Director of Technology Initiatives

The Director of Technology Initiatives performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic planning and execution for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) within the Information Technology Services Division.

This position will provide oversight and management of the program to transition the agency’s case management system. DFPS has  initiated a planning effort for the next iteration of the agency’s case management system. This effort will require DFPS to develop a plan and roadmap outlining goals, objectives, approach, and financial impact. The agency is seeking an individual to fill the role of theTechnology Initiatives Director who has experience in leading and/or managing projects and implementing program. This individual must have knowledge and experience in child welfare systems and best practices as well as experience working on IT projects to support the agency’s work in this domain. This individual will manage a team that will lead the agency in developing strategic goals, objectives and plans; and manage and execute on the agency’s vision for a new case management system. 

Work involves overseeing strategic improvement of the agency’s case management system, recommending and developing policies, procedures, and guidelines; establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; overseeing the development of the division’s strategic plan and goals and objectives as it relates to IT Systems; coordinating and evaluating programmatic activities and/or other functions; and reviewing and approving budgets within the divisions; administering information resource projects; performing oversight of large scale agency projects and/or applications; and formulating and monitoring of service level agreements. Supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

The Technology Initiatives Director is accountable to the DFPS Deputy Chief Information Officer within the Information Technology Services Division.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

• Directs the scope of work, evaluation criteria, deliverables, performance measures, schedules, and milestones for agency projects and application support.
• Oversees IT projects, systems development, and support services.
* Coordinating work with partner agencies and vendors.
• Directs managers and staff of information resource functions so that projects are implemented in accordance with applicable federal and state law and agency information resources’ policy.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with customer/program area; and external partners
• Provides direction, guidance, and assistance to customer/program areas.
• Establishes goals and objectives that support overall agency and IT strategies.
• Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals.
• Ensures agency information resources’ policy, standards and procedures are followed.
• Reviews guidelines, procedures, rules, and regulations, and monitors compliance.
• Manages expenditures to ensure budget allocation is not exceeded and in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews and approves management, productivity, and financial reports and studies.
• Promotes compliance with federal and state law and agency policies regarding information resources and sensitive and confidential information; and,
• Supports agency information technology audits and responses to legislative inquiries or requests.

Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.
• Represents the division at meetings, advisory groups, hearings, seminars, conferences, workgroups, task forces, and committees, as needed, to ensure coordination and consistency for the agency to improve strategic information technology initiatives.
• Serves as a liaison and subject matter expert to internal and external partners and other stakeholders.
• Plans, organizes, and facilitates internal and external meetings, multidisciplinary teams, and workgroups for the purpose of strengthening information technology systems.

Develops and/or oversees the implementation of long-range and short-term plans.
• Works with DFPS information technology and executive leadership to develop plans and specific activities to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Engages stakeholders in developing both long- and short-term plans

Responds to legislative inquiries and requests for information and participates in developing legislative appropriation requests.
• Reviews and evaluates the impact of proposed federal and state legislation on DFPS policies and procedures relating to strategic initiatives that are being implemented.
• Participates with DFPS senior and executive leadership, Office of Finance, and programs areas in developing legislative appropriation request for strategic initiatives, as needed.

Participates in activities related to the legislative process including responding to legislative requests for information and providing legislative testimony.
• Represents the division by making presentations, providing information and testimony to the department’s executive team, legislative committees, state and federal agencies, and other groups and organizations, as required.

• Oversees and reviews the impact of proposed federal and state legislation on the department’s plans policies and procedures as it relates to implementation of a case management system.
• Collaborates with DFPS Government Relations in responding to legislative inquiries related to the agency’s strategy for information technology as needed, and requests from legislators and external stakeholders.  

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of:
• IT environments in state agencies or universities
• IT legislative requirements for both the state and federal governments.

• Knowledge and experience in analysis and/or implementation of SACWIS and/or CCWIS systems/projects.
• DFPS programs and policies.
• Information technology trends.
• Change management best practices for technology related initiatives including training and communication.

Skill in:
• analyzing complex business environments and policies to develop effective and innovative IT solutions that address needs and meet requirements.
• defining customer requirements, securing project approval, establishing plans, managing budgeted resources, and assessing achievement of goals.
• effectively supervising staff by providing leadership, exercising authority, promoting employee development, and modeling and encouraging effective working relationships with internal staff and staff from other executive and legislative agencies.
• directing IT programs including strategic and operational planning; policy, standards, procedures, and tools promulgation; IT security; software and hardware acquisitions, licensing, and maintenance; project development and rollout; information collection and reporting; business/technology performance metrics; and, staff development.
• responding to queries from state legislative and auditing entities.
• negotiation, decision-making, oral and written communication, and leadership.

Ability to:
• direct and organize program activities; to establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan, to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
• develop and evaluate budget requests and monitor budget expenditures.
• evaluate customer service processes and procedures, and resolve customer service issues.
 

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Project Management Professional (PMP) is preferred.   

Initial Selection Criteria:
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social services, computer science, business administration, public administration, or related field. Relevant work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• At least five () years of experience working with on complex special projects .
• At least three years of management experience.

• Knowledge of and experience in child welfare;

• Knowledge of and experience working in IT projects within the child welfare domain.

• DFPS experience preferred.