Director IT - Production Support, Public Health Applications

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: Director IT - Production Support, Public Health Applications

Job Title: Director III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Public Hlth Services Appl-425

Posting Number: 17187

Closing Date: 06/18/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical

Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $12,600.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework:

Travel:

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST 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:

This position is open to U.S. Citizens and permanent residents.

This onsite role requires the selected candidate to work from an HHS office in Austin, Texas.

The Information Technology (IT) Director of Lab and Infectious Disease reports to the Director of IT Public Health Applications. This position leads the IT organization supporting system such as the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System, State Immunization Tracking System, HIV Programs, and a variety of other systems relating to infectious disease. The scope includes the full range of software development lifecycle activities, including Operational Management, project management, contract management and some budget management.

The team is comprised of about 35 staff supporting a dozen +applications. This position performs management activities including providing direction and guidance to IT managers, team members, establishing priorities, and driving the execution of strategic and tactical roadmaps established by IT and program leadership. This position also oversees the day-to-day operations of staff to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of IT systems and services.

The successful candidate should be able to work with minimal supervision. This position has significant opportunity for initiative and independent judgment. This position plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF1: Directs application support and production operations to ensure system stability, timely resolution of incidents and service requests, and effective collaboration with business partners. Establishes operational policies, procedures, service levels, and performance metrics to support compliance, customer service, and continuous improvement. Plans, assigns, and supervises staff; provides coaching and development; and manages performance to achieve organizational objectives. (25%)

EJF2: Directs the full software development lifecycle, including planning, design, development, deployment, and enhancement, to ensure applications are secure, reliable, scalable, and maintainable. Establishes standards and processes for modernization, technical debt management, quality, cybersecurity, testing, and release management; leverages modern technologies and architectures (e.g., cloud, APIs, microservices, Robotic Processes, AI technology, Agents and tools) to modernize legacy systems. Leads staff and oversees project delivery to ensure alignment with business priorities and compliance with applicable project delivery, procurement, and contracting requirements. (25%)

EJF3: Oversee contract and vendor management activities that support application development and maintenance to ensure service quality, contractual compliance, and operational effectiveness. Participates in vendor selection and oversees software tool evaluation, procurement, and contract administration. Monitors vendor performance and implements corrective actions and continuous improvement strategies to enhance service delivery and cost efficiency. (20%)

EJF4: Leads and develops a high-performing team by providing direction, coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. Plans, assigns, and oversees staff work to ensure priorities are executed effectively and aligned with organizational goals. Communicates performance expectations, supports accountability and continuous improvement, and strengthens staff capability to resolve issues and deliver quality results. (20%)

EJF5: Reviews team budgets and contracts to identify, recommend, and implement opportunities for cost avoidance and cost savings. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Advanced knowledge of modern software development frameworks, tools, methodologies, and best practices, including Agile, Lean, quality assurance, automated testing, release management, and modern application architecture.
• Knowledge of cloud and datacenter technologies, deployment models, system monitoring, performance management, security protocols, relational database systems, and contemporary web and enterprise application technologies.
• Knowledge of incident management, change management, project management, contract management, and vendor oversight practices.
• Knowledge of management, public administration, strategic planning, budget management, and human resource management principles.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program operations and information technology; knowledge of government sector processes and practices preferred.
• Skill in strategic planning, establishing goals and objectives, managing multiple priorities, and aligning work to business needs.
• Skill in problem solving, including identifying complex issues, evaluating alternatives, applying structured analysis techniques, and implementing effective solutions.
• Skill in written, verbal, and presentation communication, including the ability to convey complex technical information clearly to technical, business, executive, regulatory, and legislative audiences.
• Skill in stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and building effective working relationships with diverse teams, agencies, providers, contractors, and leadership.
• Ability to lead and manage large, complex software development and support organizations, including planning, assigning, evaluating, and motivating the work of staff.
• Ability to lead through change, develop high-performing teams, foster accountability and creativity, and support continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage contracts, improve operating procedures, and develop effective customer service systems that support organizational goals.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

PMP, ITIL, AWS/Azure or similar certifications are preferred but are not needed.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from college or university with major coursework in computer science, Information systems, Business Administration or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in software application development, support and operations is required.
• 5+ years in a leadership or senior management role is preferred. Strong background in application development, maintenance, production support, and service-level management and experience in developing product roadmaps and technology roadmaps is preferred.

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.

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 Auditors 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.