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

1. Proven executive leadership in technology, innovation, or enterprise systems, preferably in education, government, or mission-driven organizations.
2. Expertise in platform modernization, product development, cloud services, data interoperability, and AI/analytics.
3. Demonstrated track record of aligning technology strategies with market expansion and revenue growth.
4. Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills with regional, state, and national stakeholders.
5. 10+ years of progressive leadership in technology strategy, innovation, or executive product development.
6. Extensive experience working with K-12 education systems, data interoperability standards (e.g., Ed-Fi), and AI-integrated platforms.
7. Proven track record of developing and scaling financially sustainable products and programs.
8. 7+ years managing high-performing teams and cross-functional departments.
9. 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.
• Position Region 4 as a global leader in technology strategy, innovation, and scalable education solutions.

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.