ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL), HEALTHY FAMILIES

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL), HEALTHY FAMILIES

Salary

$160,734.08 - $169,404.04 Annually

Location

Houston

Job Type

Executive Level

Job Number

39526

Department

Houston Health Department

Opening Date

09/08/2026

Closing Date

9/16/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

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, Childrens Environmental Health, Lead Hazard Reduction, Childhood Asthma Prevention, Family Planning Outreach, and other programs designed to improve the health and well-being of Houstons 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, Childrens 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelors 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 Masters degree may be substituted for two years of experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates who have the following:

• Masters 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 childrens 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.

GENERAL 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 candidates 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 individuals sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma / GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the Above

03

Which best describes your years of experience that relate to the duties of this position?

• I have no experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.
• Less than 5 years
• 5 - 6 years
• 7 - 8 years
• 9 - 10 years
• 11 or more years of related experience

04

Please describe your related experience. If none use N/A.

05

Which best describes your years of experience in a managerial capacity?

• I have no managerial experience
• I have less than 3 years of managerial experience
• I have 3 or more years of managerial experience

06

Do you have experience supervising managers, supervisors, or multidisciplinary professional staff?

• Yes
• No

07

If you answered yes to Question #6, indicate the approximate number of direct and indirect reports. If you answered no, use N/A.

08

Do you have previous Senior Leadership experience within the Houston Health Department?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have experience leading maternal and child health, healthy aging, nutrition, family support, environmental health, or other public health programs?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have experience developing partnerships with healthcare providers, educational institutions, community organizations, aging service providers, or governmental agencies to improve health outcomes?

• Yes
• No

11

If you answered yes to Question # 10, briefly describe your experience. If you answered no, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)

12

This position may be activated as part of the Departments Incident Command System (ICS) response during public health emergencies or other critical events. Are you willing and able to work extended hours, non-traditional schedules, nights, weekends, or holidays when operational needs require?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Houston

Address 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002

Website https://www.houstontx.gov/