Department Director, Information Technology Solutions chez Region 4 Education Service Center

Classification: Admin/Prof

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Administrative

Job Grade: 8

Department: Information Technology

Reports To: Chief Technology Officer

Job Goal:

The Director of Information Technology Solutions (ITS) is a strategic, visionary leader responsible for driving the design, development, integration, implementation, and customer success of Region 4 ESC’s technology platforms and products—including escWorks, Reading by Design, PrintWorks, Educator Preparation applications, Event Registration, and new entrepreneurial ventures aligned with Region 4’s strategic priorities.

This individual will bridge technology innovation with market expansion, developing scalable, high-performing solutions that power customer engagement and drive business growth across Texas and national education ecosystems. As part of the executive technology leadership team, the Director will collaborate closely with the Chief Technology Officer to shape Region 4’s next-generation B2B and B2G digital platforms, ensuring operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and sustainable revenue generation.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, business administration, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree in technology management, business, or public administration preferred.

Experience

1. 7 years of progressive leadership in technology management, product development, or enterprise service delivery.
2. Demonstrated success in managing complex, customer-facing systems in education, government, or mission-driven organizations.
3. Experience leading cross-functional teams of developers, analysts, and customer success professionals.
4. Proven record of product lifecycle management, strategic business planning, and customer relationship growth.
5. Strong familiarity with cloud technologies (AWS, Azure), data interoperability (Ed-Fi), and Agile product development.
6. Experience working with JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) data structures for system integration, interoperability, and API communication.
7. Experience developing sales or marketing strategies for technology products.
8. Excellent communication and presentation skills for engaging executive, technical, and client audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP, Agile/Scrum, or related certification.
• Experience with ESCs, state agencies, or national education organizations.
• Experience in public-private partnerships or product commercialization.
• Proficiency with JSON and API-driven platforms, including experience in leveraging data exchange standards (e.g., Ed-Fi, IMS Global, or other interoperability frameworks).

Impact

The Director of Information Technology Solutions plays a pivotal role in transforming Region 4 ESC into a nationally recognized hub for education technology innovation. Through visionary leadership, business acumen, and customer-focused execution, this leader will ensure Region 4’s platforms not only serve Texas schools but also inspire and empower educators nationwide through scalable, interoperable, and revenue-generating solutions.

Major Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategic Direction

1. Lead the ITS department in developing, integrating, and supporting Region 4’s portfolio of enterprise products and customer solutions.
2. Design and implement a strategic business direction for the department, including:
   a. Creating sales and marketing plans for escWorks and related platforms.
   b. Identifying strategic partners to expand service delivery.
   c. Recommending new product features and innovations based on market demand.
   d. Developing business and partnership plans that align with Region 4’s entrepreneurial strategy.
   e. Building and sustaining customer relationships that drive loyalty and repeat engagement.

Enterprise Integration and Product Management

1. Oversee product architecture, development cycles, system upgrades, and release coordination with the Data Center and Network Solutions team.
2. Evaluate technology utilization and recommend modern, cloud-based, and Agile development processes.
3. Ensure all solutions are secure, scalable, and compliant with statewide technology initiatives.
4. Guide team members based on technical expertise, customer insight, and performance analytics.

Customer Engagement and Market Expansion

1. Serve as Region 4’s ambassador of customer experience, maintaining direct engagement with districts, states, and national partners.
2. Present sales initiatives, product demonstrations, and onboarding sessions for new customers.
3. Lead implementation and adoption support to ensure seamless customer transitions.
4. Maintain open communication with customers regarding updates, enhancements, and future offerings.

Operational and Fiscal Management

1. Recommend and manage departmental budgets for review by the CTO.
2. Develop annual performance goals, KPIs, and dashboards to track progress.
3. Maintain programmatic and fiscal documentation required by Region 4 and the Texas Education Agency.
4. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local grant requirements when applicable.

Compliance and Continuous Improvement

1. Partner with TEA, state agencies, and national organizations to ensure alignment with interoperability standards and educational policy.
2. Lead ongoing reviews of technology systems to identify improvements in efficiency, security, and scalability.
3. Stay abreast of emerging technologies and integrate innovations into Region 4’s technology roadmap.

Supervision/Personnel Management:

1. Supervise ITS team members responsible for product management, system development, and customer support.
2. Promote a high-performance culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning and improvement.
3. Coach and mentor staff, fostering leadership development and succession readiness within the department.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Demands:

Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of a mouse); occasional lifting and carrying (up to 15 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.