Chief Technology Officer
Region 4 Education Service Center
Houston, TX 77092
Description
Classification: Administrative/Professional
Exemption Status: Exempt
Department: Technology
Reports To: Executive Director/CEO
Job Goal:
The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a visionary, results-driven senior executive responsible for defining and executing Region 4 ESC’s long-term technology strategy across its most critical innovation platforms, including the Texas Education Exchange, escWorks NextGen, and Printworks. The CTO will lead sustainable growth, data interoperability, platform modernization, and product-driven transformation to deliver organizational excellence and revenue-generating impact for Region 4 and its clients.
The CTO will shape Region 4 ESC’s technology vision and execution to meet the needs of regional, state, and national markets, within and beyond the education sector. This is a dream role for a leader seeking to design and deliver scalable technology solutions that drive innovation, elevate customer experience, and create measurable outcomes.
Qualifications:
Education
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in business, technology management, computer science, business administration, or related field preferred.Experience
- Proven executive leadership in technology, innovation, or enterprise systems, preferably in education, government, or mission-driven organizations.
- Expertise in platform modernization, product development, cloud services, data interoperability, and AI/analytics .
- Demonstrated track record of aligning technology strategies with market expansion and revenue growth.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills with regional, state, and national stakeholders.
- 10+ years of progressive leadership in technology strategy, innovation, or executive product development.
- Extensive experience working with K-12 education systems, data interoperability standards (e.g., Ed-Fi), and AI-integrated platforms.
- Proven track record of developing and scaling financially sustainable products and programs.
- 7+ years managing high-performing teams and cross-functional departments.
- Strong background in managing strategic vendor relationships, large-scale grant initiatives, and external partner engagement
Impact
The Chief Technology Officer will:
- Transform Region 4 Education Service Center into a technology-forward, revenue-generating organization.
- Deliver best-in-class digital platforms that redefine customer experience for schools, states, and partners nationwide.
Major Responsibilities:
Executive Strategy & Vision
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Define and execute Region 4’s enterprise technology and innovation strategy to align with organizational goals and market growth.
- Anticipate future technological trends and position Region 4 as a national model for technology-enabled solutions. Drive platform modernization and seamless data interoperability to power innovation across Texas and beyond.
-
- Enterprise Technology & Innovation
- Oversee the design, development, and evolution of Region 4’s digital platforms, products, and infrastructure.
- Lead cross-functional teams in transforming customer experiences through technology-driven services. Ensure solutions meet the highest standards of scalability, usability, accessibility, and cybersecurity.
-
- Revenue & Market Growth
- Identify and pursue opportunities for new technology-based products and services that generate sustainable revenue streams.
- Expand Region 4’s reach by developing strategic partnerships with LEAs, state agencies, vendors, and national stakeholders. Establish Region 4 ESC as a trusted B2B and B2G technology partner across multiple sectors.
-
- Operational Excellence
- Integrate enterprise technology goals with operational execution, ensuring agile delivery and measurable time-bound outcomes.
- Establish accountable performance management systems, KPIs, and dashboards to track progress and impact.
- Direct, mentor, and inspire a team of senior technology leaders to achieve ambitious goals.
Supervision/Personnel Management:
- Champion a culture of excellence by guiding senior technology leaders and their teams to accelerate center-wide growth and operational effectiveness.
- Empower departments and cross-functional teams through strategic coaching, collaboration, and accountability systems that align innovation with measurable outcomes.
- Develop strong leadership pipelines by mentoring emerging leaders, fostering succession planning, and investing in professional growth opportunities that build capacity across Region 4.
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Demands:
Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of a mouse); occasional lifting and carrying (up to 15 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.