Innovation Lead

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: Innovation Lead 
Job Title: Systems Analyst VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Chief Technology Office EI 3b 
Posting Number: 10562 
Closing Date: 01/22/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-29 
Salary Range: $8,488.33 - $13,151.00 
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: 0171,8848,8858,181X,182X,1D7X1,255A,255S,25B,25D,25H,26B,62E,681X,682X,781X,CTI,CTM,CTR,CYB10,CYB11 
ISM,IT,Z Prefix 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Systems Analyst VII (Innovation Lead) will drive cloud and AI innovation initiatives across the enterprise, delivering strategic solutions that align with agency objectives and enterprise architecture. This role combines innovation strategy, solution design, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to rapidly prototype, pilot, and implement next-generation technologies. The Innovation Lead will also manage multiple innovation projects, guide solution delivery, and support adoption across stakeholders.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(30%) Defining and managing innovation roadmaps, overseeing proof-of-concept portfolios, and ensuring smooth transitions from pilot projects to full-scale production. Responsibilities also include supervising the development of business cases, conducting feasibility studies, and crafting modernization strategies. Additionally, this position requires partnering with enterprise architects to design cloud and AI solutions that are scalable, secure, and sustainable, supporting overall enterprise goals and technology advancement.

(25%) Engage with stakeholders through interviews, conducting research on emerging technologies, and leading design-thinking workshops to foster innovation. The analyst thoroughly examines current versus future state processes to pinpoint gaps and recommends AI or cloud-enabled solutions tailored to organizational needs. Additionally, the position is responsible for developing comprehensive requirements, user stories, and process flows to support both pilot projects and large-scale enterprise initiatives.

(15%) Overseeing the entire innovation delivery process, encompassing planning, prioritization, implementation, testing, and final handoff. Involves diligently tracking key milestones, identifying risks, and monitoring performance metrics to ensure projects are completed on time and maintaining high standards of quality. Additionally, the position is responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams, vendors, and technical resources to facilitate scalable and effective solution deployment.

 (15%) Lead or support solution validation activities, including evaluating AI models, conducting performance testing, and coordinating deployment efforts. Collaboration with DevOps, data, and cloud engineering teams is essential to ensure the effectiveness of implemented solutions. Additionally, the position requires monitoring post-launch outcomes and continuously iterating solutions based on user feedback and performance metrics.

(5%) Assessing technology trends, evaluating emerging AI tools, and reviewing cloud services to identify and recommend strategic investments for the organization. Additionally, the position is responsible for providing comprehensive reporting, analysis, and actionable recommendations that guide enterprise IT and innovation initiatives, ensuring that technological advancements align with the agency’s goals and support future growth.

 (5%) Ensure the successful adoption of new solutions; this role leads to training, communication, and documentation initiatives. Additionally, it supports change management by engaging stakeholders through interactive demonstrations and providing educational materials that facilitate understanding and buy-in for emerging technologies.

(5%) Collaborate with enterprise teams to support CTO-level initiatives and other special projects assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Proven experience leading cloud, AI, or emerging technology initiatives from concept to production.
• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP), SaaS, and system integration.
• Experience with rapid prototyping, and scaling innovations.
• Expertise in project management and agile delivery frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, hybrid).
• Proficiency with JIRA, Azure DevOps, ServiceNow, or similar tools for managing requirements and backlogs.
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating technology trends, creating business cases, and measuring ROI.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills with both technical and executive audiences.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and vendor management efforts.
• Ability to mentor and guide teams on innovation, product management, and modernization practices.
• Knowledge of public sector modernization initiatives and data-driven decision-making.
• Preferred certifications: PMP, CSPO, SAFe Agilist, Cloud or AI-related certifications (e.g., AWS Solution Architect, Azure AI Engineer).
• Strong understanding of data-driven decision-making and reporting tools.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and vendor management efforts.
• Ability to mentor junior analysts and promote best practices in requirements and product management.
• Knowledge of the limitations and capabilities of computer systems, the techniques used in the design of non-automated systems, information technology equipment, applicable programming languages, computer hardware and software, computer operating systems, writing program code, and automated mapping.
• Skill in solving problems; in scheduling, testing, installing, and implementing programs; and in troubleshooting computer systems.
• Ability to analyze systems and procedures, to write and revise standards and procedures, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.
• Proven ability to gather, document, and manage business and technical requirements for enterprise solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to translate emerging technology potential into actionable business solutions in complex environments

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience on a year for year basis).
• 8+ years of experience in technology innovation, systems analysis, or product delivery.

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. 

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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.