Director of Public Health Applications

OverviewJoin to apply for the Director of Public Health Applications role at Texas Health and Human ServicesJoin 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 of Public Health ApplicationsJob Title: Director IVAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: Public Hlth Services Appl-425Posting Number: 8412Closing Date: 11/19/2025Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Computer and MathematicalSalary Group: TEXAS-B-29Salary Range: $8,488.33 - $14,356.00Pay Frequency: MonthlyShift: DayTravel: Up to 100%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: ExemptJob Location City: AUSTINJob Location Address: 701 W 51ST STOther Locations: MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,621X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0Nearest Major Market: AustinResponsibilitiesLead the design, development, implementation, maintenance and support of software applications that enable critical business functions for DSHS, reporting to the Deputy CIO in the HHS Information Technology division. Oversee software development teams, ensure application stability, manage system enhancements, and align technology solutions with organizational goals.Direct IT organization supporting more than 60 programs at the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), including Vital Statistics, Infectious Disease Surveillance & Outbreak Response, Office of Border Affairs, and the Texas Center for Infectious Disease (TCID). Manage full SDLC, project management, contract management, and budget management. Lead a team of about 150 staff and contractors supporting ~60 applications.Provide direction to Public Health Applications team members, establish priorities, and drive execution of strategic and tactical roadmaps established by IT and program leadership. Foster strategic thinking, strong leadership, and hands-on technologist capabilities; operate with minimal supervision.Essential Job Functions (EJFs)EJF 1: (25%) Oversee the full SDLC including planning, development, deployment, continuous improvement; ensure reliability, security, performance; manage technical debt; leverage modern technologies to modernize legacy systems; guide team to deliver on time and within budget; drive best practices in code quality, security, testing and deployment; align with Texas Project Delivery Framework and Texas Procurement and Contracting Standards; partner with stakeholders to prioritize business needs.EJF 2: (25%) Lead support and maintenance of critical agency software; ensure timely incident response; implement triage and resolution processes; set operational policies and KPIs; drive improvements in availability and collaboration with business units and audit teams; define strategic roadmaps for infrastructure currency and cost reduction.EJF 3: (20%) Oversee IT contracts supporting development/maintenance; participate in vendor selections; enforce best practices in procurement and vendor performance; drive continuous improvement in vendor services, quality, and cost.EJF 4: (20%) Lead, mentor and grow cross-functional teams; plan and oversee daily tasks; ensure training plans; manage performance and develop a high-performance workforce capable of root-cause analysis and permanent corrective actions.EJF 5: (10%) Review department budget and contracts to identify cost avoidance and savings opportunities.Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)Advanced knowledge of modern software development frameworks and languages.Knowledge of cloud infrastructure, deployment models, and application development methodologies.Knowledge of modern Agile and Lean SDLC practices.Knowledge of SOA principles, distributed UI, multiple RDBMS, monitoring utilities, network and security components, and modern Web technologies.Knowledge of government sector processes is preferred.Knowledge of software quality assurance and automated testing strategies and tools.Knowledge of incident management, release management and monitoring tools.Knowledge of managing large-scale contracts with vendors.Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.Ability to manage large, complex technology environments and multiple concurrent projects.Strong leadership and team management abilities.Ability to set goals aligned with agency strategies and measure progress.Ability to analyze complex technical problems, evaluate options, and implement solutions.Ability to communicate clearly with technical and non-technical audiences.Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or CertificationsPMP, ITIL, AWS/Azure or similar certifications are preferred but not itial Screening CriteriaGraduation from college or university with major coursework in computer science, Information systems, Business Administration or related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Requires 10+ years of progressive experience in application or software development life cycle; 5+ years in a leadership or senior management role is preferred, with strong background in maintenance, production support, service-level management and roadmaps.Additional InformationAny employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. Salary determined by budget and HHSC HR Manual.Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.This is a hybrid position that requires working from the Austin office at least three days a week with in-person executive meetings as needed. Willingness to work up to 5 days a week in Austin.HHSC uses E-Verify. Candidates must bring I-9 documentation on first day.ADA AccommodationsHHSC and DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during hiring. For assistance, contact the HHS Employee Service Center. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-24