Director of Technology Program Management Office

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Information Officer within the Information Technology Services Division, the Director of the Technology Program Management Office is responsible for managing a program of services to ensure DFPS’ successful transformation to a new case management system.

This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in Information Technology Services (ITS) strategic operations and planning. Work involves establishing the strategic plan and goals and objectives; developing policies, procedures, and guidelines; 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 departments or divisions. Supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Attends works on a regular basis in accordance with DFPS Human Resources policy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Directs program activities and/or business functions within a department or division.

• Directs, plans, and guides program activities and business functions of assigned ITS operational staff by establishing goals and performance metrics and ensuring plans are in place and properly executed based on industry best practices.
• Oversees program activities and business functions of operational areas to ensure department goals, objectives and mission are carried out daily.

Oversees and/or prepares a division or department budget and reviews and approves major expenditures; and ensures that requirements of funding sources are met.

• Oversees development of departmental budget and coordinates budget reviews and forecast updates with financial teams.
• Provides accurate and timely analyses to ITS leadership that captures current departmental budget reporting and metrics.

Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of reports.

• Oversees the collection and organization of information, prepares analyses to ensure the needs and priorities of the department are being met.
• Provides guidance on department reporting, adhering to agency standards, making adjustments in accordance with applicable laws, policies and procedures.

Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities and/or business functions within a department or division; and identifies need for changes.

• Partners with division leadership to create programs aligned with business strategies and priorities within established budgets and other constraints.
•  Provides guidance and consultation to ITS leadership regarding evaluation of program activities and develops plans to address the need for changes.

Develops and establishes goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s strategic plan.

• Develops and establishes goals and objectives for ITS organizational functions, ensuring strategic alignment for operational success.
• Directs and leads the development of the agency’s strategic plan, proposing solutions that address causes affecting the department goals and objectives.

Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines; and monitors compliance.

• Identifies and implements policies, procedures and guidelines that monitor and manage the department's effectiveness of the ITS strategic plan and technology roadmap.
• Ensures department is monitoring compliance and revising policies and procedures when needed, improving department services and operations.

Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and directs evaluation activities.

• Develops policies, establishes priorities, standards guidelines, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals for assigned ITS operational areas. 
• Provides leadership, strategic direction, and technical guidance for assigned ITS operational areas, initiates change communications to leadership and staff and provides oversight to ensure compliance and coordination of goals and objectives.

Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.

• Appears on behalf of the department and agency, as requested, at meetings, advisory groups, hearings, conferences, workgroups, task forces and committees.
• Serves as a liaison, representative and subject matter expert for ITS related activities and operations to internal and external entities and stakeholders.

Reviews and approves management, productivity, and financial reports and studies.

• Reviews, approves, and provides department metrics, trends, and performance data to leadership, and develops strategies for effective management and improvement of department services and operations. 
• Reviews and assesses division management, productivity and financial reports for consistency and recommends improvements, as needed.

Reviews results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and modeling exercises to provide direction and guidance.

• Plans, directs, and guides coordinated division response to internal and external audits, research studies, and agency initiatives ensuring compliance and quality control measures are adhered to throughout the lifecycle.  

• Collaborates with division leadership and program areas in reviewing results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecast and various modeling exercises for the agency and provides direction and guidance.

May develop and oversee the implementation of long-range and short-term plans.

• Establishes and maintains robust long-range and short-term plans for assigned operational area, adopting best practices aligned with the agency’s goals and objectives.
• Evaluates divisions long-range and short-term plans, identifying and resolving issues that may delay organization goals and provides consultation to ITS leadership, as requested.

Supervises the work of others.

• Manages day-to-day supervision of staff including hiring, work assignments and performance evaluations.
• Provides direct reports with work assignments, direction and information on responsibilities and work performance standards, creates opportunities for employee development through creating structured learning plans, providing cross-training, ensuring role integration and an creating an overall context and framework to encourage employee contribution, including goal setting and feedback.

Performs related work as assigned.

REGISTRATIONS, LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS:

Project Management certification.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and operational expertise related to one or more function:  software development, system development, technology operations, system administration, various architectural domains, project or program management, organizational management, quality management, strategic initiatives.
• Knowledge and operational expertise related to the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Skill in project planning, monitoring, coordination, and results measurement.
• Skill in problem root cause analysis and negotiating problem resolution.
• Skill in developing and delivering effective training presentations in both formal and informal settings.
• Skill in Microsoft Office productivity tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.  Skill with MS Project, SharePoint, and Visio are preferred.
• Ability to analyze and interpret program and technical information including regulations, policies, and business rules to aid in DFPS IT program goal and priority setting.
• Ability to identify, develop, implement, monitor, and report quality organizational metrics.
• Ability to evaluate, document findings and improvement recommendations for organizational processes, project documentation, and deliverables.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, and develop recommendations for improving business operations and processes.

• Ability to manage program activities, to establish goals and objectives; to analyze complex information, and to report required action items to program leadership.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, execute, monitor, and evaluate goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to any level of the organization in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to lead and manage teams, work independently and as part of a team.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.