Center Portfolio Manager

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Center Portfolio Manager 
Job Title: Project Manager IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: CPHPP-Federal Fund Direct 
Posting Number: 14277 
Closing Date: 04/06/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Range: $6,377.50 - $8,581.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
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: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 2611,8058,8060,8848,16KX,1D7X1,32EX,3D0X4,611X,612X,63A,63AX,641X,712X,8K000,BU,CE,EA,SEI16 
 
 
 

This is a temporary, grant funded position that is scheduled to end November 2027. 

Under the guidance of the Director of Public Health Policy within the Center for Public Health Policy and Practice (CPHPP) at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Center Portfolio Manager performs advanced (senior-level) project management work for all project activities within the Center throughout their lifecycle – project initiation through completion. This role will manage multiple concurrent projects that vary in size, scope, and complexity that align with DSHS priorities and the Center’s impact areas advancing public health: (1) policy, (2) workforce and partnerships, (3) preventive medicine and (4) research.   

This position will be responsible for the successful lifecycle management of the division’s diverse project portfolio. This role will provide high level divisional support by generating project plans, developing and monitoring timelines and milestones, providing consultative services and delivering information briefings to leadership as needed. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJF) 

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

1. Serves as the division’s subject matter expert on the best practices of project management. Initiates, manages, implements accepted project management methodologies and tools such as Smartsheet and SharePoint. Initiates projects, assesses business need and project feasibility. Develops project concept/design forms, project charters, communication plans, work and resource plans (roles and responsibilities), gap analysis and assists with forecasting, work break down (WBD) structures and cost estimates and projections. Synthesizes lessons learned and successes from implementation to share with the entire project team. 35%
2. Maintains a varied portfolio ranging from assignments to projects. Is responsible for the efficient and effective deployment of division resources. Develops and implements an effective system to monitor and track project progress using Smartsheet to ensure they are completed on time and according to the approved project charter. Uses project management methods to evaluate and manage projects, updating standardized project management templates, processes and procedures, and job aids. Develops guidelines, policies and procedures for the division in order to implement/integrate new methods and processes. Monitors compliance with policies and procedures for new and existing methods and processes. 30%
3. Provides consultative services and technical assistance related to quality project management processes. Facilitates cross-functional workgroups.  Communicates and reports on scope, objectives, major decisions, milestones, risks/issues, stakeholder engagement efforts, and overall updates to leadership, project team members, and interested groups. Compiles and distributes project information, project status and progress reports, and project budget expenditures to various audiences. Prepares high quality written project reports, updates, and summaries, and other documents as assigned or as needed. Maintains project documentation. 30%

4. Other duties as assigned, which may include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. CPHPP is an active partner in response activities. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of project management theories, lifecycles, and practices applicable to projects that are moderately complex in scope. 
• Knowledge of systems and procedures used to evaluate performance.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, administrative rules, program policies, and procedures relevant to DSHS program areas.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public health.
• Skill in developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure.  
• Skill in project management and monitoring.
• Skill in addressing changes in project scope.
• Skill in negotiation and group facilitation.
• Skill in writing readable documents/reports dealing with complex subject matter.
• Skill in communicating, both orally and in writing, for a wide variety of audiences.
• Skill in managing staff and team building.
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively both individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and project activities; to establish project goals and objectives; to exercise sound judgment in making decisions; to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues; to demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills; to identify project risks and gaps; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to direct, assign, and evaluate the work of project staff.
• Ability to guide others in a constructive manner and follow through on assignment completion.
• Ability to organize and develop work plans, coordinate assignments, and adhere to strict deadlines.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of internal and external contacts.
• Ability to communicate with diplomacy.

Ability to work with a variety of leadership styles.

Additional Information: This is an in-person interview only. No virtual interviews will be conducted.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Advanced degree preferred. 
• At least three (3) years of experience managing projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-project programs or portfolios.
• Experience with any State of Texas agency is preferred but not required
• Preference will be given to those with a current Project Management Certification 

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form