Key Responsibilities
· Project Leadership: Lead the end-to-end management of large-scale, high-budget, and strategically important projects for the state agency.
· Methodology & Governance: Utilize standard project management methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, Hybrid, Agile where appropriate) in strict adherence to State of Texas project governance frameworks and reporting standards (e.g., DIR, HHSC requirements).
· Stakeholder Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for project sponsors, agency executives, vendors, and other key stakeholders. Facilitate clear and consistent communication across all levels of the organization.
· Planning & Execution: Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, risk, communication, and resource management.
· Budget Management: Manage project budgets meticulously, ensuring compliance with state purchasing and procurement guidelines (e.g., SPRs).
· Reporting & Documentation: Prepare and present regular status reports, dashboards, and presentations for steering committees and executive leadership. Maintain all project documentation in accordance with state records retention policies.
· Risk & Issue Management: Proactively identify, track, and mitigate project risks and issues. Develop contingency plans to ensure project success.
· Vendor Management: Manage relationships and contracts with third-party vendors and consultants, ensuring deliverables are met on time and within budget.
Mandatory Qualifications
· Minimum of 20 years of professional experience in a formal Project Manager role.
· Minimum of 8 years of experience working directly for a U.S. state government agency. Experience with Texas state agencies (e.g., HHSC, DIR, TxDOT, DPS, CPA) is highly preferred.
· Proven experience managing large-scale IT and/or business process improvement projects within a government environment.
· Deep understanding of government procurement, budgeting, and compliance processes.
· Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, MS Teams, and SharePoint.
· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to executive leadership.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
· Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is strongly preferred.
· Experience with Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) standards and reporting is a significant plus.
· Strong leadership, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
· Ability to work independently in a remote environment with minimal supervision.
· Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Public Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.