DSHS Data Analytics Director

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

The Information Technology (IT) Director of Data Analytics Support (DAS) and Strategic Initiatives reports to the Chief Data Architect (CDA) and is critical in the data analytics for public and internal data reporting across the Health and Human Services System. This highly skilled strategic position oversees the IT organization supporting the data analytics capabilities and tools used by Health and Human Services (HHS) with a focus on the Department of State Health Services State Health Analytics and Reporting Platform.  This position oversees a highly specialized workforce comprised of data governance, architecture, development and operational teams and is responsible for providing vision and strategic direction for new and existing data and analytics systems in support of the HHS business objectives and requirements.

This position reviews and approves data strategy designs for data analytics solutions projects and initiatives and must be knowledgeable and have expertise with cloud services and solutions for data analytics and reporting. This position will require working closely with other CDA areas and key stakeholders across HHS to ensure solution designs meet key business needs.  This position requires significant HHS cross departmental coordination as well as communication with senior, executive management and vendor management. The position will participate in strategic planning for HHS IT CDA, providing guidance and support for all strategic initiatives.  The position works with minimal supervision and has significant opportunity for initiative and independent judgment. This position plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Oversee and implement the data analytics strategies that align with the overall goals and objectives of the agency. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as program managers and staff, to understand their data analytics and reporting needs and ensure that IT solutions are aligned with their requirements.  Works collaboratively with IT data, solution and technology architects to determine the best analytics technology solutions for HHS.  Oversight and validation of technical recommendations, including but not limited to data architecture designs, data acquisition strategies, proposed solutions, data models and deliverables from vendors as part of the planning, design, and implementation phases.  (35%)

Participates in IT Governance activities for architecture design and standards across IT as a CDA representative. Oversees the HHS teams responsible for the development and implementation of a CDA  data analytics and data governance projects and initiatives providing guidance on data design and acquisition strategies; and with implementation vendors contracted for CDA managed projects. Leads multiple teams responsible for the development of CDA policy, processes, and standards. Oversees and provides technical expertise for all activities related to HHS data and its use or proposed use. This includes overseeing the development of solutions and cost estimate methodologies and participating in applicable federal and state processes for a variety of program technology intakes and proposals for data analytics and reporting, the full range of software development life cycle activities, project management and execution, contract management, and budget management. (35%)

Development and presentation of concise, informative executive level presentations to communicate strategic initiatives, goals and objectives, and project status to a variety of stakeholders and to provide technical expertise for all activities related to HHS data and its use or proposed use. Active lead participant in Executive Steering Committees for data governance and reporting.  (20%)

Hires, manages, and develops staff; provides input into evaluations and recommends personnel actions including merits, promotions and disciplinary actions in accordance with HHSC policies and procedures. Establishes goals and objectives that support overall strategies; plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and directs evaluation activities. Oversees the development and advancement of staff through training and development plans. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge

• Knowledge of project management processes and tools.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, budget management, and human resource management.
• Knowledge of multiple software development life cycle methodologies including agile.
• Knowledge of change management and incident management processes.
• Knowledge of leadership principles and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas and information technology.
• Expert knowledge with enterprise level database design, including data security & access auditing considerations, & full data lifecycle management (gathering, cleansing, publishing, archiving, back-up and recovery, and purging) for large enterprise systems
• Expert knowledge in data analysis (e.g. SQL, Oracle, and Snowflake)
• Knowledge with data visualization tools (e.g.- Tableau, Power BI, Cognos) & data modeling tools (e.g.- Erwin, ERStudio)
• Expert knowledge of cloud technologies, cloud services, and key cloud services providers.
• Knowledge of hardware and software technology infrastructure, configuration, networking & telecommunications requirements for data & analytics systems
• Knowledge of both current and emerging technologies, with a focus on their practical applications in professional environments.
• Knowledge of technological advancements and the ability to apply such knowledge to foster innovation.
• Knowledge of Texas legislative process and experience working with the Texas legislature.
• Knowledge of state and federal health and human services regulations, particularly related to IT.

Skills

• Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.
• Skill in written communication and public speaking. Skill in managing multiple priorities.
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions. Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Skill in analysis and interpretation of large, complex IT/technology outsourcing contracts.
• Skill in influencing, negotiation, mediation, and problem resolution.
• Skilled in identifying and utilizing both current and emerging technologies for practical implementation.
• Skilled in navigating legislative frameworks in health, human services, and IT.

Abilities

• Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and identify/implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare presentations; and to plan, assign, and oversee the work of others
• Ability to communicate effectively, build & maintain effective working relationships, negotiate with individuals & groups, develop professional networks & identify the internal & external dynamics that impact the work of the organization.
• Ability to establish mission, vision, goals and objectives for an organization.
• Ability to plan, assign, evaluate and motivate the work of others to build strong and collaborative teams.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff at all levels of an organization, agencies, providers, stakeholders and elected officials.
• Ability to manage contracts and vendor relationships.
• Ability to organize and present information effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to convey complex technical information simply and concisely.
• Ability to assemble data, assess data, and make decisions based on data relationships and trends.
• Experience and ability to communicate and present to executive boards and steering committees.
• Ability to envision manual processes in an automated form and drive toward automated solutions to replace manual processes.
• Ability to establish and evaluate program policies, procedures, goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to coordinate multiple assignments, organize and set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to logically assemble and evaluate information.
• Ability to prepare concise reports and analyze complex information.

• Ability to comprehend and apply current and developing technologies effectively within relevant projects.

• Ability to interpret laws governing health and human services, with experience in the Texas legislative process.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Cloud Certifications preferred

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation with major coursework in Information Technology, Computer Science, business administration, management information systems, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another up to 4 years.

At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in IT, with at least 3-5 years of experience in managing software development and/or software quality assurance teams is required.

Experience in program/portfolio management, IT operational support, project delivery, IT Governance is preferred.

Experience in strategic planning and working with senior and executive level experience.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

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.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.