Project Manager III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

2d•$5,425 - $8,886•Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Access and Eligibility Services (AES) Office of Administration (OA) seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of a Project Manager III within the Contract Operations, Contract Quality Assurance & Training (CQAT) Team. OA is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to OA’s mission by ensuring all procurement and contract-related projects are performed with the highest level of accuracy, timeliness and in accordance with HHSC standards. CQAT maintains four core functions: (1) Procurement management and support to all AES stakeholders throughout the procurement process; (2) Development and maintenance of Contract Operation’s policies and procedures, to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements; (3) Development and facilitation of in-person, virtual, and web-based Contract Operation’s trainings; and (4) Analyzing contract documents to ensure compliance with HHS and Statewide Procurement Division contract management policies and procedures. This position performs advanced project management, consultative, and technical work related to the development and implementation of AES procurement and contract projects and initiatives. Work involves research, analysis, project assessment, planning, development, and implementation activities; coordinating the planning and initiation of projects at various levels of completion; identification of business needs; securing leadership approvals; interagency coordination; 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. Telework may be considered for this position in accordance with HHSC policy and at the discretion of AES Leadership to meet business needs. The ideal candidate is one that is highly organized, detail and solution-oriented, possess the ability to continuously learn and improve; able to thrive in a challenging, fast-paced, and evolving environment; and have excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, strong work-ethic, and a desire to help others.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, policy, and regulations relevant to procurements and contracts including the State of Texas Procurement and Contract Guide.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal statutes and regulations relating to federal grant programs.
Skills in using computer software including but not limited to Excel, CAPPS Financials, SCOR, Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMS, and/or Word.
Proven skills in analyzing and evaluating complex federal and state legislation, program, policy, and operations issues.
Advanced project management skills and able to establish project goals and objectives.
Experience in implementation of complex procurement and contract initiatives.
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 options and 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 into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations for agency execution, elected officials, and the public.
Skill in the 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 level 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.
Ability to use word-processing and spreadsheet applications in a windows environment.
Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
Experience developing solicitations or contracts.
At least three (3) years' experience in contracting and managing projects and three (3) years' experience working with HHSC programs, preferred.
Experience developing solicitations or contracts, project management, or experience working with HHSC programs may substitute for a college degree on a year for year basis.
Excellent written communications as observed by detail and completeness of information provided on the state application

Nice To Haves

A Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred and must be obtained within the first six months of employment.
A Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) is preferred and must be obtained within the first twelve months of employment.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field to the health and human services is generally preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs advanced project management for assigned procurements and contracts involving project assessment and approval, research, analysis, planning, development, and implementation activities; coordinating the planning and initiation of projects at various levels of completion; leads, manages, and monitors the progress and schedule of projects; identification of project risks; interagency coordination and communication with project stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties. Work is directly related to the management and operations of the AES Division. Collaborates with and supports all AES stakeholders throughout the procurement process, fostering strong relationships and ensuring effective communication across the division and enterprise.
Responsible for ensuring major AES mandates and assignments are implemented and conducted according to legislative requirements and agency leadership direction.
Contributes to the development, review, and maintenance of Contract Operation's policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with HHS and Statewide Procurement Division contract management policies. Works with staff and external stakeholders to identify risks/issues and develop mitigation strategies. Responsible for investigating and resolving matters of significance on behalf of AES Division leadership. Advises agency executive leadership on timelines, options for project implementation, and risk mitigation. Ensures projects adhere to escalation and governance procedures, to include presenting project updates and overviews and obtaining required approvals for new and ongoing projects at internal steering committee or other executive meetings.
Develops and manages projects; facilitates and participates in cross-program and multi-agency workgroups; sets goals and objectives; and provides work products. Develops project management tools and documents and instructs others in the use of these tools. Identifies opportunities for process improvement in procurement and contract management practices, implementing best practices and innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Prepares high quality written project reports, updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned or as needed. Oversees and evaluates projects using accepted project management methodologies.
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. Develops proposals as necessary to support project activities. Conducts thorough analysis of contract documents to ensure compliance with HHS and Statewide Procurement Division contract management policies and procedures, recommending improvements and corrective actions as needed. Assist with development and facilitation of in-person or virtual training for various stakeholders to enhance procurement and contract management knowledge across the organization.
Works constructively with team and staff across the division and enterprise to facilitate successful project implementation. Stays abreast of changes in state and federal regulations related to procurement and contract management, ensuring the division's practices remain compliant and up-to-date.
Other duties as assigned.