Project Manager III (AUSTIN, TX)

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.  

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Project Manager III 
Job Title: Project Manager III 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: OPERATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES 
Posting Number: 17813 
Closing Date: 06/24/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $7,007.46 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 2611,8058,8060,8848,16KX,1D7X1,32EX,3D0X4,611X,612X,63A,63AX,641X,712X,8K000,BU,CE,EA,SEI16 
 
 
 

Lead impactful, complex projects that strengthen how DFPS supports children, families, and vulnerable adults, driving coordinated efforts that help communities thrive and stay safe with Operations Support Services (OSS). This position performs advanced project management work related to operations, coordinating planning, execution, and monitoring of initiatives across multiple stakeholders and levels of completion. The role plays a critical part in ensuring projects are aligned with agency priorities and delivered efficiently, on time, and within scope. The position collaborates closely with leadership, subject matter experts, and external partners to manage schedules, resources, risks, and communications. Working under general supervision, this role uses strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and initiative to guide project outcomes, improve operational processes, and support mission-driven results while maintaining compliance with applicable standards and requirements.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
• Manages full project life cycle activities using established project management methodologies. Leads planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout to ensure alignment with agency objectives and successful delivery across Operations Support Services.
• Develops and manages project budgets, schedules, and resource plans. Coordinates with finance and procurement to track expenditures, forecast costs, and ensure projects remain within approved financial parameters.
• Plans and facilitates effective project meetings and communications. Prepares materials, leads discussions with stakeholders, and ensures decisions, action items, and timelines are clearly documented and executed.
• Monitors project performance, risks, and cost variances. Identifies issues, analyzes trends, and works with leadership to implement corrective actions that keep projects on schedule and aligned with expectations.
• Coordinates with internal teams, external agencies, and vendors. Serves as a liaison to ensure collaboration, compliance, and alignment across all parties involved in project delivery.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
•    Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbott Executive Order GA-48.
•    Knowledge of project/program management theories and practices. 
•    Knowledge of project/program costing, estimating, and scheduling. 
•    Knowledge of budget management principles, practices, and procedures.
•    Knowledge of systems and procedures used to evaluate project/program performance. 
•    Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of the project/program undertaken.
•    Skill in project/program management, scheduling, resource allocation, and budgeting.
•    Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.
•    Ability to provide leadership and motivate others, to monitor project/program status.
•    Ability to prepare and/or analyze project cost estimates, to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions. 
•    Ability to analyze project/program-related information and develop plans to address identified issues and risk.
•    Ability to prepare reports and charts, to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to oversee the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM), not required but preferred
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP), not required but preferred

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four year college or university is generally preferred. Documented project management experience and education may be substituted on a year for year basis.
• Experience in project management that is clearly demonstrated on the application and includes leading projects from initiation through completion, such as developing project plans, managing project schedules and budgets, coordinating cross functional teams, resolving issues, and reporting project status to stakeholders. 
• Experience leading cross-division, intra-agency efforts, fostering collaboration among diverse partners/stakeholders.
• Two years experience managing projects, operational initiatives, or process improvement efforts
• Experience in providing and working in a customer service focused environment.

 
Additional Information:

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Proven experience managing complex programs or projects from initiation to completion, including defining goals, objectives, timelines, and controls.
•    Demonstrated ability to measure performance, conduct workflow analysis, mitigate risks, and drive continuous operational improvement across the program lifecycle.
•    Experience developing and implementing policies, processes, and improvements to ensure program success.
•    Proficiency in data-driven decision-making, including assessing resource needs, ensuring budget alignment, and optimizing program performance.
•    Experience working in Health and Human Service agencies, DFPS preferred.

This position is headquartered at the DFPS State Office location, 4900 N. Lamar Blvd. in Austin, Texas. No other locations will be considered. 

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at [email protected] with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS 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/DFPS 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.