Sr. Lead Technical Strategist, High-Risk Initiatives

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Technical Strategist, High-Risk Initiatives is the most senior systems integration and enterprise architecture expert in Houston ISD, reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer. This hands-on role leads technical strategy, architecture, and implementation for the district’s most complex and high-risk enterprise efforts—including the integration between Oracle Fusion Cloud and legacy SAP systems for payroll, compensation, and performance-based pay for educators.

This is a highly specialized individual contributor position with no direct reports, focused on strategic, secure, and mission-critical custom development. The role sets technical direction on projects where failure is not an option and where traditional solutions fall short.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

    List most important duties first
1.    Serve as the lead technical architect for all high-risk integration initiatives, starting with the Oracle-SAP Payroll and Compensation integration for performance-based educator pay.
2.    Design and oversee data and systems integration between Oracle Fusion HCM and SAP HR/Payroll to support accurate, compliant, and timely pay for teachers and principals.
3.    Guide decision-making between Oracle Fusion configuration vs. custom solutions to meet unique K–12 operational and compliance needs.
4.    Provide system-level architecture, integration design, and execution leadership on critical technical efforts with far-reaching organizational impact.
5.    Develop secure, high-performing API interfaces and data pipelines across HISD’s enterprise ecosystem.
6.    Solve legacy constraints by applying modern integration patterns while ensuring system sustainability and auditability.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

7.    Coordinate technical strategy with internal developers, external implementation partners, and executive leadership.
8.    Act as final escalation point for system design, performance issues, and failure mitigation strategies across enterprise initiatives.
9.    Mentor and advise other senior engineers and architects, contributing to district-wide architecture standards.
10.    Serve as a technical lead on future strategic development efforts, including custom-built enterprise platforms such as the SPED and Discipline systems.
 

EDUCATION

Applicants who do not meet these education qualifications may be considered if they have a unique combination of education and work experiences that indicate potential for success in this role.    
 

WORK EXPERIENCE

30+ years of hands-on technical experience in enterprise system integration, database architecture, and large-scale application development. Deep technical knowledge of Oracle Fusion HCM and SAP HR/Payroll systems and their integration approaches. Mastery of system design, architectural modeling, and advanced data engineering principles. Expertise in API development, ETL/data pipelines, and enterprise application architecture. Demonstrated success leading mission-critical initiatives in high-risk, high-complexity environments without supervision. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of translating technical architecture for executive audiences.    
 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

•    Previous experience in large K–12 districts or public sector Oracle/SAP integrations.
•    Knowledge of teacher and principal compensation models, performance-based pay, and compliance reporting requirements.
•    Familiarity with Ed-Fi data standards and TEA-related payroll or personnel compliance structures.
•    Experience in building custom enterprise platforms and integrating them into complex operational environments.    
 

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as a technical authority and mentor to implementation teams.    
 

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Hybrid office schedule with occasional on-site collaboration, workshops, and design sessions. May require extended hours during critical release windows. 
 

BUDGET AUTHORITY

None    
 

PROBLEM SOLVING

Responsible for solving cross-functional challenges involving outdated platforms, data fragmentation, and large-scale system change. Recommends innovative approaches to ensure future-ready solutions and continuous service delivery.
 

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions affect the continuity and quality of services used by 27,000 employees and 180,000 students. Errors could lead to disruptions in payroll, procurement, compliance, or budgeting processes.    
 

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Frequently interacts with executive leadership, vendors, board members, and operational leaders. Negotiates system transitions and engages in cross-departmental technical planning.    
 

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Serves as a key liaison and trusted advisor to internal customers. Drives engagement and satisfaction through technology solutions that meet instructional and business needs.    
 

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an office setting. Extended hours and districtwide travel may be required. Must have valid Texas driver’s license and appropriate insurance coverage.