Senior Project Manager, Technical Assistance & Projects

Harris County • Houston, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Project Manager, Technical Assistance & Projects, works within the Technical Assistance & Projects (TAP) team in the Policy and Performance Division of the Harris County Office of County Administration. The team partners with County departments and divisions to address complex challenges and priorities related to justice and safety, infrastructure, economy, health, resilience, and housing. It studies issues and relevant data, identifies needs and action steps, and implements sustainable solutions through a flexible, adaptive process. The team also manages cross-department projects and provides ad hoc support to other County divisions and departments.

The Senior Project Manager drives day-to-day execution of TAP projects, typically managing one to three projects at a time. The role works closely with TAP colleagues, the OCA Executive Team, Commissioners Court staff, elected officials, and County departments. It oversees project plans and team deliverables, maintains partner alignment, coordinates with supporting departments, and conducts research and analysis to inform project scope and recommendations. This is a regular full-time position, Monday through Friday, with availability required at all times and nights and weekends as needed. Work hours are discussed during the departmental interview. The position is based in an office environment, may work from home periodically as workload allows, and may require local travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; one year of relevant experience may substitute for each year of required education.
• At least five years of experience in project management, process improvement, strategic planning, and/or innovation.
• At least five years of experience driving improvements or launching projects and programs, tracking performance, adapting based on changes and feedback, reporting results, and addressing roadblocks.
• At least one year of experience managing multiple direct reports.
• Demonstrated commitment to and track record of advancing equity, justice, diversity, and opportunity in operations and public policy design.
• Advanced knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, public policy, Texas county government operations, laws, statutes, functions, programs, and best practices for county operations.
• Advanced knowledge of change management, project management, and team-building principles.
• Ability to execute tasks effectively and on time, prioritize assignments, meet directives, and manage workload.
• Ability to establish positive relationships, maintain high professional and personal ethical standards, handle sensitive or confidential information discreetly, and accept and provide supervision.
• Ability to drive organizational culture and build and manage high-performing teams.
• Ability to counsel, interface with, and obtain feedback from diverse stakeholders, including elected and appointed officials.
• Ability to learn continuously about County operations and Commissioners Court goals and objectives to support other County departments and offices appropriately.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team with expertise in technical assistance, project management, problem solving, customer service, process improvement, and performance management.
• Ability to work amid ambiguity with emotional intelligence, curiosity, integrity, ethics, and transparency.
• Ability to manage projects flexibly in response to changing context, needs, information, and priorities.
• Strong customer and client service mindset, including listening to partners’ challenges, respecting their time, communicating efficiently, and helping County departments and divisions better serve Harris County residents.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to review and edit memos, policy documents, process flows, reports, and other documents.
• Skill in Microsoft Office and project management applications.
• Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on the job application; information stated only on a resume or as “See Resume” will not be accepted.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of experience managing multiple direct reports.
• Graduate degree in Public Policy or Administration, Law, Organizational Psychology, Organizational Design, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development, implementation, and refinement of TAP project processes, including kickoff, assessment, brainstorming, work-plan development, testing, implementation, reassessment, improvement, and sustainment.
• Manage one to three TAP team projects at a time and ensure timely, effective execution of project work plans, making adjustments as needed.
• Oversee the work of other team members and deliverables from partner department or division staff, as applicable.
• Regularly communicate project progress and gather or provide feedback with the TAP Director, team members, partner leadership, Commissioners Court staff, and the OCA Executive Team, as applicable.
• Maintain alignment with partner department and division leadership, discuss proposed changes and updates, and respond promptly to feedback.
• Coordinate with supporting departments such as HR, IT, and Budget to clarify roles, align timelines and processes, and reduce duplication.
• Build working relationships that support shared ownership of outcomes and improve operational flow.
• Engage regularly with Commissioners Court staff, elected officials, and department leadership regarding projects.
• Conduct research, benchmarking, and policy and data analysis to inform project scope and plans, identify best practices, and provide context for recommendations.
• Perform other duties or responsibilities as assigned or reassigned by management.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior