Director of Information Technology

The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office (HCTO) is seeking, pending Commissioners Court approval, a strategic and forward-thinking Director of Information Technology to lead the modernization of HCTO’s technology environment and advance technology solutions that improve the customer and employee experience. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, this position will provide leadership in translating technology assessments, IT systems modernization, business needs, and organizational priorities into actionable strategies and implementation plans. This position will help define technology priorities, establish implementation roadmaps, and lead the successful execution of modernization initiatives.

The Director of Information Technology oversees the Software Applications Development and Hardware & Desktop Technical Support units and works closely with Universal Services to coordinate enterprise technology services and ensure alignment with Harris County’s technology standards and requirements.

The Director will serve as the department’s principal technology advisor and leader, driving innovation and ensuring technology investments and initiatives support business priorities, improve operational effectiveness, and deliver a better experience for customers and employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Technology Strategy & Modernization

• Lead the department’s technology modernization strategy, translating assessments, business needs, and organizational priorities into actionable initiatives.
• Develop and maintain a technology roadmap that prioritizes modernization, application improvements, integration, automation, and emerging technology opportunities.
• Lead implementation efforts and ensure technology investments improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and the customer and employee experience.
• Ensure high availability of software platforms and integrated hardware systems.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the Information Technology team.
• Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards while fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Applications & Technology Solutions

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to the Software Applications Development team and maintain a strong understanding of HCTO’s applications, integrations, and technology needs.
• Provide technical direction and hands-on guidance when appropriate to ensure solutions are practical, sustainable, and aligned with department business requirements.
• Direct all phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Oversee architecture, coding standards, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
• Ensure applications are scalable, secure, maintainable, and high performing.
• Lead Agile/Scrum software development teams.
• Oversee cloud-native and on-premise application development.
• Establish DevOps and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards and secure coding practices.

Hardware and Technical Support

• Lead the Hardware & Desktop Technical support team, overseeing department technology assets, lifecycle planning, and end-user technology standards in coordination with Universal Services.
• Identify opportunities to improve the employee technology experience and reduce recurring technology issues.
• Direct integration between hardware devices and enterprise software applications.
• Support embedded systems, IoT devices, industrial automation, and edge computing initiatives.
• Evaluate hardware performance, reliability, and compatibility.
• Coordinate firmware updates and hardware lifecycle planning.
• Work closely with infrastructure, networking, and security teams to optimize system performance.

Project & Implementation Management

• Lead HCTO’s complex technology project portfolio from planning to implementation.
• Establish priorities, timelines, resources, and measures of success while managing risks, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations.
• Monitor project performance using key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure projects are delivered effectively and achieve their intended operational and service outcomes.
• Communicate project status to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Plan and lead PMR (Project Management Report) weekly update with HCTO key stakeholders.
• Oversee disaster recovery planning and business continuity.

Technology Partnerships

• Serve as the primary technology contact with Universal Services, coordinating department technology needs and initiatives that depend on enterprise technology services and ensuring alignment with County technology, security, privacy, and compliance requirements.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors, software providers, consultants, and other technology partners including Universal Services.
• Lead technology solution evaluations and vendor performance.
• Ensure technology partners deliver quality solutions and serves to meet department needs.

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a closely related field.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in information technology, application development, systems management, or a related technology discipline.
• 5+ years of experience leading and managing technology teams, modernization initiatives, and complex technology projects.
• Experience modernizing legacy applications and integrating disparate systems.
• Experience leading enterprise software engineering teams.
• Experience managing hardware/software integration projects.
• Experience with enterprise architecture and cloud platforms.
• Experience managing technology vendors, projects, and technology roadmaps.
• Experience implementing Agile development methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to understand complex technical environments and translate operational needs into effective technology solutions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of enterprise IT strategy, governance, architecture, cybersecurity, cloud computing, networking, infrastructure, databases, system integration, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
• Knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Agile, DevOps, IT service management, enterprise applications, business continuity, disaster recovery, and technology risk management.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic technology plans aligned with organizational goals and business objectives.
• Ability to evaluate, integrate, implement, and manage enterprise systems, cloud solutions, applications, and technology platforms.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to lead, mentor, develop, and retain high-performing IT teams while fostering innovation, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively concepts effectively to executive leadership, business stakeholders, technical staff, and the public.
• Knowledge of applicable technology standards, cybersecurity frameworks, privacy requirements, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices., Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or Business Administration.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, PMP, ITIL, COBIT, TOGAF, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and/or comparable industry-recognized credentials., Ability to sit for extended periods while using a computer.
• Occasionally lift and move equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel to various work locations as needed.
• Ability to inspect hardware installations in server rooms or equipment facilities.

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan. The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions: Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*

• METRO RideSponsor Program*

• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County’s behalf as needed.