Committed to providing life insurance solutions since 1969 in the United States and globally since 1975, Citizens, Inc. is a publicly traded company (NYSE: CIA) that has maintained a listing on the New York Stock Exchange since 2002. Operating through our insurance subsidiaries, we strategically offer traditional insurance products in niche markets to capitalize on competitive advantages. With a dedicated team of employees located in Austin, Louisiana and a global network of agents, our reach extends to Latin America, Central America, and Asia.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Title: IT Director – Software Development
Job Type: Full-time Exempt
Reports to: CIO
Location: Austin, TX (Corporate Headquarters located in the Domain)
At Citizens, Inc., we've curated an exceptional work environment that goes beyond the ordinary. Our open-plan workspace offers panoramic views of the Domain with multiple conference rooms readily available. Start your day with complimentary coffee in our large break area, enjoy walks on the scenic trails nearby, or hit our onsite gym. Our Lunch Drop service provides the luxury of delivering delicious meals directly to our suite for a stress-free lunch break. For financial needs, the onsite bank is at your service. Furthermore, enjoy the convenience of free covered parking in our garage, featuring charging stations for electric vehicles. Participate in our various monthly employee events designed to enhance our cultural engagement. At Citizens Inc., we prioritize strong employee involvement to foster a dynamic workplace culture. Elevate your career with us, where your workplace is more than just an office; it's a destination for growth, innovation, and a flourishing community.
Summary: Citizens Inc. is seeking a strategic, results-oriented technology leader to join our team as a Director – Software Development. The Director – Software Development will provide leadership, vision, and operational oversight for the teams responsible for developing, maintaining, and ensuring the quality of our policy admin system, portals, internal applications, databases, reporting platforms, integrations, and related software solutions. This role is accountable for aligning software development capabilities with business priorities, strengthening engineering practices, advancing modernization initiatives, and ensuring delivery of secure, scalable, high-quality technology solutions. The ideal candidate is an experienced servant leader who can lead managers and technical teams, influence cross-functional stakeholders, manage a portfolio of initiatives, and drive continuous improvement across people, process, technology, and governance.
WHAT YOU WILL GET TO DO
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Direct the design, development, and maintenance of Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems.
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Define and execute the software development strategy, roadmap, and operating model in alignment with enterprise technology and business objectives.
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Lead, develop, and scale high-performing software development teams, including managers, technical leads, engineers, analysts, and related delivery resources.
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Provide leadership for recruiting, workforce planning, performance management, succession planning, coaching, mentoring, and career development.
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Oversee a portfolio of software development initiatives, ensuring effective prioritization, resource allocation, delivery planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
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Establish and continuously improve software engineering standards, development methodologies, quality practices, release processes, documentation, and operational support models.
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Partner with business leaders, product owners, infrastructure, security, data, compliance, audit, and vendor partners to deliver reliable and compliant technology solutions.
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Drive adoption of modern development practices, tools, automation, metrics, and governance to improve delivery predictability, quality, security, and maintainability.
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Manage escalations, critical issues, production-impacting concerns, and stakeholder expectations through timely resolution and transparent communication.
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Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and adherence to Citizens’ values and cultural behaviors.
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
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Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Business, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
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10+ years of progressive experience in software development, application delivery, or technology leadership.
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5+ years of leadership experience managing software development teams, technical managers, or cross-functional delivery teams.
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Demonstrated ability to lead enterprise software initiatives from strategy and planning through delivery, adoption, and ongoing support.
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Strong knowledge of software development methodologies, architecture principles, quality assurance, DevOps practices, security controls, and SDLC governance.
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Proven experience building, developing, and retaining high-performing technical teams.
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Experience establishing metrics, reporting, and governance to measure delivery performance, operational health, quality, risk, and business value.
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Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, vendor relationships, resource plans, delivery priorities, and multiple initiatives in a complex environment.
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Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Project and PowerPoint, and familiarity with development, collaboration, and work management tools.
Preferred Qualifications
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Insurance, financial services, or other regulated industry experience preferred.
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Experience leading application modernization, cloud adoption, data integration, automation, or digital transformation initiatives.
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Experience with Agile, Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, ITIL, DevOps, or related delivery and service management practices.
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Advanced knowledge of Microsoft 365, SharePoint, collaboration platforms, reporting tools, and enterprise application environments.
BENEFITS (the fun stuff)
As an employee of Citizens, we promise you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers, communities, and one another. We believe in fostering a culture of camaraderie, where your ideas are valued, and collaborative efforts drive innovation. Our commitment to rewarding work extends beyond professional growth to recognize your individual contributions and achievements.
We take a complete approach to our employees' well-being. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, AD&D, group term life insurance, and a matching 401k to secure your financial future. Our benefits plan allows for Virtual Visits and access to our Employee Assistance Program, showcasing our commitment to your health and work-life balance. Enjoy the added perks of generous Paid Time Off and holidays, ensuring you have the time to recharge and savor life outside of work. Join us and embrace a workplace that values not only your professional growth but also your personal fulfillment.
At Citizens, our employees and customers are at the heart of everything we do. Our success as a company begins with our team of employees and departments to service our customers. That's why we strive to create an environment where employees are equipped and challenged to reach their full potential.
Citizens is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
