Director of Innovation

The Director performs highly advanced managerial work leading complex, technology focused initiatives under the direction of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing special projects involving enterprise technology platforms, modernization efforts, and cross organizational delivery activities. The position ensures initiatives align with HHSC technology strategy, established IT governance, and approved delivery models. The role operates with minimal supervision and significant latitude for independent judgment within approved policy and strategic frameworks.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(25%)

Leads high priority, technology focused special projects assigned by the DCTO, including modernization initiatives, platform enablement efforts, and cross cutting technology programs. Defines objectives, scope, milestones, and success measures, ensuring projects align with approved enterprise technology direction and delivery expectations.

(25%) Cross Organizational Technology Coordination

Coordinates work across HHSC IT divisions, program areas, and external vendors to align technology initiatives, manage dependencies, and resolve integration or sequencing issues. Facilitates collaboration among architects, delivery teams, and business stakeholders to ensure consistent execution without creating independent technical standards or processes.

(20%) Executive Technology Decision Support

Develops executive level briefings, analyses, and recommendations related to technology initiatives, platform readiness, delivery risks, and cross program impacts. Synthesizes technical and operational inputs into clear decision materials for the DCTO and executive leadership.

(15%) Risk, Dependency, and Delivery Management

Identifies delivery risks, technical dependencies, capacity constraints, and schedule impacts across multiple technology initiatives. Evaluates options, assesses tradeoffs, and recommends mitigation strategies consistent with HHSC IT governance and portfolio priorities. Escalates issues appropriately to leadership.

(15%) Strategic Alignment & Continuous Improvement

Assesses outcomes of technology special projects to identify lessons learned and improvement opportunities. Supports refinement of coordination approaches, delivery practices, and communication models to improve execution of future enterprise technology initiatives.

Do you have experience in Vendor management?, Do you have a Bachelor’s degree?, * Enterprise technology environments, shared services, and platform ecosystems

• Cloud technologies and architectures (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and their use in large-scale programs
• Cloud service providers and common enterprise cloud capabilities (compute, storage, networking, security)
• Artificial intelligence, automation, analytics, and emerging technology concepts supporting innovation initiatives
• Enterprise architecture concepts and how solutions are designed, reviewed, and implemented
• IT governance, portfolio management, and delivery models used to prioritize and execute initiatives
• Technology modernization, innovation pilots, and transformation programs across organizations

Skills

• Executive level communication of cloud, AI, architecture, and delivery concepts
• Ability to work closely with enterprise architects to shape solution approaches and execution plans
• Cross organizational coordination across architects, delivery teams, vendors, and business stakeholders
• Leadership of complex technology initiatives from concept through execution and delivery
• Identification and management of technical dependencies, risks, and sequencing issues
• Evaluation of solution options, tradeoffs, readiness, and organizational impact
• Strategic planning and oversight of innovation, pilot, and modernization projects

Abilities

• Lead and deliver complex, technology driven initiatives with minimal supervision
• Translate technology strategy and architectural direction into coordinated, executable plans
• Drive execution while ensuring alignment with enterprise standards and governance
• Balance technical considerations (cloud, AI, architecture) with organizational priorities and constraints
• Exercise sound judgment when navigating ambiguity, emerging technologies, and evolving requirements, * Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis up to 4 years
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience leading or managing complex technology or modernization initiatives
• Experience working with executive leadership, enterprise IT organizations, and vendor supported delivery environments

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Selected candidate must be willing to commute to the office on the required days.

Pulled from the full job description

• Health insurance
• Pension plan
• Opportunities for advancement

Full job description

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.