IT Policy Director

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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.
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.
Five (5) years of experience in policy development is required.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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%)