Manager of Innovation (Systems Operations Mgr.) (Travis County Employees only)

Travis County•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Innovation leads and manages initiatives that introduce new technologies, modern practices, and creative solutions across Travis County Information Technology. This role oversees innovation projects, pilots, and programs that improve operations, enhance customer experience, and support strategic modernization goals. The manager ensures innovation activities align with business needs, coordinates cross-department collaboration, evaluates emerging technologies, and manages resources, timelines, and budgets associated with innovation work. This position is part of the Information Technology job family and is responsible for managing innovation efforts that support organizational improvement and technology modernization. Unlike higher-level executive or director roles, the Manager of Innovation focuses on program execution, stakeholder coordination, and hands-on delivery of innovation initiatives. Work is performed through project teams, vendors, partners, and matrixed staff. The role requires adaptability, creative problem-solving, leverage data to aid in policy decisions and strong communication skills to support evolving organizational priorities. A flexible schedule may be required to meet project deadlines and stakeholder needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration or a directly related field AND nine (9) years of relevant work experience, including five (5) years of team lead, supervisory or management experience; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Valid Texas Driver's License.
Knowledge of management and supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
Knowledge of policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.
Knowledge of Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
Knowledge of information technology hardware, software and peripherals as related to assigned function.
Knowledge of operating systems and foundation architecture.
Knowledge of Network Operating Systems, systems integration and multiple network protocols, such as TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, DHCP, DNS, and SNMP.
Knowledge of tasks and processes associated with installing, administering and monitoring complex Ethernet networks.
Knowledge of budget preparation and office management.
Knowledge of computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.
Skill in managing staff, allocating resources and evaluating programs.
Skill in leadership, collaboration and negotiation techniques, including contracts, agreements and proposals.
Skill in managing user expectations and satisfaction.
Skill in developing and evaluating Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
Skill in strategic planning, development, monitoring and evaluation.
Skill in developing and monitoring programs and related budgets.
Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill in both verbal and written communication, including presentations and communicating technical issues in non-technical language.
Ability to manage, motivate, train, develop and evaluate staff.
Ability to work independently and efficiently and as part of a team.
Ability to manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
Ability to translate policies and objectives into ideas and applications web-based information products.
Ability to design, install, manage and monitor the most highly complex systems, operating system software and applications.
Ability to research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies and providers, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).

Responsibilities

Manages and coordinates innovation projects and programs that introduce modern tools, methods, and technologies designed to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
Evaluates emerging technologies, industry trends, and innovative practices, and recommends opportunities for pilots, proofs of concept, or implementation within the organization.
Collaborates with internal departments, external partners, and leadership teams to identify innovation opportunities, define goals, and ensure alignment with enterprise strategies and business needs.
Leads project teams or matrixed staff assigned to innovation initiatives, providing guidance, coordinating activities, supporting professional development, and fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
Ensures technology and innovation efforts are aligned with business strategy and deliver measurable value to internal customers and stakeholders.
Establishes and maintains innovation standards, processes, and best practices related to technology exploration, evaluation, governance, and implementation.
Participates in budget development and manages expenditures for innovation-related initiatives, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient use of available resources.
Approves and manages resources and tools used for innovation activities, including pilot environments, research assets, and technology evaluation platforms.
Works closely with Data Teams to build the innovation ecosystem with good data.
Manages the day-to-day operations of the innovation lab, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards
Develop and implement metrics and KPIs to track the success of innovation projects and initiatives.
Keep up to date with industry trends and emerging technologies and use this knowledge to drive innovation within the organization.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.