Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Gulf Coast Community Services Association

Houston, Texas

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Gulf Coast Community Services Association to recruit the organization's next Chief Executive Officer.

Background

Since 1965, Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA) has been dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in the Gulf Coast region. As a leading Community Action Agency, GCCSA is committed to empowering underprivileged communities, ensuring that every individual has the tools to move from poverty to financial empowerment. The agency addresses the root causes of poverty through a comprehensive suite of services designed to foster long-term self-sufficiency, operating in 16 sites across Galveston, Brazoria, and Harris counties. 

As one of the largest Community Action Agencies in Southeast Texas, GCCSA is a vital lifeline for individuals and families striving for self-sufficiency.

Core Services

GCCSA’s programs are designed to address poverty and empower residents:

• Help and Encourage Children and Youth: Includes Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS), as well as the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
• Support Low-Income Households: Includes childcare, vocational training and placement, transportation, financial planning/budgeting, and advocacy to community partners.
• Support Under-Served Households Facing Crisis: Provides food pantry assistance, utility assistance, rental assistance/eviction prevention, and natural disaster assistance.
• Strengthen the Whole Family: Offers holistic, comprehensive family development support from the “Cradle to Career”, nutrition and parenting education, and referrals to affordable housing.
• Comprehensive Social Services: A suite of diversified programs aimed at providing individuals and families with the necessary tools for financial empowerment.

Organization Size and Budget

GCCSA is a large organization with a staff of 265 people and an annual operating budget of $36 million.

Principal Duties

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a visionary, solution-focused leader to guide the organization into its next phase of growth, rebranding, and community impact. 

• Ethical Visionary Leadership: Create a strong, compelling vision for GCCSA and communicate it effectively to staff, the Board of Directors, and community partners.
• Team Building & Culture: Build a trusting, inclusive culture that results in strong, collaborative, positive teams.
• Strategic Growth: Set strategic direction for GCCSA and growth strategies for programs.
• Strengthen Community Partnerships: Build and maintain high-level relationships with government agencies, civic leaders, foundations, and other nonprofits to ensure mission objectives.
• Diversify Funding: Actively identify and secure new revenue streams to enhance the agency's financial stability.
• Operational & Fiscal Excellence: Oversee a complex financial structure, including budget preparation and audit controls, while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

Candidate Qualifications

• Senior Executive Experience: 10 years of upward management experience, preferably within a Community Action Agency or a large nonprofit. Experience with Head Start/Early Head Start Early Childhood Education is a plus.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (nonprofit administration, social work, business, or psychology) is required; advanced education is preferred.
• Financial Acumen: Proven history of managing multi-million-dollar budgets and navigating complex public/private grant requirements.
• Nonprofit management experience is preferable.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

• Passion to empower underprivileged communities, ensuring that every individual has the tools to move from poverty to financial empowerment. 
• The ability to create a strong vision, set strategic direction, and communicate it effectively to staff, board members, and partners. 
• Previous success as an advocate and establishing external relationships with individuals and organizations of influence, including government agencies, civic leaders, partner agencies, and volunteers.
• Experience and skill in working with a Board of Directors. 
• Knowledge of private and public grant seeking.
• A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results.
• Ability to build strong collaborative teams and actively engage with staff.
• Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation.
• Strong fiscal management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, reporting, and federal and state compliance literacy. 
• Ability to successfully manage conflict and adversity.
• Strong written and public speaking skills. 
• Effective crisis management skills.

Competencies & Key Characteristics

• Strategic thinking
• Business acumen
• Diplomatic servant leadership
• Results driven
• Financial management
• Problem solving/analysis
• Collaboration skills
• Transparency
• Excellent communication skills
• Public sector/government relations

Compensation & Benefits

GCCSA offers a salary range of $185,950 - $195,247 and a comprehensive benefits package.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

GCCSA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practices laws. GCCSA will provide equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), gender (including gender nonconformity, gender identity and status as a transgender individual) age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Application Process

The search is being conducted by The Moran Company. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and "passion for service" via the secure online portal. Questions can be directed to Dacia L. Moore, dmoore (at) morancompany.com.

Salary : $185,950 - $195,247