Texas Health and Human Services (HHS), comprising the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), is committed to enhancing the lives of over 7 million Texans each month through hundreds of essential programs and services. Our dedicated team of over 38,000 professionals administers more than 200 programs across 1,000 locations statewide, making a difference in the lives of Texans every day.
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) reports to the HHSC Chief Operating Officer (COO) and provides executive leadership to establish and drive the realization of the agency's Information Technology (IT) vision and strategy, which enables HHS to focus on who we serve, what they need, and how best to deliver services that are efficient, secure, and accessible. Supported by a team of over 1,500 employees and 1,500 contractors, the CIO plays a crucial role in shaping and managing the organization's IT strategy, operations, and systems.
The CIO should be a visionary, servant leader with extensive experience in managing cross-functional teams, driving technological innovation, and aligning IT initiatives with public sector operations. The CIO will ensure that IT systems and policies support the agency’s goals and programs diagnosing issues and developing solutions that meet the client’s needs while maintaining a focus on innovation, efficiency, and security. The role requires extensive experience in strategic thinking and planning; recruiting and managing diverse teams, including staff and vendors; transforming organizations to support the agency mission; and working with legislative members and their staff.
The role requires effective communication with a range of internal and external stakeholders to foster a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. The CIO should have experience with data systems that provide client services such as case management, grant and contract monitoring, and eligibility determination. The CIO enhances unity and cooperation within the IT division and across multiple internal stakeholders and colleagues. Responsive communication at all levels within the agency is essential for delivering excellent customer service. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions:
Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the IT division to support the efficient delivery of health and human services. Sets and operationalizes IT strategy alignment with agency business needs. Leads the planning and management of technology infrastructure, systems, and applications to support business operations. Works with agency programs to assist in technology requirement development, procurement, and oversight of technology vendors for program implementation. Ensures IT division support for business needs through effective system architecture, application management, security and risk management, and infrastructure operations.
Authorizes and oversees the deployment, maintenance, and support of IT solutions and resources to meet system-wide needs. Develops technology standards and governance processes for value delivery. Executes analytics programs for data-driven decision-making. Directs large-scale project implementations and oversees IT investments, ensuring cost-effective and innovative solutions to achieve business goals, while negotiating and managing major IT contracts.
Provides guidance on integrating emerging technologies within the HHS system, ensuring IT capabilities align with business strategy. Partners with the Texas Department of Information Resources to ensure compliance and alignment with state technology strategies. Provides support to program areas to maintain legacy systems and formulates development plans for modernization Promotes innovation and continuous improvement within the IT division.
Serves as a trusted advisor and builds relationships with agency executive leadership and business unit leaders. Promotes transparency and fosters collaboration between IT and business partners, to ensure alignment and support. Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships with external vendors, suppliers, and stakeholders. Encourages a collaborative culture within the IT division to enhance coordination and achieve shared objectives. Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars, and on boards, panels, and committees.
Oversees the processes for all annual and multi-year IT planning, programming, and budgeting decisions. Participates in assessing external opportunities, threats, and internal technology capabilities. Develops and manages the annual operating and capital expenditure budget for IT, ensuring alignment with overall strategic objectives. Chairs the HHS IT Governance Board, defining processes and policies related to Agency IT procurement and development ensuring resources are allocated efficiently across the organization.
Assesses the agency’s IT workforce needs and develops strategies and plans to address them. Develops and maintains an IT workforce with the appropriate knowledge, technical skills, and competencies. Balances the growth of business agility with the stability of core IT functions. Ensures readiness for emergencies, minimizing disruptions for business continuity.
Provides oversight of IT staff and leaders, effectively communicates priorities, policies, and objectives. Directs staff, establishes clear expectations, and provides support. Oversees management and staff, including tasks such as hiring and selection, assigning work, performance evaluations, recommendation of personnel actions, disciplinary measures, and leave management.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge:
Digital Transformation: Expertise in driving digital transformation and business growth through technology innovation and implementation.
Financial Management: Knowledge of budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation to maximize return on investment.
Emerging Technologies: Knowledge of current and emerging technologies and their practical applications.
State and Federal Law: Extensive knowledge of State of Texas legislative process, including experience in working with the Texas legislature. Comprehensive understanding of state and federal health and human services programs and regulations relevant to information technology.
Leadership Principles: Knowledge of leadership principles for managing varied professional staff and agency resources.
Cybersecurity: Deep understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices to protect IT assets and data.
Skills:
Strategic Thinking and Planning: Strong analytical, strategic conceptual thinking, planning, and execution skills.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of explaining technical concepts to business leaders and business concepts to the IT workforce.
Project Management: Proven skills in managing and executing complex projects on time and within budget.
Team Development: Effective in developing and leading high-performing teams, ensuring the workforce is skilled and adaptable to technical advances.
Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving: Skilled in resolving conflicts, problem-solving, and making sound judgments under pressure.
Data and Analytics: Expertise in leveraging data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
Prioritization of Requirements: Skill in assessing and prioritizing IT requirements to ensure optimal use of scarce resources.
Budget Management: Skills in budget planning, financial management, and ensuring the best return on investment for IT initiatives. ?
Abilities:
Leadership: Ability to develop and communicate a vision that aligns with business strategy and motivates staff.
Leading Change Initiatives: Capable of leading major change initiatives, managing organizational change, and ensuring the agency adapts to technical advancements.
Culture: Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive team environment that encourages various perspectives, continuous learning, and high performance.
Innovation: Ability to foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, driving technology-driven initiatives.
Adaptability: Ability to adapt strategies based on changing technology landscapes and business needs.
Collaboration: Strong partnership-building abilities to foster productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Strategic Execution: Ability to translate business objectives into actionable IT strategies and execute them effectively.
Risk Management: Recognize and mitigate risks in the IT environment, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures.
Quality Service Delivery: Providing high-quality customer service to internal and external constituencies, ensuring IT services meet their needs.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Initial Selection Criteria:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in management information systems, computer science, business administration or related field. Related work experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis with maximum substitution of four years. Master’s Degree preferred.
At least seven (7) years of executive and senior leadership of large/complex organization(s), including managing large operations and making independent, high-level decisions. Proven experience in executing complex, high-level projects.
State of Texas agency experience preferred.
Additional Information:
This position offers occasional telework opportunities, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Information technology supports the entire HHS system, which includes State Hospitals and State Supported Living Centers which operate 24/7.
Learn more about Benefits: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/about/jobs-hhs/benefits-working-hhs
MOS Code:
Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 8003, 8041, 10C0, 91C0, 90G0, LDO. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk: http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
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