Rural Texas Strong Program Manager in Austin, TX

Description

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.

Functional Title: Rural Texas Strong Program Manager 
Job Title: Portfolio Project Manager I 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: HB18 Admin 
Posting Number: 12475 
Closing Date: 04/05/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-29 
Salary Range: $8,488.33 - $14,356.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8058,8848,16KX,32EX,611X,612X,63A,63AX,641X,712X,SEI16 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Rural Texas Strong Program Manager reports to the Rural Texas StrongProgram Director in the Provider Finance Department within the Chief Financial Officer Division at the Health and Human Services Commission. This position works under limited supervision, with considerable and/or extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This role will manage multiple concurrent projects that vary in size, scope, and complexity that align with the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

This role will oversee several large-scale initiatives, providing strategic guidance to the Program Director and coordinating activities with other state agencies, governmental jurisdictions, and private sector partners and contractors. This role will monitor and manage project quality to ensure that initiatives are completed within budget and risks are mitigated or avoided.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Coordinates, develops, and evaluates projects related to approved RHT initiatives. (25%)

Interacts with senior managers, executives, and major stakeholders to establish strategic plans and objectives for an organization and consults on issues related to project and portfolio development and management (25%)

Initiates multi-agency and provider projects, obtains authorization and commitment, and demonstrates agency need and project feasibility in line with federal guidance and rules. (20%)

Coordinates project activities with other state agencies, governmental jurisdictions, or private sector partners and contractors. (15%)

Testifies before legislative and interested stakeholders' groups on project status and performance. (10%)

Performs related work as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of project management theories and practices applicable to rural health projects; systems and procedures used to evaluate a third-party vendor's performance; and local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of the RHT program.

Knowledge of health and human services programs and procurement processes.

Skill in project portfolio management monitoring, in addressing changes in scope and budget, in project and portfolio resourcing, and in the use of a computer and applicable software, such as: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and Visio.

Ability to manage project portfolio activities, to establish project portfolio goals and objectives, to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions, to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues, to demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills, to identify project risks and gaps, to prepare reports, to communicate effectively, and to supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university. Master's degree preferred.

Three years' experience with the implementation of health and human services programs.

Three years' experience with the management and implementation of federal and state programs.

Three years' experience with the management of a team.  

Experience in the management and direction of a program relevant to rural health is preferred.

Experience communicating with legislative members and staff is preferred.

Additional Information:

The Provider Finance Department operates on a hybrid telework schedule. Staff are currently required to physically work in the office 2 days per week. The office is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.