IT Policy 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.

Functional Title: IT Policy Director 
Job Title: Director III 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Deputy Chief Information Offic 
Posting Number: 10301 
Closing Date: 01/13/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28 
Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $11,250.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 60% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 
97E0,SEI15 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The IT Policy Director provides strategic leadership and oversight in the development, implementation, and governance of IT policies and business processes for the agency. This position ensures that IT practices align with enterprise goals, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and promote efficiency, security, and accountability across all IT functions. The director collaborates with executive leadership, operational departments, and business areas to develop a coherent IT policy framework and drive process improvements. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Attend work on a regular and predicable schedule in accordance with the agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.
• Lead the analysis, development, maintenance, publication, outreach, interpretation and enforcement of IT policies and processes ensuring effective risk mitigation and alignment with state and federal laws and regulations, cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, CIS), and industry best practices. (20%)
• Establish and manage IT policy governance structures and processes including regular review of existing policies and processes. (20%)
• Analyze and improve IT operational and administrative processes. (10%)
• Provide consultative support to agency staff on the interpretation and application of IT policies. (10%)
• Support the CIO and other IT leadership in aligning IT policy and process initiatives with strategic business objectives and compliance requirements. (20%)
• Supervise policy team, including developing and tracking performance objectives and managing professional development plans. (20%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of industry best practices for policy and process analysis, development, maintenance, and publication, and associated frameworks.
• Knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations and how they apply to the IT environment.
• Knowledge of business process analysis and quality improvement.
• Knowledge of business process analysis and quality improvement.
• Skill in providing oversight and management for complex systems and different agency processes.
• Skill in building and promoting effective working relationships with user and stakeholder communities operating in a large enterprise environment.
• Skill in communication, both verbal and written.
• Skill in mentoring and leadership skills.
• Skill in attention to detail and discerning accuracy of information.
• Skill in giving effective presentations to varying audiences.
• Skill in working collaboratively with colleagues.
• Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in the use of computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Skill in implementing approaches that make most efficient use of limited resources.
• Ability to lead and manage teams, work independently and as part of a team for a large, complex and sophisticated technical and professional workforce.
• Ability to implement approaches that make most efficient use of limited resources
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain statutes, regulations, policies, and processes to others.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, set priorities, and adapt to shifting technical and political developments.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to provide excellent internal and external customer service.
• Advanced knowledge of policy and process development.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into accessible language for non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Minimum Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in policy development and at least 2 years of management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing policies for a state agency in Texas.
• Legislative drafting experience.
• Bill analysis experience.

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

• Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

• This is a hybrid position based in Austin with at least three (3) days in the office required. Selected candidate must be willing to commute to the office on the required days. 

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

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.