Project Manager

Brief Job Description

The Project Manager (Project Manager IV) position performs senior-level project management, project planning, and the documentation of assigned projects. Assigned work involves directing teams of Product Owners, Developers, and QA Testers. Project management includes initiation, planning, execution, control, and closing assigned projects and subsidiary components. Coordinates various levels of projects and oversees the planning and initiation of the project deliverables, including cost estimates and projections. Identifies potential project risks and difficulties, and designs strategies to mitigate or avoid them. A strong technical background and supervisory experience are a must. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Provides leadership and expertise in project management. Project management involves the full spectrum of industry-accepted principles of project management including initiation, planning, execution, control, and closing assigned projects and subsidiary components. These activities include, but are not limited to, defining and managing scope and customer expectations; work breakdown structures; detailed Microsoft project schedules; resource plans; project plans; communications plans; budgets and cost tracking; presentations and briefings; metrics reporting; risk / issues and associated mitigation activities; quality control; change management processes; customer acceptance; lessons learned; and archiving project documentation. Coordinates various levels of projects including multi-million dollar projects and oversees the planning and initiation of the project deliverables, including cost estimates and projections. Identifies potential project risks and difficulties, and designs strategies to mitigate or avoid them. Directs, develops, and evaluates projects utilizing accepted project management methodologies.
• Makes sure projects are completed on time and within budget. Monitors and manages project quality to ensure project deliverables are acceptable and fulfill the terms of the project contract or specifications. Obtains authorization and commitment, and demonstrates business need and project feasibility. Reviews and recommends proposals and bids to management.
• Manages and develops staff in project management. Develops and implements plans to communicate and explain project methodology and processes to interested groups and team members. Creates documentation procedures to capture and deal with changes in original project plan. Develops criteria for evaluating programs, proposals, and other pertinent information related to project assignments.
• Advises, consults and negotiates with agency customers on project activities. Ensures project management methodologies are followed and are consistent with agency, enterprise and DIR plans, standards and guidelines. Provides leadership to internal and external teams / committees across the agency and HHS enterprise to ensure projects are coordinated, efficient and meet service level objectives. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of other HHS agencies IT-related projects and negotiates sharing of resources to achieve objectives across agencies.
• Collaborates with other HHS agencies, and DIR to assure policies, standards, procedures, and activities and required reports conform to and are consistent with state requirements. Develops guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and/or regulations and monitoring for compliance. Develops, reviews, and revises legislation. Oversees the preparation of management and productivity reports and studies. Oversees special investigations, research studies, and internal audits. Represents the Department by making presentations, providing information and testimony, collaborating with customers, other state agencies and federal partners. Responds to requests by legislators and other public officials.
• Participates in Agile ceremonies as well as other required internal Agency meetings. Completes other job duties as required.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

• Knowledge of effective management principles.
• Knowledge in project management theories and practices applicable to mid-to-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.
• Knowledge of process improvement or quality assurance systems.
• Knowledge of Texas legislative process and public accountability 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.
• Knowledge of cost monitoring during the transition phase of the contract and financial contract cost analysis.
• Skill in communication and public speaking.
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• 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 communicate orally and in writing.
• 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 make timely and effective decisions.
• Ability to interpret data and develop effective operating procedures.
• Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to comprehensively and accurately evaluate reports.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

• May require certification as a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP).

Initial Criteria

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in business or a related field.
• Five years of IT project management experience may be used in lieu of the four-year college degree requirement.
• Minimum 5 (five) years of experience managing IT projects.
• Minimum 5 (five) years of experience managing large-scale budgets, cost estimates, and projections.
• Preferred experience with the State of Texas QAT and SAO processes/procedures.