DIR_ Director VII (Chief Information Officer)

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) executive and managerial work providing strategic leadership and oversight for the agency’s information technology and artificial intelligence programs, governance, operations, and enterprise initiatives. Serves as DIR’s Chief Information Officer responsible for establishing the agency’s enterprise technology strategy, AI governance direction, enterprise architecture standards, and technical objectives. Work involves providing executive oversight and strategic direction, establishing goals and objectives, and overseeing the IT department through the Director of Information Technology and the AI department through the Director of Applied AI. This role will focus on directing agency-wide technology and AI governance activities, establishing priorities, standards, measurement tools, and the application of technologies to improve government efficiency, enhance decision making processes, and foster innovation in the public sector. Serves as a member of DIR’s Executive Leadership Team. Works under the minimal supervision of DIR’s Executive Director and State CIO with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgement.

• Provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the agency’s IT and AI programs, operations, and governance functions, ensuring alignment with agency mission and priorities.
• Leads program activities and business functions within the department; oversees and assists with the preparation of department budgets; manages the hiring process, development of employee annual performance goals, and conducts timely performance evaluations.
• Oversees the IT department at DIR, including operations, service delivery, project management, and technology modernization activities, providing direction to the Director of Information Technology Services.
• Oversees the AI division at DIR, including the evaluation of innovative technologies to enhance government efficiency, improve decision-making, and elevate constituent services, providing direction to the Director of Applied AI. Ensures the responsible development and deployment of AI solutions.
• Promotes a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and workforce development, including identifying training needs and opportunities, and ensuring high-performing IT and AI teams.
• Serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to enterprise strategy, legislative planning, statewide collaboration, and interagency technology coordination.
• Provides executive counsel to the Executive Director/State CIO and agency leadership regarding technology investments, IT risk, data strategies, and AI-enabled transformation.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Do you have experience in Team supervision?, Do you have a High school diploma or GED?, * Nine (9) years of senior-level experience in information technology, information security programs, IT risk management, or artificial intelligence

• Seven (7) years in senior architecture or technical leadership roles leading cross-functional teams and advising executive stakeholders
• Three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience
• A high school diploma is required.
• Education may be substituted for work-related experience on a year-for-year basis.

Experience and Education Preferred

• Experience architecting AI platforms within government or highly regulated industries
• Experience implementing responsible AI, model governance, and compliance
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in information technology, computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, business, or a related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skill influencing others to perform their jobs in a timely, accurate, and effective manner.
• Knowledge of machine learning basics, natural language processing, and Generative AI to make informed decisions about technology adoption.
• Knowledge of the data lifecycle to ensure data is reliable for AI models.
• Knowledge AI risks and the creation governance frameworks, transparency, privacy, and compliance with regulations.
• Experience reimaging how AI and IT harnesses technical potential and bridges the gap between capabilities and strategic goals.
• Ability to effectively lead and manage a team; includes motivating team members, driving individual and team productivity, providing guidance and direction, setting clear expectations, having difficult conversations, and making difficult decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, direct supervisors, co-workers, internal and external customers.
• Ability to understand, follow and convey brief oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to support and contribute to a cohesive team environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet required deadlines.
• Ability to comply with all agency policy and applicable laws.
• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of any critical infrastructure researched, worked on, or accessed for work purposes.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in the use of a computer and applicable software necessary to perform work assignments e.g., word processing, spreadsheets (Microsoft Office preferred).

Other Requirements

• Regular and punctual attendance at the workplace.
• Criminal background check.

4.54.5 out of 5 stars 300 West 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701 $17,417.00 - $17,916.67 a month - Full-time

Position DescriptionWe are a technology agency powered by people.

DIR offers secure, modern, and cost-effective technology to help government entities in Texas serve their constituents.

DIR is a fast-paced and collaborative environment with highly motivated, innovative, and engaged employees dedicated to achieving the best value for the state. We have over 250 professionals working at DIR who are honored to serve as the cornerstone of public sector technology in Texas. By joining DIR, you will be an integral part of transforming how Texas government serves Texans.