Right of Way Contracts and Finance Section Director

Texas Department of Transportation•Austin, TX

40d

About The Position

Oversees forecast and budgeting of right of way project portfolio, tracking budget allocation of ROW expenditures for district operations, payment of all ROW expenditures applications for federal and state funding on ROW projects, financial reconciliation of ROW Projects, and contract administration of over $1 billion of right of way contracts. Manages all aspects of the ROW project lifecycle from initial project setup to financial closeout. Leads and develops a team of professional, technical, and clerical employees, including data and business analysts, to support the division's data-driven decision making, performance measurement, and reporting needs. Directs the implementation of data management, analytics, and business intelligence initiatives in alignment with the ROW Data Management program and division-wide priorities. Ensures the integration of advanced data analysis, dashboard development, and business process improvement to enhance operational efficiency and strategic planning. Reports to the Deputy Director. Work requires extensive contact with district operations, department administration, governmental agencies, and private entities. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product. This position operates within a values-driven environment where collaboration, integrity, and empathy are essential. Our team culture emphasizes transparency, mutual respect, and shared accountability.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis.
5 years of experience in government finance, government contract management or right of way activities (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent) Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.
Must have three (3) years supervisory/managerial experience. Project leader or lead worker experience may substitute for supervisory/managerial experience.
Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional (PMP)
Demonstrated alignment with ROW core values: Respect, Honesty, Transparency, Trust, Kindness, Accountability, and Unity.
Project portfolio management
Automated records storage and database retrieval systems
Developing, implementing, and monitoring budgets
Financial management and accounting systems
Contract development, procurement, and oversight
Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
Right of way policies, procedures, and terminology
Principles of right of way acquisition and associated terminology
Statistical and analytical principles to drive data driven decisions
Right of way related payment and contributing records
Directing and establishing objectives; clarifying roles and responsibilities through individual performance plans; monitoring and measuring performance against goals; evaluating results and making necessary adjustments to meet deadlines
Ability to examine large datasets, identify trends, and derive actionable insights
Proficiency in statistical modeling and predictive analytics
Ability to communicate insights visually for non-technical stakeholders
Ability to present complex insights clearly to non-technical audiences
Strong written and verbal communication for stakeholder engagement
Developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical information
Communicating complex ideas and information clearly, concisely, and effectively
Data analysis, business intelligence, and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau)
Aligning analytics initiatives with organizational goals and integrating AI-driven insights for operational efficiency
Data governance, quality assurance, and reporting best practices

Responsibilities

Administers right-of-way acquisition and real property management budget.
Maintains division active and permanent records in accordance with Department policies and state law.
Oversees, procures, and administers contracts relating to outsourcing of right-of-way activities for the state.
Oversees right of way project portfolio for statewide projects.
Oversees special assignments directed by the Division Director or Deputy Director.
Oversees the preparation of necessary forms to authorize the issuance of a state warrant.
Prepares right-of-way contracts with cities and counties.
Reports right-of-way activity statistics to the Administration, Legislative Budget Board, Legislature, and legal counsel.
Represents the Department at national, state, and local levels concerning right-of-way acquisition and contracting for professional service of right of way activities.
Drives to perform these duties.
Oversees all right-of-way related payment requests.
Leads and develops a team of data and business analysts to support data-driven decision making, performance measurement, and reporting for the Right of Way Division.
Directs the management, and analysis of right of way data, ensuring data integrity and supporting division-wide initiatives.
Collaborates with analysts to develop dashboards, reports, and visualizations that inform leadership and support strategic objectives.
Ensures compliance with data governance, privacy, and security standards as outlined by TxDOT and the ROW Division.
Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.