Chief Data Officer

Overview 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. Position Summary Functional Title: Chief Data Officer Job Title: Deputy Director I Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Strategic Integration's Office Posting Number: 17965 Salary Range: $12,427.83 - $21,018.66 monthly Shift: Day Telework eligible Travel: Up to 5% Location: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST, Austin, TX Job Type: Full‑time, Regular, Exempt Brief Job Description The Chief Data Officer is responsible for advancing and exercising clear authority over an enterprise‑wide data governance, management and strategy framework that enables cross‑divisional integration, informed decision‑making, policy analysis, and performance management. The Chief Data Officer serves as the agency’s principal authority on data governance and data‑driven strategy, setting and enforcing data stewardship standards and oversight across the data lifecycle. The role involves directing, monitoring, and enforcing compliance to execute the agency’s data mission. Key Responsibilities Partner with agency executives and leadership to ensure data is well‑governed, reliable, aligned, secure and usable across systems—supporting executive priorities, policy development, operational improvement, and accountability. Essential Job Functions Enterprise Data Strategy & Governance Develop and lead an enterprise data strategy aligned with the system’s priorities and strategic goals. Promote and embed data governance, standards and decision‑making structures across divisions. Define clear ownership and accountability for data assets, quality and stewardship. Promote consistent definitions, metrics and reporting across programs and systems. Provide governance oversight for interagency and cross‑program data sharing to ensure consistency, security and compliance with state requirements. Cross‑System Integration Promote integration of data across divisions, programs and systems to support enterprise analysis and cross‑cutting initiatives. Partner with agency leadership to identify high‑value data that support policy, operational and strategic decisions. Identify gaps and barriers to effective data sharing and recommend solutions, such as improving data management rules, strengthening oversight and stewardship, or enhancing processes across the data lifecycle. Data Quality and Stewardship Promote enterprise data quality principles, standards and expectations to ensure data is accurate, reliable, consistent and fit for use. Promote data quality monitoring and remediation processes that support analytics, reporting and operational data flows. Prioritize data quality improvement initiatives based on risk, mission impact and analytic need. Leverage maturity assessments or equivalent mechanisms to inform strategic decision‑making, identify gaps and monitor progress in data stewardship and quality capabilities. Promote enterprise metadata management practices, including business definitions, data lineage, data classification and data catalogs, to foster shared understanding, transparency and accountability for data assets. Promote enterprise data stewardship operating model, including defined roles, responsibilities, onboarding and support for business and technical data stewards. Executive Decision Support Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on data‑related risks, opportunities and tradeoffs. Align data efforts with cross‑divisional data related initiatives. Policy, Performance and Research Support Support policy research and evaluation through high‑quality data. Collaborate with policy, legal and program leaders to assess data implications of legislative and regulatory changes. Ensure data supports access, transparency and accountability goals. Partnership with Enterprise Functions Work closely with the CIO to align data strategy with technology architecture, security and governance of emerging capabilities and system modernization efforts. Coordinate with Legal, Privacy and Security leadership to ensure compliant and responsible data use. Partner with Finance and Audit leadership to support forecasting, oversight and accountability. Collaborate with Communications and Public Affairs on responsible data transparency and reporting. Organizational Leadership & Capacity Building Build data literacy and analytic capability across divisions and leadership levels. Promote a culture of data‑informed decision‑making and continuous improvement. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Deep understanding of enterprise data governance, analytics and performance management in large, complex organizations. Ability to bridge policy, operations and technology through data. Strong executive communication and data storytelling skills. Demonstrated ability to influence across divisions without direct line authority. High level of judgment, discretion and organizational awareness. Experience navigating legal, privacy and security considerations in data use. Demonstrated experience establishing or operating enterprise data governance, stewardship and standards programs. Initial Screening Criteria Bachelor’s degree in data analytics, public administration, public policy, information systems, statistics or related fields. Minimum of 5 years significant progressive leadership experience in data, analytics, performance or strategic roles. Experience supporting executive‑level decision‑making in a complex organization. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, information systems, data science, health policy or related fields. Experience in health and human services, Medicaid, behavioral health, regulatory or large‑scale public systems. Experience establishing enterprise data governance or leading cross‑system analytics initiatives. Additional Information The position is based in Austin, TX, with primary work at the HHS North Austin Complex. It may be eligible for a hybrid schedule, with weekly on‑site and telework days. When telework is allowed, it requires a reliable personal internet and a workspace that supports protection of confidential information. ADA Accommodations In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the online 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 Applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background checks and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify. Candidates must bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work. Telework Disclaimer The position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr