Special Projects Coordinator

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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: Special Projects Coordinator 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Congenital Syphilis 
Posting Number: 12668 
Closing Date: 02/09/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $7,652.91 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
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: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description

The Special Projects Coordinator (Program Specialist VII) works under the direction of the Director of Data Analytics and Special Projects within the Community Health Improvement (CHI) Division. Performs highly advanced (senior‑level) consultative and technical assistance services focused on inter‑ and intra‑agency program coordination and oversees special projects using a public health prevention framework. Conducts research studies, and analysis, including needs assessments, surveillance, health impact assessments, and economic evaluations. Guides staff in the development and integration of new methods and procedures to data collection, management, analysis, and reporting methodologies. Oversees the development and completion of strategic planning documents, including state plans and legislative/executive briefs, requests for information and reports on CHI special projects. In coordination with CHI program staff, the position ensures performance measure requirements are met by overseeing the collection, tracking, and reporting of performance data. May train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others. Operates with minimal supervision, exercising initiative, and independent judgment. Occasional extended hours may be required to meet deadlines and support the mission‑critical reporting.

Essential Job Functions

EJF 1. Consultative services and technical assistance. Provides senior-level consultative services and technical assistance to agency leadership related to inter- and intra-agency program coordination for CHI. Oversees and manages special projects using a public health prevention framework. Manages complex, cross-functional projects related to maternal and child health, behavioral health, chronic disease, and other public health initiatives, including preparation and oversight of required quarterly reports for the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). Evaluates projects and provides guidance on their development, coordination, and implementation, and identifies and resolves related operational issues. Provides consultation and technical support to establish project targets, objectives, timelines, and performance measures to monitor progress and ensure alignment with agency priorities.  Lead the implementation and ongoing management of complex program initiatives. Coordinate and implement risk and compliance activities.  Respond to legislative and external inquiries and requests. (30%)

EJF 2. Research, analysis, and reporting. Conducts specialized research projects, studies, and analyses, including needs assessments, surveillance activities, health impact assessments, and economic evaluations to inform program planning and decision-making.  Provides guidance to staff in the development, documentation and integration of new methods and procedures, including data collection, management, analysis, and reporting methodologies. Oversees survey instruments and reviews survey components to ensure questions meet program requirements for accurate data compilation and information gathering. Develops and coordinates briefing documents, infographics, presentations, and other correspondence to communicate research findings and data analysis results to internal and external stakeholders. Collaborate with leadership to communicate, recognize, and celebrate the team’s work and accomplishments. (30%)

EJF 3. Oversees the development and completion of strategic planning documents, including state plans and legislative and executive briefs for special projects. Performs complex strategic planning and coordination related to legislative and executive requests for information and reporting on CHI special projects. Prepares comprehensive reports, formulates evidence‑based and strategic solutions to complex problems, and advises executive leadership accordingly. Oversees the planning, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of priorities and performance standards to achieve strategic goals related to CHI special projects. (20%)

EJF 4. Data Analysis and Performance Measurement.  Coordinates with CHI program staff to ensure performance measure requirements, processes, and data collection activities meet federal and state funding requirements. Gathers, tracks, analyzes, and reports performance data to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and forecast performance outcomes. Reviews existing performance measures and assists with the development and implementation of new measures as appropriate. Monitors special project budgets to ensure expenditure aligns with approved activities, deliverables, and applicable policies and procedures. (15%)

EJF 5. Other duties as assigned. Include, but are not limited to, actively participating in and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s goals, obligations for disaster response and/or recovery, including activation of the agency’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). Such participation may require assignment to alternate shift patterns and/or work locations. To perform these duties, the position may be required to work additional hours as necessary to meet established deadlines and support the agency’s mission‑critical reporting requirements. (5%)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.  

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration techniques; training and marketing techniques; and program management processes and techniques.

Knowledge of management techniques; statistical analysis processes; budget processes; and research techniques.

Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to public health administration and project management.

Knowledge of project planning, development, implementation, and evaluation methodologies.

Knowledge of state public health and behavioral health programs, including the Texas legislative process.

Knowledge of research methodologies, statistical analysis techniques, and public-sector budget processes.

Knowledge of data visualization tools, techniques, and best practices.

Knowledge of performance measurement, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks.

Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Skill in project planning and management, including the ability to lead teams, coordinate across multiple stakeholders, and provide oversight of key initiatives.

Skill in developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic plans, operational procedures, and analytical or programmatic reports.

Skill in analyzing statistical data and peer-reviewed literature to draw conclusions, make recommendations, and develop summative reports.

Skill in written and oral communication, including the development of presentations for diverse and non-technical audiences.

Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and managing workload to meet deadlines across multiple concurrent projects.

Skill in technical and analytical writing for policy, program, and reporting purposes.

Ability to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze complex qualitative and quantitative information.

Ability to develop clear and effective data visualizations to support decision-making.

Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and devise practical, evidence-based solutions.

Ability to conduct advanced research and prepare comprehensive analytical, programmatic, and policy reports.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and to train, lead, assign, and prioritize staff workloads for a variety of audiences and settings.

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Master’s degree preferred. 

Three (3) years’ experience of relevant public health, epidemiology, social science, which may include work in governmental, academic, nonprofit, or healthcare settings.

Experience in state governmental public health programs, including community and behavioral health, preferred.

Experienced in applied research methods, technical writing for professional or governmental audiences, development of data visualizations, and adherence to data governance standards.

Additional Information:

“IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION:

Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section to be interviewed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. 

Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills, and qualifications for each position you have held in the employment history section of application. 

All fields on the application must be filled in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.

Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete an in-basket exercise.

Agency salary policy, budget and candidate qualifications will dictate final salary offer.

This position may be eligible for Telework.

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