ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV), HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

About the Division

The Healthy Communities Division advances health equity and improves quality of life by addressing the social, environmental, and community factors that influence health outcomes. Through collaborative partnerships, evidence‑based programming, and community engagement, the division works to strengthen neighborhoods, expand access to essential services, and reduce health disparities across Houston. It oversees a diverse portfolio of community health and human services initiatives designed to engage residents, connect individuals and families to resources and care, strengthen community resilience, address emerging public health and social needs, and promote health, safety, and well‑being.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and oversight for a diverse portfolio of community health and human services initiatives that address evolving community needs and improve health, well‑being, and quality of life.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that advance health equity, address social and community conditions influencing health, strengthen community resilience, and improve access to health and human services.
• Oversee community engagement strategies that build trust, strengthen relationships, promote meaningful resident participation, and increase awareness and utilization of services and resources.
• Provide strategic oversight of Multiservice Centers that serve as accessible hubs for connecting residents with health, social, and supportive services and community resources.
• Ensure community‑based service centers are responsive to community needs, fostering partnerships that expand access to resources, strengthen connections, and improve resident outcomes.
• Oversee service delivery, client access, navigation, and care coordination to promote efficient, integrated, customer‑centered experiences for residents seeking health and human services.
• Lead strategies that support successful community re‑entry and reintegration by strengthening connections to health, social, employment, education, and other supportive resources.
• Lead efforts to strengthen community resilience through collaborative strategies that enhance the capacity of individuals, families, organizations, and communities to address emerging challenges.
• Direct evidence‑based initiatives that address priority community health needs, reduce health disparities, promote prevention and wellness, and improve outcomes.
• Advance a “no wrong door” approach to services, ensuring residents can access appropriate assistance, information, navigation, or referrals regardless of where they initially seek support.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations, community‑based organizations, educational institutions, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Utilize data, community health assessments, performance measures, and other evidence to evaluate effectiveness, identify service gaps and emerging needs, and guide strategic decision‑making and resource allocation.
• Oversee division budgets, grants, contracts, and other funding sources, ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources, fiscal accountability, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Develop and sustain high‑performing teams through workforce planning, leadership development, coaching, succession planning, performance management, and continuous quality improvement.
• Represent the department and serve as a senior liaison with governmental agencies, elected officials, community organizations, advisory groups, professional organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve in executive leadership roles during significant public health or community events and other departmental activations, which may require extended hours, emergency assignments, and non‑traditional work schedules.
• Support the development and implementation of new programs, services, and initiatives as community needs, departmental priorities, funding opportunities, and other circumstances evolve.
• Oversee additional programs and functions as assigned based on departmental priorities and evolving community needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Experience: Seven years of administrative experience, including at least three years in a managerial capacity.

License Requirements: None.

Preferences

• Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH), Public Administration (MPA), Social Work (MSW), Health Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), Emergency Management, or a related field.
• Executive leadership experience for community health, public health, human services, health equity, or community‑based programs.
• Experience developing and implementing initiatives that address social determinants of health and improve community health outcomes.
• Experience leading community engagement, outreach, and partnership development with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience overseeing community‑based service delivery, including care coordination, client navigation, case management, multiservice center operations, or client access functions.
• Experience leading public health preparedness, emergency management, or emergency response activities utilizing Incident Command System (ICS) principles.
• Experience managing grant‑funded programs, contracts, budgets, and multiple funding sources.
• Experience utilizing performance measures, community health assessments, and data analytics to guide strategic planning and operational improvements.
• Experience developing strategic plans, quality improvement initiatives, and organizational performance measures.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams within a large public health, healthcare, governmental, or human services organization.
• Experience developing collaborative partnerships with healthcare organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, community‑based organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Experience overseeing prevention programs focused on violence prevention, behavioral health, substance use prevention, re‑entry services, youth development, or environmental health initiatives.
• Preference will be given to eligible veteran applicants who meet the qualifications.

Working Conditions

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

General Information

• Pay Grade: 32 (salary determined by qualifications and comparable rates).
• Selection/Skills Tests: Department may administer a skills assessment test.
• Safety Impact: Not a safety‑impact position.
• Application Procedures: Only online applications accepted. Submit at www.houstontx.gov. For status, log in at agency.governmentjobs.com/houston or call (832) 393‑0453. Technical support: 855‑524‑5627.
• All new hires and rehires must pass a pre‑employment drug test, physical examination, and verification of information provided.