Job Description

Posting number: 39523

Department: Houston Health Department

Job classification: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Health, Management, Health Sciences, Medical

Summary

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: CURRENT HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ONLY

DIVISION: ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE, PERFORMANCE & STRATEGY

REPORTING LOCATION: 8000 N. STADIUM

WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM

ABOUT HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT – ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE, PERFORMANCE & STRATEGY DIVISION

The Organizational Governance, Performance & Strategy Division strengthens the Houston Health Department’s ability to achieve its mission through effective governance, accountability, compliance, performance management, and strategic planning. The division provides the frameworks, systems, and resources necessary to support operational excellence, informed decision-making, and continuous improvement across the department.

The division oversees organizational governance, legal services, compliance, performance management, quality improvement, public health accreditation, workforce strategy, and organizational effectiveness initiatives. Through data-driven decision-making and strategic alignment, the division supports a culture of accountability, innovation, transparency, and service excellence.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Houston Health Department is seeking an experienced and strategic executive to serve as Assistant Director of the Organizational Governance, Performance & Strategy Division. This executive-level position provides leadership and oversight for enterprise governance, compliance, performance management, accreditation, workforce strategy, and organizational improvement initiatives.

The Assistant Director serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership by strengthening organizational accountability, managing enterprise risks, improving operational performance, and ensuring alignment between departmental priorities, public health goals, and community outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement governance structures, policies, and frameworks that promote accountability, transparency, effective decision-making, and organizational sustainability.
• Provide executive oversight of Legal Services and Compliance functions, ensuring adherence to applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and organizational requirements.
• Lead department-wide performance management systems, including key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, reporting structures, quality improvement initiatives, and organizational effectiveness strategies.
• Facilitate a “no wrong door” access to services or support where customers can get help, information or referral regardless of which office or program they contact first.
• Provide executive oversight for public health accreditation activities and ensure continued alignment with national standards and best practices.
• Lead workforce planning, organizational development, workforce analytics, hiring strategies, employee accountability systems, and leadership development initiatives.
• Advise executive leadership on organizational risks, opportunities, strategic initiatives, and transformation efforts while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence.
• Serve in leadership roles during public health emergencies and Incident Command System activations, including extended or non-traditional work hours as needed.
• Direct and evaluate bureau managers and leadership staff through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and professional development.
• Oversee additional programs and functions as assigned based on departmental priorities and evolving community needs, ensuring the division remains responsive and positioned to effectively serve the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.

Examples of duties

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Seven years of administrative experience are required, with at least three of those years in a managerial capacity.

A Master's degree may be substituted for two years of experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who have the following:

• Master's degree in Public Health (MPH), Health Administration (MHA), Public Administration (MPA), Nursing, Social Work (MSW), Nutrition, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field.
• Experience overseeing compliance, legal, risk management, audits, or regulatory functions within a government, healthcare, or public sector organization.
• Experience developing performance measurement systems, dashboards, KPIs, and accountability frameworks.
• Experience with public health accreditation, quality improvement, or organizational effectiveness initiatives.
• Experience leading workforce strategy, organizational development, succession planning, or employee engagement initiatives.
• Experience using data analytics and performance reporting tools to support executive decision-making.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and organizational change initiatives.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic plans, operational improvements, and enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Experience managing complex programs within a large governmental, healthcare, or public service organization.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

Supplemental information

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 32

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.