Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence and

Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting on the CAPPS Careers page.https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psp/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS\_HRAM\_FL.HRS\_CG\_SEARCH\_FL.GBL?Page=HRS\_APP\_JBPST\_FLandAction=UandFOCUS=ApplicantandSiteId=1andJobOpeningId=106658andPostingSeq=1Agency InformationThe Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state. Core ValuesWe are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them. Job DescriptionAbout Office of ITThe Office of Information Technology works closely with all agency divisions to implement innovative technology solutions in a cost-efficient manner that supports the goals and priorities of the Texas Education Agency. The Office of IT provides efficient technology solutions and stellar customer services to internal staff, 20 Educational Service Centers, and 1,200-plus public-school districts and charter schools. The following services are provided by IT: leadership on IT initiatives; guidance on security/policy issues; new application development/enhancements; software acquisition; technical support; assistance with technical sections of purchasing documents such as Request for Information (RFI), Request for Offers (RFO), Request for Proposals (RFP); and oversight on the data collection process which helps to support and improve outcomes for all of Texas' 5 million-plus students.Position OverviewThe Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence and Risk performs advanced (senior-level) information technology and enterprise strategy work and serves as the agency's lead executive for the practical implementation of artificial intelligence across business and technical operations. Reporting to the Executive Director of IT Administration and Compliance in the Office of Information Technology, this role works in close partnership with the Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, and division leadership to identify, prioritize, and implement high-value AI use cases that improve operational effectiveness and support the agency's mission.This position is explicitly accountable for establishing the agency's AI implementation roadmap; standing up governance, risk management, and operational guardrails for responsible AI use; and leading AI initiatives from pilot and proof of concept through production deployment and ongoing optimization. The role ensures AI capabilities are integrated into existing systems, workflows, and decision-making processes in ways that are secure, sustainable, and aligned with agency priorities. This role establishes and maintains a formal AI risk management lifecycle, including model validation, performance monitoring, model drift detection, and periodic reassessment of deployed AI systems. It also oversees the standards, processes, and vendor relationships necessary to support compliant, scalable adoption of AI and related emerging technologies, consistent with guidance from the Texas Department of Information Resources and risk-management practices reflected in the NIST AI Risk Management Framework. The role ensures alignment with evolving federal and state AI policies, regulatory guidance, and executive directives, and adapts agency practices as requirements mature.The Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence and Risk is responsible for translating AI strategy into measurable business outcomes by embedding AI into operational workflows, enabling workforce adoption, and defining performance measures for value realization. This role requires a leader who can bridge strategy, governance, architecture, and execution, ensuring that AI investments deliver tangible improvements in efficiency, service quality, decision support, and organizational capacity. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position also oversees the TEA AI portfolio, including prioritization, funding alignment, and performance tracking across AI initiatives, and provides regular executive-level reporting on AI value, risk posture, and adoption metrics. Additionally, this position serves as a liaison between the agency and legislative stakeholders on matters related to artificial intelligence in state government and public education. Will provide subject matter expertise to inform policy discussions, support the development and review of proposed legislation, and ensure alignment between emerging AI capabilities, regulatory requirements, and agency priorities.Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.Please note that a resume is a required attachment for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check. Essential Functions Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.1. Enterprise AI Strategy and Use-Case Prioritization: Lead the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of high-value artificial intelligence use cases across the agency to improve efficiency, service delivery, decision support, and operational effectiveness. Partner with agency leadership, program areas, and tech