Project Manager IV

The Senior Project Manager reports to the Director of the Project Advisory and Coordination Team (PACT) within the Strategic Business Office (SBO) under the Chief Medicaid and CHIP Services Officer. The individual in this position performs advanced (senior-level) project management activities, including but not limited to the implementation of highly complex, highly visible federal, state, and leadership-directed initiatives related to the Medicaid and CHIP programs.

Work involves coordinating the initiation and planning of projects; overseeing the execution of the work to complete project objectives; monitoring the progress and schedule of projects; conducting risk and issue management, and communicating with stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties. This position also serves as the Smartsheet administrator used to manage the MCS Governance Projects Portfolio.

The position assumes a strong leadership role on the collaboration and coordination required to successfully implement initiatives to improve quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness of Medicaid and CHIP programs. The Project Manager is responsible for engaging key stakeholders, managing expectations, and maintaining positive relationships with other partnering departments within MCS or other areas of the agency. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(30%) Initiates, manages, implements, and oversees projects using accepted project management methodologies and tools such as Smartsheet. Initiates projects, demonstrates business need and project feasibility, and obtains authorization to proceed with project objectives.

Secures resources and commitment from internal project team members across departments and leads/directs project team members to achieve project objectives. Develops project charter, communication plans, work break down structures, detailed work plans, resource plans (roles and responsibilities), gap analysis (current and future state) and cost estimates and projections. Ensures timely development of scope/schedules, including the identification of dependencies, assumptions, and constraints.

Develops stakeholder engagement and change managements plans associated with external stakeholders including state agencies, providers, managed care organizations, vendors, contractors, advisory committees or councils, elected officials, and legislative staff. Uses Smartsheet to monitor projects, and actively monitors projects to ensure it is completed on time, within scope, and within budget. Responsible for leading project team members to achieve project objectives. Oversees changes needed and establishes workflows to drive policy, contractual obligations, and other changes required to implement new or revised programs.

(20%) Manages the administration of Smartsheet for MCS projects consistent with processes for MCS governance project portfolio. Optimizes and maintains the MCS Smartsheet environment which includes configuring, customizing, and managing the MCS Smartsheet solution to enhance collaboration, to streamline processes, and to ensure the efficient flow of project information across MCS.

(20%) Manages project communications. Communicates and reports on scope, objectives, major decisions, milestones, risks/issues, stakeholder engagement efforts, and overall updates to governance groups, leadership, project team members, and interested groups.

Prepares high quality written project reports, updates, and summaries, and other documents. Compiles and distributes project information, project status and progress reports to various audiences. Plans and leads effective meetings, prioritizes work and decisions. Maintains project documentation.

(15%) Manages project risks and issues. Collaborates, coordinates, and facilitates the identification of project risks and issues with project team members.

Develops detailed mitigation and response plans to address risks and issues. Obtains leadership approval for response plans for major risks and issues. Oversees execution of response plans, and tracks and monitors risks and issues.

(10%) Manages project team professional development. Develops project team members on project management best practices to improve competencies to enhance overall team interaction, team environment and project performance.

Conducts trainings on project management best practices. Motivate team members for high performance and reliability and maintains positive morale. Contribute to updating standardized project management templates, processes, and procedures, and job aids.

(5%) Performs other work as assigned. Participates in department activities related to legislative sessions, research, public hearings, committees, and executive initiatives. May serve as the disaster response project manager or project coordinator in the event of a public health emergency or emergency declaration, which includes tracking flexibilities for Medicaid and CHIP services.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Experience and knowledge of project management processes.

• Has knowledge of Smartsheet capabilities and experience with the administration of Smartsheet.

• Must have strong leadership skills to lead large teams to meet project objectives. Includes having negotiation, coordination, collaboration, and facilitation skills.

• Must have strong public speaking skills to address large teams and executives.

• Ability to communicate effectively, in written and oral communication.

• Must have strong organizational skills, employing systems to conduct work effectively and efficiently.

• Ability to apply independent judgment in making critical decisions.

• Skill in synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating complex information and translating it into easily understandable plain language for agency executives and elected officials.

• Skill and ability to identify project risks and gaps and able to develop creative and workable solutions to address complex problems and policy issues.

• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in staff, while effectively managing and motivating staff to achieve optimal performance.

• Ability to plan, assign and/or delegate work to project team members.

• Ability to lead and motivate a team to achieve agency and project goals.

• Advanced skill and use in Microsoft Suite including SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.

• Knowledge of federal and state Medicaid and CHIP laws, regulations as well as, federal laws and legislation.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification must be obtained within eight months of hire. Initial Selection Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college. Position related experience may substitute for college degree.

• Minimum of three years' experience as a project manager or project coordinator leading multi-year projects.

• Minimum of six months of experience using Smartsheet. Experience with Smartsheet administration, preferred.

• Experience managing projects related to the healthcare payor industry, Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare, preferred.

• PMP certification or related project management certification, preferred. Additional Information:

You must meet the minimum initial screening criteria to be considered. You should not apply if your submittal documents do not clearly reflect experience meeting the initial screening criteria.

You must fill out the application in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. It is highly recommended to thoroughly review the Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS.

The individual in this position will have a hybrid work arrangement, working remotely and in office.

Individuals selected for the interview will be required to provide work samples demonstrating project management best practices.

Only applicants who are interviewed will receive written notification of selection results.

Salary Note: Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources policies.

MOS Code:

Note: There is no direct military occupation(s) related to this position's initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements.

All active-duty reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

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

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS