Senior Project 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: Senior Project Manager 
Job Title: Project Manager IV 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: UR Management Support 
Posting Number: 10441 
Closing Date: 11/03/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26 
Salary Range: $6,377.50 - $8,581.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 15% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 2611,8058,8060,8848,16KX,1D7X1,32EX,3D0X4,611X,612X,63A,63AX,641X,712X,8K000,BU,CE,EA,SEI16 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Operations Director, the Project Manager IV (Senior Project Manager) manages, assigns, and evaluates the work of project staff in the Managed Care Utilization Review (MCUR) unit. Performs advanced (senior-level) project management work. Work involves coordinating the planning and initiation of diverse projects at various levels of completion; monitoring the progress and schedule of projects; and communicating with project stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave and telework policies. 

**Availability to work full time in Austin, Texas and/or a telework environment**

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

The Senior Project Manager manages direct reports, providing leadership, guidance, and support to team members. Fosters a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting professional development and growth opportunities for their team. Serve as a role model for project management excellence, demonstrating strong leadership qualities and a commitment to achieving MCUR/UR's goals. Responsible for developing and maintaining the MCUR/UR's project portfolio management framework. Establishes processes, tools, and methodologies to effectively manage the project portfolio in alignment with strategic goals and resource capacity. Conducts reviews of projects that face challenges and provides recommendations on their course of action, including whether they should continue, undergo significant changes, be placed on hold, or discontinued. (35%)

Leads the planning, execution, and closure of multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to project management best practices and methodologies. Works closely with stakeholders to define project priorities, objectives, and key performance indicators, ensuring that projects contribute to the overall success of MCUR/UR. Leads the development of comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, resource allocation, and risk management strategies. Monitors project performance and provides regular reporting to stakeholders, highlighting progress, risks, and opportunities. Identifies and mitigates project risks and issues, implementing corrective actions as needed to keep projects on track and ensure successful outcomes. (25%)

Provides status reports and analysis of project milestones, deliverables, dependencies, risks, and issues, effectively communicating across MCUR/UR leadership. Responsible for building and maintaining a partnership with executive leadership. Facilitates and participates in a variety of meetings, including strategic planning, project planning, and interdepartmental or inter-agency work-group meetings. Plans for effective and efficient meetings, prioritizing decisions and results, and develops and maintains complete meeting documentation. (20%)

Drives continuous improvement initiatives, integrating Six Sigma methodologies where applicable. Leads change management initiatives, ensuring smooth transition and adoption within MCUR/UR while leveraging Six Sigma principles to optimize processes and eliminate defects. (20%)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Preferred: 

• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification or higher
• Scrum Certification
• Certified associate in project management (CAPM) certification or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of project management theories and practices applicable to projects that are highly complex in scope.

Knowledge of systems and procedures used to evaluate project performance.

Knowledge and experience in project management best practices including PMBOK methodologies, tools, and techniques.

Knowledge of principles and methodologies of change management.

Knowledge and experience in managing process improvement projects impacting multiple business areas and operations.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of the projects undertaken.

Knowledge and experience in Medicaid, managed care, health and human services, and healthcare.

Knowledge and experience in managing positive relationships with key stakeholders.

Strong leadership, diplomatic and motivational skills including the ability to lead up, across and down multiple business and technology organizations.

Experience in coordinating the implementation of complex processes with multiple teams.      

Skill in managing competing priorities and changes in time, resources and/or scope.

Skill in project management monitoring and addressing changes in scope and budget.

Skill in policy and procedure evaluation and development.

Strong oral and interpersonal communication, organizational, time management, and presentation skills.

Strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail.

Skill in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Smartsheet (or equivalent project management software), Visio, Adobe and Outlook.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Ability to measure project performance using the appropriate tools, systems, and techniques.

Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address issues and mitigate risks.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, analyze, and evaluate data and facts.

Ability to collaborate and develop effective professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, fast-changing environment.

Ability to effectively manage conflict to resolution and negotiate among project team members or stakeholders to reach project objectives.

Ability to direct, assign, and evaluate the work of project staff and the project management team.

Initial Screening Criteria:

A bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Project Management, Operations, Business Management, or a related field. Work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis with a maximum substitution of four (4) years. Applicant must have at least four (4) years of project management and process improvement experience. Applicant must have experience in Microsoft applications and project management software, preferably Smartsheet.  Applicant must have at least four (4) years of supervisory experience.

Preferred: 

• 3+ years of experience in advanced group facilitation and experience with Kaizen is a plus
• Experience using Smartsheet project management software and SharePoint
• Work experience in Medicaid, managed care, healthcare, non-profit, public service, or government.

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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.