Deputy Director III (Deputy Chief, Texas Cyber Command)

How To Apply:

• Select the link below to search for this position:  https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/371/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
• Enter the job posting number “00053861” in the keyword search.
• You must create a CAPPS Career Section candidate profile or be logged in to apply.
• Update your profile and apply for the job by navigating through the pages and steps.
• Once ready, select “Submit” on the “Review and Submit” page.
• If you have problems accessing the CAPPS Career Section, please follow the instructions in the Resetting CAPPS Password for Job Candidate desk aid. 

Special Instructions:

• Applicants must provide in-depth information in the EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS section to demonstrate how they meet the position qualifications. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification.
• Resumes may be uploaded as an attachment but are not accepted in lieu of the information required in the EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS section of the application.

Interview Place/Time:

Candidates will be notified for appointments as determined by the selection committee.

Selective Service Registration:

Section 651.005 of the Government Code requires males, ages 18 through 25 years, to provide proof of their Selective Service registration or proof of their exemption from the requirement as a condition of state employment.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship:

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Texas Cyber Command does not exclude anyone from consideration for recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action, or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities, which it sponsors on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability.  Please call 512-463-5920 to request reasonable accommodation.

Position Summary

The Deputy Chief, Texas Cyber Command is a senior leader of a first-of-its-kind state cyber agency — a mission-critical role focused on the here and now of Texas’ cyber defense. This is not a routine operational job. It’s an invitation to help define and lead the most ambitious state-level cybersecurity effort in the country.  The Deputy Chief is charged with leading and optimizing TXCC’s core mission functions and present-day operations ensuring that Texas can respond to threats at speed, at scale, and with earned confidence. You’ll inherit a strong technical foundation and a mandate to elevate it into a fully integrated operational force.  This role also performs highly advanced (senior-level) policy administration and managerial work, involving strategic planning, state agency administration, and works closely with the Texas Cyber Command Chief on the day-to-day operations of the agency and/or departments and divisions.  Supervises the work of others, including staff at the executive level and/or managerial level. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

• Oversees the Critical Incident Response Unit (CIRU) and Digital Forensics Laboratory (DFL), ensuring rapid, coordinated, and technically precise response to cyber threats across Texas government, education, business, and critical infrastructure.
• Ensures that threat data from real-time operations feeds seamlessly into the Cyber Threat Intelligence Unit (CTIU) for knowledge updates and into the TX-Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (TX-ISAO) to support statewide training and awareness.
• Implements and refines daily processes, workflows, and decision-making structures to ensure TXCC’s operational readiness and resilience.
• Builds and manages high-performing teams with a culture of trust, accountability, and technical excellence. Optimizes existing FTE resources to meet mission requirements and exceed state and national benchmarks.  Directs the day-to-day operational and programmatic activities of the agency; oversees major, complex, and functionally related areas organized into multiple departments and/or divisions.
• Adapts and embodies TXCC’s culture of trust, transparency, and bold innovation. Model integrity and clarity in all actions — there is room for error in execution, but none for confusion or ethical lapses.
• Leads the seamless transfer and evolution of cybersecurity functions from existing state entities to TXCC by February 1, 2027, ensuring continuity, minimal disruption, and mission success.
• Serves as a trusted voice and representative of the Chief, TXCC, with internal partners, external stakeholders, and cross-state collaborations.
• Provides strategic direction, participates in the planning of strategic initiatives and development of policies; and manages and/or oversees projects and special initiatives. Ensures that the agency adheres to agency goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned. 

Education

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in information technology security, computer information systems, computer science, management information systems, or a related field.
• Additional years of work-related experience may be used to substitute for each year of formal education. (High School diploma or equivalent certificate required.)

Experience and Training Required

• Minimum of ten (10) years of senior-level experience in information security programs and IT risk management including security risk assessment, information privacy protection, security training and awareness, and security policies and standards.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of technical-level experience in one or more of the following: threat and vulnerability management, host and network security technologies, network security audit and analysis, operational security, regulatory frameworks, incident response and event management; application and web security technologies.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of supervisory experience providing performance evaluations, coaching, and leading a group of technical professionals.
• Deep operational leadership experience in cybersecurity, preferably in military, intelligence, critical infrastructure, or enterprise environments.
• Proven success leading complex, high-tempo cyber operations with significant stakes.
• Expertise in incident response, digital forensics, and cyber threat intelligence integration.

Experience & Training Preferred

• Experience as an organization or enterprise Cybersecurity or Information Security Officer.
• Experience in taking a risk-based approach to prioritizing security efforts.
• Experience with state and federal information technology regulatory issues.
• Experience with Texas Administrative Code § 202.
• Experience working directly with outsourced IT service delivery organizations. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of information security management, IT security controls and information protection as applied to enterprise organizations.
• Knowledge of Texas State government and related legislative and budget processes.
• Knowledge of security metrics, benchmarking activities and expectations, and security infrastructure management and operational monitoring processes.
• Exceptional skill in judgment under pressure and a clear, decisive decision-making style.
• Skill at building trust, clarity, and coordination across diverse stakeholders and environments.
• Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals for operations of a large and/or complex state government organization.
• Skill influencing others to perform their jobs in a timely, accurate, and effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and optimize existing teams and resources while executing mission-critical objectives.
• Ability to learn new things and keep up with the pace of technological changes.
• Ability to demonstrate a growth mindset by showing curiosity and willingness to challenge self and others to learn and evolve, regardless of situation or context.
• Ability to demonstrate strong commitment to public service and to defending the State of Texas and its people from evolving cyber threats.
• Ability to collect the appropriate information from the user to expedite the resolution of the problem. Demonstrate good judgment in investigating and escalating problems.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and initiatives.
• Ability to prepare technical issues papers and research reports and effectively deliver oral presentations and written reports to IT and non-IT management.
• Ability to mentor and advise agency and customer technical staff.
• Ability to create a vision and energize the appropriate teams in the organization to deliver that vision.
• Ability to effectively lead and manage a team; includes motivating team members, driving individual and team productivity, providing guidance and direction, setting clear expectations, having difficult conversations, and making difficult decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, direct supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers.
• Ability to effectively interpret and develop policies, procedures and regulations.
• Ability to understand, follow and convey brief oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing; in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to support and contribute to a cohesive team environment.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and time constraints when necessary.
• Ability to travel as necessary to support agency requirements.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet required deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure and exacting schedules to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to comply with all agency policies and applicable laws.
• Ability to comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in the use of a computer and applicable software necessary to perform work assignments e.g., word processing, spreadsheets (Microsoft Office preferred.)

Other Requirements

• Regular and punctual attendance at the workplace
• Criminal background check

Working Conditions

• Frequent use of computers, copiers, printers, and telephones
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, listening, and talking
• Frequent work under stress, as a team member, and in direct contact with others
• Occasional bending, stooping, lifting, and climbing
• Occasional travel required