:
• Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field with at least five (5) years of managerial experience in a health services organization, OR
• Bachelor’s Degree in a business or administrative-related field with at least seven (7) years of managerial experience in a health services organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) programs, requirements, and funding mechanisms.
• Demonstrated experience exploring and resolving community and public health issues.
• Experience preparing and submitting grant applications to federal, state, and private funding sources (including HRSA preferred).
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience reporting to public and private funding agencies.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
Preferred:
• At least seven (7) years of progressive experience as an executive manager within a public health or community health center entity.
• Direct experience overseeing outpatient health clinics or federally qualified health center (FQHC) operations.
• Experience in compliance oversight and fiscal operations, particularly with HRSA or similar federal programs.
An equivalent combination of education and work experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities 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 ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, co-workers, the public, and professional groups.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Consistent demonstration of positive/proactive customer service attitude.
• High ethical standards and commitment to quality public service, fairness, and inclusivity.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate complex projects and activities, including multi-site clinical operations.
• Capacity to function independently with sound judgment and initiative.
• Flexibility to shift priorities as needed.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA regulations.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback positively and adapt accordingly.
• Availability to respond to disaster-related Health District responsibilities.
• Adherence to departmental policies, procedures, and the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a comprehensive public health organization, including robust clinical health services, serving an important coastal Texas community.
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
No phone calls please
ADA / EEO / DFWP
Our Mission: Protecting and Promoting the One Health of Galveston County
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.
Skills Required
- Master's Degree in Public Health Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field with at least five years managerial experience in a health services organization
- Bachelor's Degree in a business or administrative-related field with at least seven years managerial experience in a health services organization
- Demonstrated knowledge of HRSA programs, requirements, and funding mechanisms
- Experience preparing and submitting grant applications to federal, state, and private funding sources
- Experience exploring and resolving community and public health issues
- Experience reporting to public and private funding agencies
- Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Valid Texas driver's license
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and adherence to HIPAA regulations
- Availability to respond to disaster-related Health District responsibilities
- At least seven years of progressive executive management experience within a public health or community health center entity
- Direct experience overseeing outpatient health clinics or federally qualified health center (FQHC) operations
- Experience in compliance oversight and fiscal operations, particularly with HRSA or similar federal programs
What We Do
The Galveston County Health District works daily to prevent disease, protect against public health threats, and promote good health for all of Galveston County by providing a range of public health services including immunization, disease investigation, environmental health, and medical, dental, and counseling care.









