DIR - Program Specialist VI (Statewide Data Quality & AI Readiness Specialist)

Job Description

Job Posting:

107709
Opened :

10/29/2026
Closes:

11/12/2026
Position Title:

Program Specialist VI (Statewide Data Quality & AI Readiness Specialist)
Class/Group:

1575/B23
Military Occupation Specialty Code:

N/A
Fair Labor Standards Act Status :

Exempt
Number of Vacancies :

1
Division :

Office of the Chief Data Officer
Salary Range :

$6,701.75 $7,189.58/month
Duration:

Regular
Hours Worked Weekly :

40
Travel:

Occasional
Work Location:

300 W. 15th Street, #1300 / Austin, Texas 78701
Web site:

https://dir.texas.gov/
Refer Inquiries to:

People and Culture Office
Contact Information:

Careers@dir.texas.gov

Job Description

How To Apply:

• Select the link below to search for this position: https://erphcmonbuat.cpa.texas.gov/psc/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=313
• Enter the job posting number ¿107709¿ in the keyword search.
• You must create a CAPPS Career Section candidate profile or be logged in to apply.
• Update your profile and apply for the job by navigating through the pages and steps.

Special Instructions:

• Applicants must provide indepth information in the EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS section to demonstrate how they meet the position qualifications. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification.
• Resumes may be uploaded as an attachment but are not accepted in lieu of the information required in the EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS section of the application.

Interview Place/Time:

Candidates will be notified for appointments as determined by the selection committee.
Selective Service Registration:

Section 651.005 of the Government Code requires males, ages 18 through 25 years, to provide proof of their Selective Service registration or proof of their exemption from the requirement as a condition of state employment.
H1B Visa Sponsorship:

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Position Description
Position Summary

As a member of the Office of the Chief Data Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on state data management, data quality, data readiness, and responsible artificial intelligence adoption across governmental entities. You will work with a diverse range of agency teams to identify external customer data management needs, scope and prioritize assistance, diagnose root causes, and implement practical improvements that strengthen agency practices. This position provides guidance, facilitation, training, and direct support to internal and external stakeholders while helping advance the strategic direction of the statewide data program. Works directly with agencies to strengthen data governance, improve data quality, and implement practical data management improvements that support agency operations, analytics, and AI readiness. Coordinates with the AI Division and agency teams from initial problem framing through feasibility and proof of concept efforts to determine what data is required, identify datarelated blockers, and help assess whether proposed AI use case are viable. Work involves supporting data quality remediation, establishing sustainable practices around AI and emerging technology, and transitioning improvements into agencyowned processes.

Performs highly advanced (seniorlevel) consultative services and technical assistance, data management, data analysis, and data readiness work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations, planning, and statewide service delivery. Work involves using data management maturity assessment results, Information Resources Deployment Review (IRDR) findings, AI Division referrals, CDO and Data Management Advisory Committee (DMAC) intelligence, and other relevant signals to manage an assistance portfolio and identify recurring statewide needs. This position serves as a statewide data quality and AI readiness expert and works under the direction of the State Chief Data Officer with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

• Identify potential engagements through data management maturity assessments, Information Resources Deployment Review (IRDR), adhoc agency requests, CDO and Data Management Advisory Committee (DMAC) intelligence, AI Division referrals, and other relevant signals, then scope and prioritize assistance based on need, value, effort, and available capacity.
• Work directly with agency staff to diagnose root causes, implement practical improvements, stabilize the new practice, and transition it to agency ownership.
• Coordinate with the AI Division; participate from initial problem framing through feasibility and proof of concept (POC) work to determine what data is required and coordinate the datarelated work necessary to evaluate whether the proposed use case is viable.
• Help agencies put sustainable data practices around AI solutions once a use case progresses beyond initial experimentation or feasibility testing.
• Convert successful oneoff engagements into defined service offerings that can be delivered efficiently and consistently to other agencies.
• Use POC, AI Division work, controlled testing environments, and realworld cases to determine how to address emerging datareadiness problems for which there is not yet an established approach.
• Analyze patterns across engagements, DMAMA, IRDR, AI activities, and agency feedback to identify recurring problems and change the response to statewide needs.
• Performs other workrelated duties as assigned.

Education

• Graduation from an accredited fouryear college or university with major coursework in information technology, computer information systems, computer science, management information systems, public policy, strategic management, data management or a related field.
• Additional workrelated experience may be substituted for education on a yearforyear basis (Highschool diploma required).

Experience and Training Required

• Minimum of seven (7) years¿ experience in Information Technology or in a policy position related to Information Technology or Data Governance.
• Minimum of five (5) years¿ recent experience in data management, including architecting data management solutions and designing/developing data governance policies/standards.

Job Description

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to information technology, security, and privacy; of the principles and practices of public administration and management; of the limitations and capabilities of computer systems; of technology across all computer platforms; and of operational support of networks, operating systems, Internet technologies, databases, and applications.
• Knowledge of data management and comprehensive data governance expertise
• Knowledge of master data, metadata, and reference data.
• Knowledge of data warehousing and of relational databases
• Strong project leadership and management skills to lead organizational change to effectively meet strategic and tactical goals.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills required; must be equally comfortable discussing the enterprise information management (EIM) strategic perspective with executives and legislative staff and implementation details with operational and technology staff.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to resolve issues in diverse and decentralized environments; to communicate effectively; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
• Organizational/political agility with the ability to drive large, crossfunctional data management programs involving coordination with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to lead people toward meeting, while striving to exceed, the organization's vision, mission, and goals; the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
• Ability to meet and exceed organizational goals and customer expectations; the ability to make decisions that produce highquality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
• Ability to develop and interpret policies and procedures.
• Ability to effectively manage priorities and demonstrate excellent organizational, followthrough and customer service abilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, direct supervisors, coworkers, internal and external customers
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to support and contribute to a cohesive team environment
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to understand, follow and convey brief oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet required deadlines
• Ability to work under pressure and exacting schedules to complete assigned tasks
• Ability to comply with all agency policies and applicable laws
• Ability to comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards
• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of any critical infrastructure researched, worked on, or accessed for work purposes.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in the use of a computer and applicable software necessary to perform work assignments e.g., word processing, spreadsheets (Microsoft Office preferred).

Other Requirements

• Regular and punctual attendance at the workplace.
• Criminal background check.

Working Conditions

• Frequent use of computers, copiers, printers, and telephones.
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, listening, and talking.
• Frequent work under stress, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
• Occasional bending, stooping, lifting, and climbing.