Overview
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jobs in Houston, TX at Houston Strong
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Houston Strong Children Services
About Houston Strong Children Services
Houston Strong Children Services is a nonprofit Child Placing Agency, licensed by the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services. Founded after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, we serve under-resourced communities through a Community Based Care model that offers ongoing support, resources, and advocacy for children and families navigating foster care and adoption.
We help families become licensed foster parents, kinship caregivers, and adoptive homes for children and youth ages 0–22, across all levels of care—from Basic to Primary Medical Needs and Child Specific Contracts. Whether through Straight Adoption, Foster-to-Adopt, or Fostering licensure, we guide families with compassion and expertise.
Beyond placements, we provide hospital sitting for children in medical care, operate Supervised Independent Living (SIL) homes for youth aging out of care, and invest in community centers that promote healing, education, and empowerment. Houston Strong is more than a name—it’s our commitment to helping every child thrive in a safe, loving, and stable home.
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the senior operational leader of Houston Strong Children Services and is responsible for translating the organization’s strategic vision into exceptional day-to-day execution. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director provides oversight of agency operations, program performance, regulatory compliance, financial accountability, and staff leadership while ensuring children and families receive high-quality services.
The Executive Director leads multidisciplinary teams across child welfare, behavioral health, foster home development, placement, compliance, and administrative services. This role fosters operational excellence, builds high-performing teams, drives continuous quality improvement, and ensures the agency consistently exceeds expectations established by DFPS, SSCC partners, funders, and the communities it serves.
Key Responsibilities
Agency Operations & Program Excellent
- Provide executive oversight of all agency programs and daily operations.
- Ensure consistent delivery of trauma-informed, family-centered services.
- Monitor operational performance and service quality across all departments.
- Support implementation of strategic initiatives established by the CEO and Governing Board.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop directors, managers, and supervisors.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
- Support succession planning, employee engagement, and leadership development.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with DFPS Minimum Standards, licensing requirements, contracts, Medicaid regulations, and organizational policies.
- Oversee corrective action plans, risk mitigation, incident management, and audit readiness.
- Partner with the CQI & Compliance Manager to strengthen organizational performance.
Financial & Operational Stewardship
- Manage operational budgets and departmental resources.
- Monitor operational KPIs, productivity, staffing, and financial performance.
- Recommend process improvements that increase efficiency while maintaining quality.
Community & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Build collaborative relationships with DFPS, SSCCs, providers, schools, healthcare partners, and community organizations.
- Represent Houston Strong at meetings and community events as delegated by the CEO.
Continuous Quality Improvement
- Champion data-driven decision making and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Review performance metrics and implement strategies that improve outcomes for children and families.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in child welfare, behavioral health, nonprofit management, or human services.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, budgets, compliance, and operational performance.
- Strong knowledge of DFPS regulations and child placing agency operations.
Preferred
- Master’s Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Business Administration, Counseling, Psychology, or related field
- Licensed Child Placing Administrator (LCPAA)
- Experience working with DFPS, foster care, adoption, or behavioral health programs
- Grant writing and fundraising experience
Core Values
- Integrity: Upholding trust and transparency in every interaction
- Compassion: Centering children and families in all decisions
- Innovation: Embracing new ideas to solve complex challenges
- Accountability: Delivering on promises with excellence
Work Environment
- Hybrid role with office-based and community outreach responsibilities
- Flexible hours, including evenings and on-call support
- Hybrid flexibility with in-person meetings and travel as needed
- Entrepreneurial, purpose-driven culture with room to lead and innovate
Perks & Benefits of Working at Houston Strong
We care deeply about our team’s well-being and growth. Full Time Employees enjoy:
Benefit Category
Details
Medical Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
Time Off
Generous PTO, paid holidays, and mental health days
Travel Reimbursement
Mileage and travel expenses reimbursed for work-related activities
Wellness Discounts
Subsidized gym memberships and wellness programs
Tech Perks
Discounts on phone services and tech accessories
Hybrid Work Model
Flexible schedule with remote and in-office options
Professional Growth
Access to training, development, and career advancement opportunities
Additional Requirements
- Valid Texas Driver’s License and reliable transportation
- Current auto insurance and cleared driving record
- Cleared background check, drug test, and TB screening
- Three employment references
- Working cellular phone
Equal Opportunity Statement
Houston Strong Children Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. We look forward to learning more about you!
Title: INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Company: Houston Strong
Location: Houston, TX
Category:
