Program Manager 3

Position will be 5 days required to be onsite at the location listed above. ***Subject to change per manager***

Program will only accept LOCAL ONLY candidates for this position.

C) Any and all travel per diem parking and/or living expenses shall be at the workers and/or Vendors expense.

D) The worker may be required to work remotely at HHSC discretion up to 100 percent of the time.

E) The worker may be required to work outside the normal business hours on weekends evenings and holidays as requested. Payment for work over 40 hours will be at the hourly rate quoted and must be coordinated and pre-approved through the Agency.

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Interviews will be conducted: (check all that apply)

By Phone

In person

Through Microsoft Teams

RESPONSE DEADLINE

Vendor shall respond in accordance with Customer specifications with proposed candidate resumes and the response must be received by 01/27/2026 @ 5:00 PM (CT).

Texas Health and Human Services Commission requires the services of 1 Program Manager 3 hereafter referred to as Candidate(s) who meets the general qualifications of Program Manager 3 Project Management and the specifications outlined in this document for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

All work products resulting from the project shall be considered works made for hire and are the property of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and may include pre-selection requirements that potential Vendors (and their Candidates) submit to and satisfy criminal background checks as authorized by Texas law. Texas Health and Human Services Commission will pay no fees for interviews or discussions which occur during the process of selecting a Candidate(s).

Organizing programs and activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the organization. Developing new programs to support the strategic direction of the organization. Creating and managing long-term goals. Developing a budget and operating plan for the program.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Program Manager to work directly with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead modernization efforts across the Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) and System Support Services (SSS) divisions. This role is critical to driving process improvements implementing automation and leveraging AI tools to streamline complex workflows.

The Program Manager will serve as a bridge between teams ensuring collaboration alignment and consistent execution of project plans. Success in this role requires strong leadership consensus-building skills and the ability to create a nudge environment-encouraging teams to adopt new practices and maintain momentum toward shared goals.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Modernization Initiatives

o Design and implement projects that simplify and automate complex tasks in PCS and SSS.

o Integrate AI and automation tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Drive Collaboration and Consensus

o Facilitate cross-division communication and decision-making.

o Build trust and alignment among stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.

Create a Nudge Environment

o Use behavioral strategies to encourage adoption of new processes.

o Promote continuous improvement and accountability across teams.

Ensure Consistent Project Planning

o Develop clear actionable project plans with measurable milestones.

o Monitor progress and adjust strategies to meet deadlines and quality standards.

Measure Success and Quality

o Track key metrics such as stakeholder satisfaction cycle time reduction and compliance.

o Report outcomes to leadership and recommend improvements.

Qualifications

Proven experience managing complex projects in large organizations.

Strong skills in consensus building stakeholder engagement and change management.

Familiarity with AI automation tools and process improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean Six Sigma).

Excellent communication and facilitation skills.

Ability to work across multiple divisions and manage competing priorities.

Critical Job Functions for the Program Manager (COO Support)

1. Cross-Divisional Project Leadership

Lead planning execution and delivery of AI and automation projects that span multiple business units ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational needs across both System Support Services and Procurement and Contracting divisions.

2. Standardization & Process Improvement

Establish and promote consistent project management practices for all project managers reporting to the COO including standardized charters schedules risk logs and reporting templates.

Conduct process analyses to identify and implement automation and efficiency improvements driving a quality and process-driven approach.

3. Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

Facilitate communication and collaboration among IT operations strategy and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are understood and met.

Develop adoption strategies for new AI and automation tools ensuring buy-in and effective implementation across impacted areas.

4. Compliance & Governance

Ensure project compliance with data governance security and ethical AI standards maintaining organizational integrity and regulatory adherence.

5. Reporting & Accountability

Prepare and deliver progress reports to the Senior Advisor and COO providing transparent updates on project status risks and outcomes.

Maintain accountability for project results ensuring objectives are delivered on time and with a well-thought-out approach.

6. Team Leadership & Mentorship

Oversee and mentor interns and early-career professionals fostering technical and professional growth within the project team.

II. CANDIDATE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

III. TERMS OF SERVICE

Services are expected to start 02/23/2026 and are expected to complete by 08/31/2026. Total estimated hours per Candidate shall not exceed 2000 hours. This service may be amended renewed and/or extended providing both parties agree to do so in writing.

IV. WORK HOURS AND LOCATION

Services shall be provided during normal business hours unless otherwise coordinated through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM excluding State holidays when the agency is closed.

The primary work location(s) will be at 4601 W Guadalupe Street Austin TX 78751. The working position is On Site. Any and all travel per diem parking and/or living expenses shall be at the Candidates and/or Vendors expense. Texas Health and Human Services Commission will provide pre-approved written authorization for travel for any services to be performed away from the primary work location(s). Pre-approved travel expenses are limited to the rates and comply with the rules prescribed by the State of Texas for travel by its classified employees including any requirement for original receipts.

The Candidate(s) may be required to work outside the normal business hours on weekends evenings and holidays as requested. Payment for work over 40 hours will be at the hourly rate quoted and must be coordinated and pre-approved through Texas Health and Human Services Commission.