It Director Of Business Software

Executive Service

IT Director of Business Software Applications

Department of Finance & Administration

Annual Salary: $ - $

Closing Date: 07/06/2026

This position is designed as Hybrid.

Background Check: This position requires a criminal background check, CJIS/FTI Fingerprint and a name based background. You may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered.

The State of Tennessee is seeking an experienced IT Director to lead the management and continued modernization of business software applications within the Department of Human Services. This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership, innovation, and public service to make a lasting impact on communities across Tennessee. As IT Director, you will oversee a team of fewer than 25 IT professionals and collaborate closely with DHS leadership to shape technology strategy, drive modernization initiatives, and ensure secure, scalable solutions that support critical programs such as Family Assistance, Appeals and Hearings, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance.

At DHS, technology is at the heart of delivering essential services to Tennessee families. Your leadership will ensure these systems remain modern, efficient, and future‑ready, enabling better outcomes for citizens statewide.

• Develop and execute IT strategies aligned with STS policies and DHS objectives.
• Drive initiatives to implement modernized applications, cloud solutions, and digital services.
• Supervise and mentor IT staff, fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
• Manage technology contracts, procurement, and resource planning for IT investments.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal security standards and participate in cybersecurity initiatives.
• Direct major IT projects, including software implementations and system integrations.
• Enforce IT standards and monitor operations for regulatory compliance, accessibility, and open data initiatives.
• Collaborate with department leadership, external agencies, and vendors to meet evolving technology needs.
• Maintain robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Provide leadership for business applications that reflect operational and regulatory needs, including familiarity with eligibility and case management environments such as SNAP.
• Support the establishment and maturation of product management for business applications by enabling roadmap execution and structured prioritization.
• Partner with business leadership to convert policy, operational, and case management needs into clear technology delivery plans.
• Support outcome‑based success measures for business applications, including service reliability, operational efficiency, user experience, and risk reduction.
• Contribute technical and operational input to structured prioritization and tradeoff decisions across the application portfolio.

• Bachelor's degree and 7 years of professional IT experience, including 3 years in management.
• OR an IT‑specific associate degree plus 2 additional years of IT leadership experience.

• Leading modernization initiatives.
• Managing enterprise‑scale projects and maintenance activities.
• Vendor and contract management in a complex environment.
• Working knowledge of policy‑driven and regulatory environments, aligning technology delivery to operational, compliance, and customer service needs.
• Experience partnering with business leaders to translate policy, operational, and case management needs into technology delivery priorities.
• Experience working in or helping establish a product‑oriented operating model, supporting transition of product ownership to dedicated product management roles.
• Strategic mindset; ability to align technology with organizational goals.
• Leadership and team building; inspire and develop high‑performing teams.
• Decision quality; make informed, impactful decisions under pressure.
• Customer focus; deliver solutions that enhance citizen services.
• Technical expertise in IT operations, modern software applications technology stack, compliance, and security management.
• Business and policy acumen;…