Project Manager III

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The Project Manager III (PM III) is a critical component of the HHS IT Project Management Office (PMO), performing complex (journey-level) project management work. This position ensures that IT projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications through the rigorous application of critical IT project controls through direct delivery and/or fulfilling of a project oversight function.  This position also provides project policy, process, standards and training support for IT project managers as well as consulting and execution oversight for DSHS projects.

This position has moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement to effectively lead others and utilizes deep project management experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities to influence the delivery of expected project outcomes with a focus on on-time and on-budget project delivery.

The PM III serves as a primary contact between the IT project team and project stakeholders at multiple levels, both internally and externally. Collaborating within matrixed and multi-discipline environments alongside various project teams across agencies, this position consults with, negotiates with, and advises internal and external customers; provides quality assurance, planning, and project management services to meet customer needs, and proposes business improvement solutions consistent with IT PMO standards and guidelines.  Activities include but are not limited to project assessments, project financial analysis, developing and reviewing project documentation, ensuring customer satisfaction with project delivery, preparation of weekly, monthly and quarterly reports, reviewing and monitoring project schedules, documentation and communication of project assumptions, management of key issues and risks, active project stakeholder engagement, developing and enhancing best practices to optimize project operations and developing strategies to improve the project life cycle workflow. 

The ideal candidate for this position is a highly organized, highly motivated, natural leader, who effectively navigates a large, complex, organization, develops trusted and supportive relationships, and thrives on overcoming obstacles and solving problems.

Essential Job Functions:

Completes assignments from multiple, short, well-defined activities or process improvement initiatives to large, agency-wide initiatives.  Completes assignments per principles of structured project management, agency strategic plans, and in compliance with departmental standards, customer service principles, and organizational improvement principles. Responds to customer inquiries related to portfolio and PM systems, processes, policies, procedures, or other related information. Reviews documentation for quality, edits, and provide feedback to foster an environment of continuous improvement. Performs research and analysis to support planning and execution of projects, setting goals and timelines, conducting support studies, performing root cause analyses, and developing strategies to improve workflows. 

Works closely and supplies direct support for the Public Health project managers to ensure understanding and compliance of project management policies and procedures. Develops high-quality project documentation including business cases, charters, project plans, schedules, budgets, process flows, and other project management resources. Supports preparation of business systems, and/or legislative analyses, formulates logical descriptions of problems, and supports optimum solutions to meet customer and legislative needs. Providers overall quality assurance of the projects and project processes, reviews, and aids in the tracking of risk and issues as part of the project's risk and issue management plans.

Performs tools administration, configuration, training, and support for the PPM system.  Develop, create, and deliver training material to support understanding of project management related tools, processes, standards, and templates and address any specific training needs of the project managers, project portfolios, and the agency.  Coordinates, plans, and schedules the installation and training for new processes and workflows that will affect project delivery.  Create/deliver training material for future and existing instruction.  Support the PMs with time effort reporting, processes and tasks, project status reporting, and all financial activities in compliance with the PPM system.

Research solutions and recommend improvements to processes, develops solutions to meet PMO customer needs. Perform prompt project schedule reviews, security, and impact analysis. Analyzes and aids in defining IT project management responsibilities and procedures. Analyzes and aids in defining IT policy, standards, plans and procedures for IT project management. Perform advanced information technology (IT) project management analysis work for projects and systems.

Prepares/oversees the preparation of project management reporting charts, diagrams, tables, slide presentations, reports and flowcharts, written documents, monthly and final reports on work products for customers and higher management. Communicate professionally and proactively with PMs and other IT leaders to ensure understanding of PM processes, procedures, templates, and best practices. Apprises IT leaders and PMs of the status and progress of projects and key activities.  Participates in agency ESC meetings, management meetings, and workgroups as assigned. Prepare presentations and deliver to varied levels of staff including executives, directors, managers, vendors, associates, and state officials, and work at a detailed level of IT project management to summarize to an Executive Level audience.

Succcessful candidate must be able to independently travel to, and work from, the Austin, Texas office multiple days per week. 

Skill with Artificial Intelligence tool design or deployment preferred, but not requried.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or Agile certification or equivalent certifications (preferred), Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), or Certified Scrum Master (CSM) preferred.  Experience with SAFe® Agile preferred.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of effective waterfall and agile project management principles.

Knowledge in project management theories and practices applicable to small, medium, and large-sized scope projects.

Knowledge of project management theories of systems and procedures used to evaluate a third-party vendor's performance.

Knowledge of related state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements as well as the Texas legislative process

Knowledge of process improvement or quality assurance systems.

Knowledge of strategic planning, budget management and human resource management.

Knowledge of the principles of leadership and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles.

Skill with comprehending, interpreting, and applying various project, quality, and model-based methodologies, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to complex issues within a fast-paced, deadline-driven, information technology environment.

Skill in project management execution and task prioritization

Skill in synthesizing information and implementing approaches that make the most efficient use of limited resources.

Skill in using a PC and Microsoft Project, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Vizio, and Word.

Skill is using project portfolio management software to manage product and project information.

Skill in performing quality assurance tasks.

Skill in communication and public speaking

Skill in managing multiple, overlapping, and competing priorities.

Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.

Advanced skill with written and oral communication and the ability to communicate with all levels of an organization in a variety of formats.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

Ability to analyze complex information.

Ability to develop plans to address identified issues.

Ability to demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills.

Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.

Ability to establish goals and objectives.

Ability to effectively manage, motivate and build effective work teams.

Ability to accurately interpret data, evaluate reports and make timely and effective decisions.

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to work independently and deliver results in an environment of broad, consultative management.

Ability to analyze systems and procedures.

Ability to adapt to change or modify behavior in response to changes in situations or priorities.

Initial Selection Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Experience may be substituted for educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

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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 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.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.