Project Manager III
The Project Manager reports in the Project Management Office within the Information Technology Services (ITS) division. Performs complex (journey-level) project management work. Work involves coordinating the planning and initiation of projects at various levels of completion; monitoring the progress and schedule of projects; and communicating with project stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties. Performs research, analysis, project initiation, planning, development, and implementation activities for software development and infrastructure projects; securing leadership approvals; coordinating across agencies; and monitoring the progress and schedule of projects. May assign duties and responsibilities and coordinate the work of project staff. 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 Austin offices for meetings may be required.
Essential Job Functions:
Project Management and Scrum (50%)
Using DFPS project management and scrum processes, 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.
Collaborates with business analysts and project stakeholders to ensure that business requirements are documented and meet business needs.
Identifies project risks and develops mitigation strategies. Pursues and records project issues, actions, and decisions.
Collaborates with internal teams to monitor quality of project tasks and that project expenditures align with cost estimates to ensure effective budget utilization throughout the project lifecycle.
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.
Communication and Collaboration (30%)
Prepares high quality written project reports, updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned or as needed.
Collaborates with internal teams to review project cost estimates, Statements of Work, vendor quotes and project change request estimates and makes recommendations to ensure project needs are met.
Coordinates among agencies; and communicates with project stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties.
Facilitates and participates in cross-program and multi-agency workgroups, setting goals and objectives and providing work products.
Reviews project methodology and processes with project stakeholders, as needed.
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.
Facilitates meetings with project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle to provide status updates on project progress, including changes, successes, and challenges to completing project activities timely.
Works constructively with team and staff across the division and enterprise to facilitate successful project implementation
Research and Analysis (15%)
Provides complex research on assigned 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, agency initiatives, and fiscal note processes.
Develops proposals as necessary to support project activities and provides recommendations to management.
Represents Project Management Office at Change Approval Board meetings to ensure system and application changes impacting the project are communicated to appropriate division staff
Other Duties (5%)
Other duties as assigned.
Adheres to all Texas Department of Family and Protective Services HR policies and performs related work as assigned.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of project management and Scrum methodologies.
Knowledge of the project management and software development life cycles.
Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex federal and state legislation, program, policy, and operations issues.
Skill in project management areas of scope, schedule, quality, risk, resources, and budget management.
Skill in identifying project risks and gaps and ability 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.
Skill in negotiation and facilitation strategies.
Skill in performing complex research and analysis.
Skill in synthesizing, analyzing and evaluating highly complicated and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations for agency executives, elected officials, and the public.
Skill in Microsoft Office skills, particularly with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, Visio, SharePoint, and MS Teams.
Ability to establish project goals and objectives.
Ability to manage 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.
Ability to apply independent judgment in making critical decisions.
Ability to lead and work cooperatively in a team environment.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Certification in CSM (Certified Scrum Master), Project Management Professional (PMP), Portfolio Management Professional (PMP), or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) from the Project Management Institute is preferred
Initial Selection Criteria:
3 years' experience with IT Projects
A Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent experience to the Bachelor’s degree
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.
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. ?
MOS Code:
There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position.
As a state agency, DFPS is required 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.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.