Job Description

Posting number: 39526

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: HEALTHY FAMILIES

REPORTING LOCATION: 8000 N. STADIUM

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

ABOUT HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT – HEALTHY FAMILIES DIVISION

The Healthy Families Division promotes the health, safety, and well-being of individuals and families across the lifespan through evidence-based programs that support healthy aging, maternal and child health, nutrition, and preventive services. The division is dedicated to improving health outcomes by expanding access to resources, empowering families, and addressing the social and environmental factors that influence lifelong health.

The division oversees a comprehensive portfolio of family-centered public health programs, including the Area Agency on Aging, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Nurse-Family Partnership, Maternal and Child Health initiatives, Children's Environmental Health, Lead Hazard Reduction, Childhood Asthma Prevention, Family Planning Outreach, and other programs designed to improve the health and well-being of Houston's children, families, older adults, and caregivers. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders, the division advances innovative strategies that promote healthy families and healthy communities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Houston Health Department is seeking an experienced and visionary public health executive to serve as the Assistant Director of the Healthy Families Division. This executive-level position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a diverse portfolio of maternal and child health, healthy aging, nutrition, and family support programs that improve health outcomes across the lifespan.

The Assistant Director leads initiatives that promote healthy pregnancies, healthy childhood development, healthy aging, and family well-being through evidence-based programming, community partnerships, and coordinated service delivery. This position ensures programs are aligned with departmental priorities, accreditation standards, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for family and population health programs, including the Area Agency on Aging, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Nurse-Family Partnership, Maternal and Child Health initiatives, Children's Environmental Health, Family Planning Outreach, and other assigned programs.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that improve maternal and child health outcomes, promote healthy aging, strengthen family well-being, and reduce health disparities.
• Provide executive oversight for programs that promote healthy pregnancies, infant and child health, early childhood development, nutrition, parenting support, and healthy aging.
• Lead environmental health initiatives focused on reducing childhood lead exposure, improving housing-related health outcomes, and preventing environmentally related illnesses such as childhood asthma.
• Oversee outreach and education initiatives that increase awareness of reproductive health services, family planning resources, nutrition services, and available community resources.
• Strengthen coordination across family health programs to improve continuity of care, client access, referral systems, and service integration.
• 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.
• Develop collaborative partnerships with healthcare systems, educational institutions, community-based organizations, housing agencies, aging service providers, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies to improve health outcomes across the lifespan.
• Utilize community health assessments, performance measures, and program data to evaluate effectiveness, identify emerging needs, and guide strategic planning.
• Oversee division budgets, grants, contracts, and multiple funding sources while ensuring fiscal accountability and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develop high-performing teams through workforce planning, coaching, succession planning, performance management, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Represent the department before governmental agencies, elected officials, advisory councils, healthcare organizations, community partners, and professional organizations.
• Serve in leadership roles during public health emergencies and Incident Command System (ICS) activations, which may require extended hours, emergency assignments, and non-traditional work schedules.
• 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 providing executive leadership for maternal and child health, healthy aging, nutrition, family support, or public health programs.
• Experience overseeing federally or state-funded public health programs, including grant administration and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing maternal and child health initiatives, home visitation programs, nutrition services, family support programs, or healthy aging services.
• Experience overseeing programs focused on childhood lead poisoning prevention, healthy housing, asthma prevention, or other children's environmental health initiatives.
• Experience developing and implementing strategies that improve health outcomes for children, families, older adults, and underserved populations.
• Experience leading community outreach, health education, and public awareness campaigns.
• Experience developing partnerships with healthcare organizations, educational institutions, community-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, aging service providers, and governmental entities.
• Experience managing complex budgets, grants, contracts, and multiple funding sources.
• Experience utilizing performance measures, quality improvement methodologies, and data analytics to improve program effectiveness and operational performance.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams within a large public health, healthcare, governmental, or human services organization.
• Experience developing strategic plans, organizational priorities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

**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.