Executive Director – Enterprise Initiative Hub

JOB SUMMARY

The Technical Solutions Director leads the design, development, and implementation of innovative technical solutions for district-wide IT initiatives under the Office of the CIO. This role combines technical architecture expertise with strategic coordination to ensure HISD's technology initiatives deliver maximum value. The Director will focus on creating robust technical frameworks, designing scalable solutions, and guiding implementation across ERP, student systems, analytics, and custom development efforts while ensuring alignment with district priorities and technical standards. This position bridges technical excellence with effective stakeholder management to drive transformative technology adoption.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Design and architect innovative technical solutions for complex district-wide challenges, serving as a technical visionary for the organization
2.    Evaluate emerging technologies and create frameworks for their potential integration into the district's technology ecosystem
3.    Establish technical standards, patterns, and best practices that drive solution quality, interoperability, and scalability
4.    Lead solution design reviews to ensure technical approaches meet business requirements while maintaining architectural integrity
5    Provide technical leadership for cross-functional teams implementing enterprise-level systems and custom applications
6.    Develop technical roadmaps that align with district strategic goals and optimize the capabilities of existing systems
7.    Create proof-of-concept implementations to validate solution approaches and accelerate delivery

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

8.    Guide the integration of systems and data flows across the district's technology landscape 
9.    Identify opportunities for automation, API development, and platform modernization 
10.    Oversee technical specifications development and validate solution implementation against requirements 
11.    Collaborate with stakeholders to translate complex business needs into elegant technical designs 
12.    Monitor solution performance, scalability, and security to ensure sustained technology excellence 
13.    Perform other job-related duties as assigned
14.    Guide the integration of systems and data flows across the district's technology landscape 
15.    Identify opportunities for automation, API development, and platform modernization 

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, information systems, or a related field required. Master’s preferred.    

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 8 years of experience in solution architecture, systems integration, or technical implementation, with at least 3 years in a technical leadership capacity. Experience in education technology or large enterprise environments preferred.    

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

•    Proven expertise in solution architecture, systems design, and technology integration 
•    Strong knowledge of modern development methodologies, cloud technologies, and enterprise architecture 
•    Experience with data integration, API design, and enterprise application frameworks 
•    Proficiency in technical specification development and architectural documentation 
•    Ability to evaluate technical approaches against business requirements and constraints 
•    Experience leading technical teams through complex implementation projects 
•    Excellent technical communication skills and ability to translate complex concepts for varied audiences 
•    Certification in relevant technologies or architecture frameworks (AWS, Azure, TOGAF) preferred    

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides technical direction across multiple teams and initiatives. Serves as a technical authority and mentor to implementation teams. May supervise senior developers or solution architects.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Designs complex technical solutions that span multiple systems and departments. Exercises independent judgment in selecting architectural approaches, technology platforms, and integration methods to solve district-wide challenges.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Advises on technology investments, infrastructure requirements, and development resources. Evaluates ROI for technical solutions and recommends resource allocation.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Resolves complex technical challenges, system integration issues, and architectural conflicts. Identifies innovative approaches to meet business needs while maintaining system integrity.
 

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Directly influences the district's technical direction, solution sustainability, and technology effectiveness. Impacts the reliability, performance, and capabilities of mission-critical systems.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Communicates technical vision and solution approaches to both technical teams and executive stakeholders. Facilitates design thinking workshops and technical planning sessions.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Builds trusted partnerships with department leaders to understand business needs and deliver technical solutions that enable operational excellence. Serves as a technical advisor to key stakeholders.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Office or hybrid work environment. May include extended technical design sessions or implementation support during critical deployments.