Director - Enterprise Innovation Lab

JOB SUMMARY

The Director – Enterprise Innovation Lab leads Houston ISD’s internal software architecture and innovation team, responsible for rapid prototyping, agile application development, and system modernization across business and student-facing platforms. This role manages a team of architects and developers who design scalable solutions for custom applications, platform extensions, and integration with cloud ERP systems like Oracle Fusion. The Director collaborates across departments to address unmet business needs and foster innovation in enterprise service delivery.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Lead solution architecture, agile development, and system modernization efforts for enterprise and student systems.
2.    Manage a team of architects and developers supporting custom application development and integration across platforms.
3.    Partner with operational and academic leaders to translate unmet business needs into functional technology solutions.
4.    Oversee design and build of applications that extend Oracle Fusion and other core systems via APIs and low-code tools.
5    Foster an innovation mindset, encouraging experimentation, iterative development, and user-centered design.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

6.    Collaborate with security and data teams to ensure applications meet compliance, security, and privacy standards.
7.    Oversee implementation of user-friendly portals, forms, and automations that support departments across HISD.
8.    Ensure architecture decisions support scalability, maintainability, and interoperability with core systems.
9.    Develop and manage a roadmap of innovation projects and prototypes based on district priorities.
10    Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or related field required. Master’s preferred.    

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 7 years in enterprise application design, custom development, or architecture. At least 3 years in a leadership role managing technical staff or cross-functional innovation teams.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

•    Strong experience with solution architecture and cloud-based platforms
•    Familiarity with agile development, DevOps, and continuous integration practices
•    Proficiency in low-code tools, APIs, and modern web development frameworks
•    Knowledge of ERP system extension methods (Oracle Fusion preferred)
•    Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills
•    Excellent documentation and cross-team communication abilities
•    Experience with Microsoft Power Platform, Azure, or similar tools is a plus

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads a team of architects and developers. Establishes architectural standards, solution governance, and technical mentoring for innovation projects.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Responsible for solving novel and ambiguous business problems through custom solutions. Uses independent judgment to evaluate feasibility, risk, and ROI of proposed innovations.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Advises on and manages budgets related to custom development, platform tools, and prototyping. Evaluates software purchases as part of build vs. buy decisions.    

PROBLEM SOLVING

Develops innovative solutions to gaps in enterprise workflows. Works collaboratively to design, test, and scale new services.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Directly affects time to delivery, efficiency, and innovation across HISD systems. Effective solutions reduce staff burden and improve access to information.    

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Works closely with academic, business, and technical leaders to explore needs and communicate solutions. May present to executive teams.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Provides consultative leadership to internal departments. Helps departments reimagine how services can be delivered more efficiently and effectively.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Office-based with some extended hours during testing or launches. May require district site visits. Some remote work or flexible scheduling permitted for technical staff.