Project Manager III

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.  

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Project Manager III 
Job Title: Project Manager III 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: Project Management Office-Op 
Posting Number: 21934 
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 2611,8058,8060,8848,16KX,1D7X1,32EX,3D0X4,611X,612X,63A,63AX,641X,712X,8K000,BU,CE,EA,SEI16 
 
 
 

Project Manager III

Job Description:

The Project Manager reports to a Manager in the Project Management Office within the Information Technology Services (ITS) division. Performs advanced (senior-level) project management work and advanced consultative and technical work related to the development and implementation of ITS projects and initiatives. Work involves research, analysis, project initiation, planning, development, and implementation activities for both software development projects and infrastructure projects; securing leadership approvals; coordinating among agencies; monitoring the progress and schedule of projects; and communicating with project stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties. May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The mission of DFPS is to protect children, the elderly, and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by involving clients, families, and communities. We are looking to grow our teams with people who share our energy and enthusiasm to get behind our mission of protecting those among us who are most in need.

This position is classified as a full-time position (40 hours a week). Work outside of regular hours may be required. Travel to other Austin offices(s) for meetings may be required.

This position is a full-time position that includes other State of Texas benefits as described in this SAO site:  http://www.sao.texas.gov/SAOReports/ReportNumber?id=18-704

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Project Management and Scrum (60%)

Using DFPS project management and scrum practices, performs advanced project management involving project assessment and approval; manages all the phases of projects including initiation, planning, development, implementation, and close out activities; monitors the progress, schedule, and costs of projects; identifies project risks and develops mitigation strategies; ensures deliverable quality; pursues and records project issues, actions, and decisions. Facilitates and participates in cross-program and multi-agency workgroups, setting goals and objectives and providing work products.  Ensures substantive deviations to approved work plans are approved according to department procedures. Coordinates assignments given to project team members, ensuring progress is on track and tasks are completed on time. Mentors junior Project Managers in understanding and executing DFPS IT project management and scrum processes.

Communications (30%)

Prepares high quality written project reports, updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned or as needed. Coordinates among agencies; and communicates with project stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties.  Ensures projects adhere to escalation and governance procedures, to include presenting project updates and overviews and obtaining

required approvals at internal steering committee or other executive meetings. Works constructively with team and staff across the division and enterprise to facilitate successful project implementation.

Research and Analysis (10%)

Provides advanced research on highly complex topics, including assessment, analysis, and evaluation of federal regulations and communications, professional literature, and other publications to make determinations and recommendations related to state and federal legislation. Develop proposals as necessary to support project activities.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of project management, Scrum, and software development life cycles with familiarity with the Texas Project Delivery Framework.

• Proven skills in analyzing and evaluating complex federal and state legislation, program, policy, and operations issues.

• Advanced project management skills in the areas of scope, schedule, quality, risk, resources, and budget management.

• Ability to establish project goals and objectives.  

• Proven ability to manage advance complex initiatives with independent judgment including addressing changes in project scope, resources, and budget.

• Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.

• Skill in performing complex advanced level research.

• Skill in synthesizing, analyzing and evaluating highly complicated and technical information and translate it easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations for agency executives, elected officials, and the public.

• Skill in identification of project risks and gaps and able to develop creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues.

• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of personnel in governmental entities.

• Proven negotiation and facilitation skills.

• Proven ability to apply independent judgment in making critical decisions.

• Ability to lead and work cooperatively in a team environment.

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, Visio, SharePoint, and MS Teams.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

• Prefer Project Management Professional (PMP), Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) from the Project Management Institute, or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) from the Project Management Institute.

• Prefer Certified Scrum Master (CSM), PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), or other Agile-related certifications.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

• At least four (4) years of advanced project management experience with Information Technology projects.

• Project Management and/or Scrum Master experience with various software development methodologies.

• Experience with child or adult protective services, or health and human services state programs is preferred but not required.

• Project Management Professional certification and Scrum/Agile certification preferred.

Additional Information:

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. DFPS is not considering applications from persons who require sponsorship for an employment visa.

• DFPS is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on  student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident or work for DFPS or be willing to relocate to Texas.

• Work hours may vary and include weekends based on business needs of the agency.

• Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called to an agency for an interview must notify the interviewing agency in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

• Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) requires state agencies to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. Staff may be required to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.