Chief of Staff

Harris County•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief of Staff supports the Executive Director in promoting the mission and vision of Harris County Public Health, leading high-priority initiatives, supporting delivery of organizational goals, and fostering collaboration across executive leadership, public health divisions, county partners, and community stakeholders. This positions drives operational excellence, strengthens internal systems, and ensures that public health services are delivered efficiently, equitably, and responsively to community needs. This role coordinates department-wide initiatives, drives the successful implementation of operational improvements, and works closely with executive leadership to align resources, monitor performance, and strengthen organizational effectiveness and service delivery. Serving as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director, the Chief of Staff balances long-term strategy with near-term implementation. They will build strong relationships across divisions and departments to ensure strategic goals are achieved effectively and sustainably. This position is responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Executive Director. Serving as a strategic and operational partner to the Executive Director, this role ensures organization priorities are translated into clear action plans and executed effectively across the department.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Business Administration, Health Administration or other health related field strongly preferred.
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership or senior management experience in public health, health administration, or management.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience overseeing cross-functional operations, strategic initiatives, or organizational performance efforts.
Experience supporting executive leadership, governing bodies, or elected officials preferred.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, operational management, and policy implementation.
Knowledge of public health principles and best practices
Strong project and operational management skills with the ability to lead multiple priorities simultaneously and deliver measurable results
Demonstrated strategic thinking; ability to assess complex issues, identify risks, and develop actionable solutions
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive-level presentations, reports, and briefing materials
Proven ability to influence, collaborate with, and build effective relationships across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders
Experience supporting board or governing body planning and preparation
Ability to execute strategic initiatives across cross-functional teams
Strong interpersonal skills, professional judgment, and ability to maintain confidentiality
Adaptability and sound decision-making skills in fast-paced, high-visibility environments
Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.
Policy Development and Program Planning Skills: This competency focuses on developing, implementing, and improving policies, programs, and services that support effective public health strategies and improve community health outcomes.
Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.
Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.
Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.
Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.
Management and Finance Skills: This competency focuses on managing human and financial resources, promoting equity and collaboration, and optimizing organizational performance to support effective public health programs.
Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills: This competency focuses on aligning stakeholders, fostering innovation, and managing change to implement effective public health initiatives that strengthen community health.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting executive leadership, governing bodies, or elected officials preferred.

Responsibilities

Partners with the Executive Director to design, implement and evaluate department-wide goals and strategic initiatives, including advancing public engagement, policy development, and long-range planning efforts; establishes clear performance metrics and accountability structures to measure impact and outcomes.
Proactively identifies, assesses, and manages high-priority projects and strategic initiatives; coordinates cross-functional responses and advises the Executive Director and leadership on recommended courses of action.
Lives by and promotes department values; strengthens and sustains a high-performing organizational culture that emphasizes operational excellence, innovation, collaboration, and exceptional customer service; plans and oversees leadership and department-wide meetings to ensure alignment, transparency, and follow-through on key initiatives.
Supports the development of executive communications, including memos, policy briefs, presentations, reports, and background materials that synthesize complex data and technical information into clear, actionable insights tailored to diverse audiences.
Serves as a senior representative of the department, engaging with Commissioners Court staff, County departments, and HCPH Divisions as well as city, state and federal agencies, community partners, and external stakeholders; builds and maintains strategic relationships to advance public health priorities.
Directly supervises assigned staff, providing leadership, coaching, professional development, performance management, and clear direction to ensure accountability and high-quality outcomes.
Supports Continuity of Operations and Emergency Response functions, including serving as backup for the Executive Director when needed
Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission, vision, and operational needs of the department.