Chief Data Officer

****PLEASE NOTE THIS APPLICATION IS EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THIS ROLE AND NOT A FORMAL APPLICATION*****

The Chief Data Officer (CDO) is a senior executive who combines deep technical expertise in data architecture, analytics, and AI with exceptional leadership and communication skills. This role drives enterprise-wide data strategy, governance, and innovation, ensuring secure, ethical, and compliant use of data. The CDO partners with business leaders, cybersecurity, network teams, and technology stakeholders to deliver measurable business value and foster a data-driven culture.

Your Mission: As the Chief Data Officer, you will play a key role in OAG modernization efforts, acting as a strategist, advisor, and servant leader. Your mission is to harness the power of data to drive business intelligence, streamline internal workflows, and enhance customer-centric processes. You will be a key player in our quest for efficiency and excellence.

Your Responsibilities:

• Strategic Partnership: Collaborate closely with business intelligence, application development, security, and operations teams to execute a data strategy that empowers us with readily accessible data and valuable insights.
• Leadership: Direct a team of specialized architects, engineers, and data experts. Lead technical analysis and architectural decisions to ensure data and insights are seamlessly integrated into our products and services.
• Data Governance: Take the lead in developing and nurturing OAG's Data Governance Program. Ensure that data is managed with the highest standards of integrity, security, and compliance.
• Cloud Platforms: Manage data cloud platforms and pipelines, enabling us to harness the full potential of cloud-based technologies.
• Digital Transformation: Drive progress on key digital platforms, by promoting the use of data analytics, AI, and other emerging technologies to solve complex public service challenges.

Why Join Us:

• Impact: Your work will directly impact the effectiveness and efficiency of our operations, making a difference in the lives of countless individuals.
• Leadership: Lead a dynamic team of experts who share your passion for data-driven excellence.
• Collaboration: Work alongside OAG executives and diverse teams, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Growth: The OAG is committed to your professional development and growth, providing opportunities for advancement and ongoing learning for all employees.

The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas. As the State’s law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) along with tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans. If you're ready to make a lasting impact and lead a team in the pursuit of data-driven excellence, we invite you to join us as our Chief Data Officer. Together, we'll shape the future of the Office of the Attorney General. Apply now and be a part of one of the most esteemed IT teams in the state of Texas!

Function Description

Data Strategy and Governance:

• Define and execute enterprise data, analytics, and AI strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Establish governance frameworks for data quality, security, privacy, and compliance.
• Promote data stewardship and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Communicate business value of data initiatives to executive leadership.

Leadership and Business Partnership:

• Build and inspire high-performing data and analytics teams across the enterprise.
• Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities for data-driven innovation.
• Translate complex technical concepts into actionable business insights for executives.
• Foster a culture of data literacy and continuous improvement.

Technology, Enablement and Architecture:

• Oversee enterprise data platforms and architecture for scalability and resilience.
• Collaborate with IT, network, cybersecurity, and other business teams to align technology and development with data policies.
• Drive adoption of emerging technologies, including AI enablement and integration.
• Ensure robust data engineering and centralized management for certified data products.

Risk Management and AI Enablement:

• Ensure compliance with data protection laws and industry standards.
• Oversee ethical and responsible use of data and AI algorithms.
• Collaborate with legal, risk, and cybersecurity teams to mitigate data-related risks.
• Implement controls for master data, metadata, and audit practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Computer Science, Data Science, Business, STEM, or related field. Experience in the following (or closely related) fields may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis: Data Management, Data Governance, Artificial Intelligence.

Experience: 10 years of progressive leadership experience in data, analytics, STEM fields, or IT management.

Experience in proven ability to lead enterprise-wide programs

Experience in business planning, technology strategy & operations

Experience in data strategy, data governance, privacy regulations, data management and compliance frameworks.

Experience in data architecture with a strong technical background, including knowledge and experience with cloud platforms

Experience working on cybersecurity or privacy terms.

Background in regulatory and risk management for data assets.

Demonstrated success in fostering data-driven culture and literacy across large organizations.

Knowledge and strong understanding of data architecture, data modeling, business intelligence, and modern web technologies.

Exceptional communication skills to engage executive leadership.

Skill in facilitation, collaboration, and influencing skills.

Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines

Skill in effective oral and written communication

Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making

Demonstrated ability to lead teams, and drive projects to completion.

Ability to maintain trust with high integrity, and the ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality

Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback

Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment and provide excellent customer service

Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel and travel (including overnight travel) up to 5%

Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA

Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working in Texas legislature and public sector government work.

Experience working on cybersecurity or privacy teams.

Experience with AI strategy, enablement, and integration.