RRC - Chief Technology Officer (Director V)

The Railroad Commission of Texas seeks a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to perform highly advanced (seniorlevel) executivelevel work governing the agency’s enterprise technology program, providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning. The CTO serves as the agency’s senior technology executive, providing strategic leadership and direction for enterprise applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud services, data governance, digital transformation, and emerging technologies.

The CTO directs agencywide technology strategy, operations, governance, cybersecurity, and compliance programs in support of the agency’s mission and objectives. Responsibilities include driving technology development, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives to maintain the agency’s competitive edge. Work consists of reviewing and updating the agency’s IT strategic plan annually; developing policies, procedures, and guidelines to support strategic plan objectives; establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities and/or business functions; and reviewing and approving budgets within the division. Supervises the work of others and works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment, and executive decisionmaking.

Essential Job Duties

• Directs the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the agency’s Information Technology Strategic Plan and technology roadmap.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies to drive business growth and efficiency.
• Oversee IT architecture, operations, and data security strategies.
• Oversee architecture and technologies for IT systems, network infrastructure, and cloud computing strategies.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Prepares the agency technology budget and IT resource allocation strategies.
• Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of reports and studies, including management, productivity, and financial reports.
• Develops and/or oversees the implementation of longrange and shortterm plans.
• Develops and implements techniques to evaluate program activities and/or business functions and identifies the need for changes.
• Develops, establishes, and implements goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s strategic plan; and develops standards for achieving those goals.
• Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines; and monitors compliance.
• Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars, or on boards, panels, and committees.
• Reviews results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and modeling exercises to provide direction and guidance.
• Responds to legislative inquiries and requests for information and participates in developing legislative appropriation requests.
• Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and directs evaluation activities.
• May participate in or oversee strategic communications efforts.
• Supervises the work of others.
• Performs related work as assigned., Work Hours: Standard office hours for Commission employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternative schedules for employees, provided they do not adversely affect operations or service levels and standard hours of operation are maintained. The Commission may also offer telework in accordance with the agency’s approved Telework Plan. Alternate work schedules may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the CAPPS Prescreening Questionnaire to be considered for the posting. To complete the Prescreening Questionnaire, go to CAPPS to register or log in: _HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant.

Remarks:

• There is one available position.
• Official transcripts, DD214 or DD1300, copies of license/certifications, or other minimum requirement validations will be requested at the time of the job offer.
• Criminal background checks will be conducted on all final candidates. An applicant who has been convicted of a criminal offense relevant to the position may be disqualified from employment.

Important Information For All Applicants

The Railroad Commission of Texas does not sponsor employment visas or participate in employersponsored immigration programs. The agency does not provide employer support for applications to extend or obtain employment authorization, including employer attestations, training plans, or other documentation required for participation in programs such as STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT). Applicants should consider this policy when determining whether the position meets their employment authorization requirements.

The agency will complete employment eligibility verification and other documentation required by applicable law. The agency does not provide discretionary immigration sponsorship or programspecific employer documentation beyond those legal obligations.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited fouryear college or university, preferably with major coursework in information systems, computer science, data processing, communications, business, or a related field.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible technology experience.
• Experience developing strategic plans, technology roadmaps, policies, and governance frameworks.
• Five (5) years of executive or senior management experience directing largescale technology programs or organizations.
• Demonstrated experience with a strong understanding of enterprise architecture, software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated experience with excellent communication skills to engage with Clevel executives, board members, and technical teams.
• Experience managing technology budgets, procurements, contracts, and organizational resources., * Master’s degree in a related field.
• Demonstrated use of and knowledge of cloud platforms and tools, MS Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
• Experience overseeing artificial intelligence, machine learning, DevSecOps, and modern software engineering initiatives.
• Experience with Salesforce, .NET, and Snowflake platforms.
• Experience in scaling technology teams and digital transformation projects.
• Experience within a state government, regulatory, public sector, or highly regulated environment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions, and public administration and management principles and practices.
• Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.
• Skill in program administration, strategic planning, technology governance, AI governance, communication, stakeholder engagement, financial oversight, risk management, and decisionmaking.
• Expertise in software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript) and modern frameworks.
• Strong understanding of data architecture, AI/ML, and emerging tech trends.
• Strategic thinker with experience aligning technology with business goals.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problemsolving and decisionmaking abilities.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to nontechnical stakeholders.

To support our mission to serve Texas, we need great people to join our team. We provide a great working environment along with outstanding benefits, including:

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and at least 12 paid holidays per year
• Telework options for eligible positions
• Flexible work schedules
• Retirement pension with a 150% agency match you can watch this YouTube video that describes this amazing benefit
• 401(k), 457(b) and Roth
• Health premiums 100% paid for fulltime employees
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness and Exercise Leave
• Career development programs/opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package, please visit our website at To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees, visit the Employee Retirement Systems website at

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry; pipeline transport and pipeline safety; natural gas utilities; the LPgas industry; and surface mining operations. You can find more details about us on the Railroad Commission of Texas website here