Director of data analytics and special projects

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Employee Benefits: DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Director of Data Analytics and Special Projects Job Title: Director I Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: Community Health Improvement Posting Number: 19258 Closing Date: 09/27/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Management Salary Range: $6,377.50 - $8,581.66 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 20% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) Other Locations: Austin MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 97E0,SEI15

Job Description

Under the limited direction of the Data Analytics & Special Projects (DASP) Director IV, the Director I performs advanced managerial work providing leadership, direction, and oversight for division-wide data analytics, performance reporting, strategic initiatives, and information technology (IT) initiatives across the Community Health Improvement (CHI) Division. The position oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of analytics and performance reporting, strategic planning efforts, complex project implementation, process improvement initiatives, and division-wide intake activities that support CHI priorities. The Director I develops and evaluates programs, establishes goals and objectives, oversees budgets and contracts, and provides leadership for administrative processes. This position serves as a key liaison with executive leadership, program areas, and information technology partners to advance data-driven decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and support strategic initiatives across the division. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures; reviewing guidelines, rules, regulations, and legislative impacts; ensuring the integrity, quality, security, analysis, and dissemination of public health and programmatic data; and overseeing special projects of significant scope and complexity. The Director I provides consultation to senior leadership on strategic and operational issues, represents the division in meetings and workgroups, and may testify at hearings, trials, and legislative meetings, as appropriate. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. To perform these job duties, this position may require working additional hours to meet defined deadlines and support agency mission-critical reporting and operational priorities.

Essential Job Functions

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.

• 35% Manages and directs activities of staff responsible for division-wide analytics, performance reporting, intake coordination, and IT initiatives across the CHI Division. Provides leadership, guidance, and oversight for strategic initiatives, data-driven decision making, performance management, and process improvement efforts. Establishes program goals, objectives, priorities, performance measures, and project timelines; monitors progress toward deliverables and milestones; and ensures alignment with division priorities and agency objectives. Identifies and mitigates risks, addresses gaps, and advances opportunities for operational and programmatic improvement. Develops and implements methods to evaluate program effectiveness and measure achievement of program goals and outcomes. Oversees the collection, analysis, interpretation, quality, security, and dissemination of public health and programmatic data to support strategic planning, operational decision-making, and continuous quality improvement. Plans, develops, monitors, approves and oversees program budgets, financial reports, contracts, expenditures, funding sources, and resource allocations to ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal requirements. Provides project management oversight for complex division-wide initiatives by establishing priorities, monitoring progress, resolving issues, coordinating stakeholders, negotiating deliverables, and ensuring successful implementation and achievement of strategic objectives.
• 25% Develops and establishes goals, objectives, policies, and strategic priorities for division-wide analytics, intake coordination, performance reporting, and IT initiatives consistent with CHI and DSHS strategic goals. Develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates standards, policies, procedures, and performance measures to ensure operational effectiveness and compliance with federal, state, and agency requirements. Directs and evaluates program activities, operational performance, and strategic initiatives through the review of reports, dashboards, visualizations, presentations, investigations audits, studies, forecasts, and other analytical products. Provides leadership and consultation to division leadership, program areas, and executive management on program effectiveness, organizational performance, emerging issues, and improvement opportunities. Conducts and oversees complex data analyses, operational reviews, and special projects to support executive decision-making, strategic planning, and policy development. Evaluates program outcomes, identifies trends, challenges, and opportunities, and recommends improvements to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery. Leads continuous process improvement initiatives and collaborates with stakeholders to advance division priorities. Performs related work as assigned and advises senior leadership on policy, operational, and strategic issues impacting the division.
• 20% Works with division leadership and program managers to evaluate legislation, policies, and regulatory requirements affecting CHI programs and operations, and monitors compliance with legislative mandates. Consults with senior leadership to ensure legislative, strategic, and departmental initiatives are addressed effectively and in a timely manner. Represents the division at meetings, conferences, workgroups, and other stakeholder engagements. Prepares and delivers verbal and written communications, presentations, briefings, and reports for executive leadership, external partners, and stakeholders. Testifies at hearings, trials, legislative sessions, and other public proceedings, as appropriate.
• 15% Provides direct supervision, management, professional oversight, and guidance to assigned staff to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, established procedures, and division priorities. Responsible for hiring, selection, onboarding, performance management, and employee development. Plans, assigns, and supervises staff activities; establishes priorities and work assignments; and ensures alignment with division goals, objectives, and performance measures. Conducts performance evaluations, recommends personnel actions, approves leave, and monitors staff performance and productivity. Coaches, mentors, and develops staff to build knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities while fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• 5% Performs other duties as assigned, including actively participating in and/or supporting the agency's response to disasters, public health emergencies, recovery operations, and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activations. Such participation may require alternate work schedules, extended hours, or work at alternate locations. To fulfill these responsibilities, the position may require additional hours to meet established deadlines and support agency mission-critical operations and reporting requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business function.

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, project management, and leadership techniques; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Knowledge of public health policy and state and federal agency laws and regulations related to community health services.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public health administration and management.

Knowledge of the Texas legislative process and state and federal laws pertaining to public health.

Knowledge of grant funding processes and competitive awarding of funds.

Knowledge of agency budget and accounting principles and applications.

Knowledge of supervisory and management practices, including hiring, employee development, performance management, coaching, succession planning, and human resource administration.

Knowledge of data analytics, performance measurement, reporting methodologies, and data-driven decision-making.

Knowledge of IT project management principles and technology governance practices.

Knowledge of best practices in community health service delivery.

Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.

Skill in decision making, including assessing risk and using good judgement to inform decisions and recommendations to leadership.

Skills in conflict resolution and working quickly and collaboratively to solve problems.

Skill in operational planning including developing section activities, goals, and objectives for strategic planning, development, and evaluation.

Skill in developing and implementing contracts and grant applications.

Skill in identifying resources needed to accomplish service delivery objectives and budget development.

Skill in developing and evaluating administrative policies, procedures, and protocols.

Skill in identifying, evaluating, and solving issues and implementing effective solutions.

Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.

Skill in program evaluation, performance management, and continuous quality improvement.

Skill in project management, stakeholder engagement, and coordination of complex initiatives.

Skill in preparing and delivering presentations, briefings, and written communications to leadership and stakeholders.

Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate agency policies and procedures; to prepare concise reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.

Ability to plan, organize, and complete multiple activities in a timely fashion.

Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.

Ability to work in a professional manner with employees and the public, including establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.

Ability to effectively interact with legislators, executive leadership, stakeholders, and external partners.

Ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.

Ability to build collaborative relationships and influence outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.

Licensure/Registrations

None

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; a master's degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in public health, healthcare, healthcare informatics, or human services, or a related field.

Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience, including hiring, employee development, performance management, coaching, and implementation of human resources activities.

Experience leading data-driven initiatives, performance reporting, data analytics, IT projects, strategic planning, budget management, contract administration, and project management. Experience with grant development and management preferred.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility: The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.