Project Manager IV-V

MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

• Core Values: 
• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in the pursuit of our main purpose, to improve outcomes for students. 
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain the most committed talent, representing the diversity of Texas, each contributing to our common vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on success and failure, and try new approaches in the pursuit of excellence for our students.
• We are Servant Leaders: Above all else, we are public servants working to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve them.

New hires, re-hires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role. The maximum of the salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Texas Education Agency is seeking to fill two critical Project Manager positions at Levels IV and V within the Office of Finance and the Department of Grant Compliance & Administration. These roles are responsible for leading and supporting complex cross-office projects that drive the agency’s financial and grant-related initiatives to successful completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and at the highest standards of quality. Success in these positions requires leveraging technology and demonstrating a moderate technical understanding to achieve effective project outcomes.

The Project Manager IV (GCA Special Projects Manager) reports to the Assistant Chief Grants Officer and collaborates closely with the Office of Finance Project Management Lead, focusing on grant compliance and departmental project execution.

The Project Manager V (Finance Project Manager Lead) reports to the Deputy Commissioner of Finance and leads cross-office project teams, overseeing all aspects of project delivery and providing strategic guidance.

Both positions require solid project management skills, expertise in contract and vendor oversight, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a proven track record in managing complex projects, excellent leadership and communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively with senior and executive leadership across the agency. In addition, moderate proficiency with technology and the ability to leverage it to drive project outcomes are important for success in these roles. Placement will be determined by the hiring manager based on qualifications and experience.

The Project Manager may work a hybrid schedule.

Please note that a resume, tailored cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1. Vendor/Project Management: directs or oversees assigned projects, including contract management and vendor performance; supports both vendor and TEA project team members to ensure productivity, quality deliverables, and exceptional customer service; continuously evaluates current processes and project progression to identify areas for improvement
2. Deliverable Quality: oversees, monitors, and manages the quality of complex project deliverables, working to identify solutions for areas needing improvement; verifies that project deliverables are acceptable, fulfill the terms of team agreements, and are completed on time and within budget; directs or oversees the deliverables of staff, select project teams, and contract work
3. Customer Satisfaction: communicates routinely with leadership or management, customers, project team members, and other stakeholders; actively solicits and addresses customer and project team feedback, working to establish and maintain strong relationships for assigned and supervised projects; directs collaboration with agency grants staff, school system staff, and agency program areas 
In addition, the Project Manager V also:
• Takes full responsibility for overseeing all aspects of assigned projects, providing strategic guidance and leadership throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Leads cross-office project teams, managing broader scope and complexity with extensive autonomy and independent judgment.
• Routinely communicates with senior and executive management, ensuring alignment and successful delivery of agency priorities.
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Degree fields: Information Technology, Business Administration, Educational Leadership, or related field
• Experience: 
    o Project Manager IV: At least 5 years of experience in areas such as project management, grants management, contract management, vendor management, state procurement practices, state finance, and/or technology functions
    o Project Manager V: At least 7 years of experience in project management, contract management, vendor management, state procurement practices, state finance, and/or technology functions
• Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military.
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification must be obtained within first six (6) months of employment.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions, analyze complex issues, develop actionable plans, negotiate and facilitate effectively, assess project risks, prepare reports and visuals, communicate clearly, and manage project staff and responsibilities.
• A strong customer-service mindset focused on meeting the needs of stakeholders. 
• Skill at motivating and influencing others where there is not a direct reporting relationship. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to connect with a variety of audiences. 
• A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve. 
• Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment 
• Willingness and availability to work outside the regular work hours, as needed, to support project needs. 
• Willingness and ability to adapt to unexpected tasks, as assigned.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is preferred.
• Project Manager IV:  Knowledge of project management theories and practices applicable to limited-scope projects; and local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of state and federal grants.
• Project Manager V: Knowledge of project management theories and practices applicable to limited-scope 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 project undertaken.

As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the military employment preference.

To review the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to each job classification series in the State’s Position Classification Plan (provided by the State Auditor's Office), please access the Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) Guide and click on the military “occupational category” that corresponds with the state classification in this job posting title.

This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.

To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Employment at TEA page.

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Please add "capps.recruiting@cpa.texas.gov" and "@tea.texas.gov" to your safe senders list to ensure you receive email notifications from our talent acquisition team and/or hiring division regarding your candidacy.