Project Manager

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Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Project Manager 
Job Title: Project Manager II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Birth Defects Epi & Surveill 
Posting Number: 11654 
Closing Date: 12/15/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $6,281.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT) 
Other Locations: Arlington; Dallas; Fort Worth; Granbury; Grand Prairie 
MOS Codes: 2611,8058,8060,8848,16KX,1D7X1,32EX,3D0X4,611X,612X,63A,63AX,641X,712X,8K000,BU,CE,EA,SEI16 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

As a grant funded position, the project manager (PM) will coordinate interoperability, grant, and special projects within the Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch to ensure their successful planning and implementation. The PM will ensure projects adhere to best practices for project planning and delivery.

The PM will be responsible for supporting the team to complete projects on time, within scope, and within budget by following generally accepted project management methodologies and principles. Performs other duties as assigned. Works under direct supervision of Program Supervisor VII with moderate latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

40%-Serves as project manager to facilitate the planning and coordination of interoperability, grant, and special projects for the Branch. Supports the initiation and implementation of projects and processes to facilitate the exchange of electronic health data and electronic case reports (eCR). Coordinates with Branch staff and stakeholders to ensure all interoperability projects are prioritized and delivered. Coordinates the creation of project plans and the scope of work, provides updates to management and peers on the status of projects including roadmap activities, and ensures the successful completion of assigned projects. Monitors project progress and sets deadlines. Guides other Branch staff in understanding processes for project work, maintenance activities, and project documentation. Assists in the update of project management processes, tools, and documentation. Assists with other special projects conducted by the Branch, which may include projects related to family outreach or Branch training initiatives.

35%- Researches, analyzes, and interprets technical information to support the initiation and evaluation of interoperability projects. Researches best practices for the exchange of electronic health data, interoperability project risk factors, dependencies, and enablers. Coordinates the development of mitigation strategies to reduce interoperability project risks. Researches other assigned topics, including federal regulations and communications, professional literature, and other publications to assist with determinations and recommendations for interoperability projects. Researches and coordinates the development of criteria for evaluating interoperability projects. Communicates interoperability project-related research findings and interoperability best practices to the Branch.

20%-Coordinates activities related to select Branch grants and contracts, including grant applications, renewals, and annual reports/updates. Coordinates with grant principal investigator, Grants Office, Contracts Office, and Budget Specialist to oversee grant-related budgets and contracts, work with contractors to develop scopes of work and related budgets, monitors contractors’ work to help minimize lapsed contract funds, and tracks grant and contract expenditures. Coordinates meetings with grant team and for grant-related projects. Ensures grant and contract deadlines are met.

5%-Performs other duties as assigned, including those pertaining to continuity of operations or SMOC.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of project management theories and practices applicable to projects of moderate scope, skill in monitoring project progress, knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of the project undertaken.

Knowledge of relational databases, database systems, IT best practices, computer equipment, and Microsoft Office programs.

Knowledge and understanding of HL7 data standards for the exchange, integration, sharing, and retrieval or electronic health data.

Ability to analyze and interpret complex information and translate it to easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations for project team members.

Knowledge of grant and contract management, knowledge of systems and procedures used to evaluate a third-party vendor’s performance.

Skilled in problem-solving and communication. Skilled in working collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues.

Skilled in writing, documentation, and developing reports, plans, and procedure documents. Skilled in planning and adhering to strict deadlines.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

A Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred or must be obtained within the first six months of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited four-year college or university in information technology, data management, public health informatics, or similar field preferred.

Experience managing projects required.

Experience with information technology (IT) projects preferred.

Demontrated skill in applying electronic data exchange nomenclature (SNOMED) and standards is preferred. 

Experience with birth defects surveillance processes preferred.

Additional Information:

N/A

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form