GLO - IT Business Analyst III

Job Description

The Texas General Land Office is seeking a Product Owner (IT Business Analyst III) within the Information Technology Services Department of the agency.

The Product Owner performs highly complex (senior-level) product ownership and business analysis work for the Information Technology Services (ITS) department. This position serves as a Product Owner for one or more moderately complex to complex products or service areas, leading the analysis, definition, and delivery of technology-enabled solutions that support agency programs and operations.

Work involves independently eliciting and synthesizing business needs; defining and prioritizing product requirements; analyzing business processes and policies; coordinating solution delivery activities; and supporting testing, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts. The employee serves as a primary liaison between business stakeholders and technical teams, balancing competing priorities and ensuring solutions deliver measurable business value.

Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May provide guidance, functional leadership, or mentoring to less experienced staff rather than formal supervisory responsibility.

About the Information Technology Services Department

The Information Technology Services (ITS) team advances the mission of the Texas General Land Office through technology. We deliver secure, reliable, and innovative solutions that enable the agency to serve Texans efficiently and transparently. ITS operates with a growth mindset, committed to sustainability, operational excellence, customer service, and safeguarding the agency's information resources. By leveraging modern cloud, automation, and data technologies, ITS drives efficiency, innovation, and resilience across the enterprise.

About the Role

The Product Owner serves as a senior-level analyst responsible for leading complex, high-impact initiatives that support organizational strategy and operational effectiveness. This role works closely with business stakeholders, technical teams, and leadership to identify needs, define solutions, and ensure successful implementation of system and process improvements.

In addition to advanced business analysis responsibilities, this position may function in a hybrid capacity by supporting product ownership activities, including backlog management, user story development, prioritization, and participation in Agile ceremonies. The role requires strong analytical skills, independent judgment, and the ability to balance strategic objectives with detailed execution.

The Product Owner operates with minimal supervision, mentors junior team members as needed, and plays a key role in driving alignment between business goals and technology solutions.

Our Mission:

The Texas General Land Office primarily serves the schoolchildren, veterans, and the environment of Texas. The agency does so by preserving our history, maximizing state revenue through innovative administration, and through the prudent stewardship of state lands and natural resources.

What Your Contributions to the GLO Will be:

Product Ownership & Requirements Leadership

Leads requirements discovery and definition for assigned products or initiatives. Independently translates business objectives into clear product requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria. Ensures requirements are complete, traceable, and aligned with business outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Functional Coordination

Serves as the primary liaison between business units, stakeholders, and technical teams. Facilitates workshops, planning sessions, and discussions to align priorities, resolve conflicts, and ensure shared understanding across functional areas.

Documentation, Mentorship & Continuous Improvement

Develops and maintains product, process, and decision documentation. Provides guidance and informal mentoring to junior analysts or team members. Contributes to continuous improvement of product ownership, business analysis, and delivery practices within department.

Business Process & Policy Analysis

Analyzes complex business processes, workflows, and policies to identify improvement opportunities and solution impacts. Recommends changes that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with agency objectives while considering operational and compliance requirements.

Backlog Management & Delivery Support

Owns backlog refinement and prioritization for assigned products or initiatives. Balances stakeholder needs, delivery capacity, dependencies, and risk to support timely and value-driven delivery. Supports sprint planning, reviews, and product demonstrations.

Testing, Validation & Implementation Oversight

Coordinates and supports testing and validation activities to ensure solutions meet defined requirements and quality expectations. Reviews test artifacts, assists with issue resolution, and supports implementation and post-deployment stabilization…