Position Overview:
The Project Manager, Technical Assistance & Performance is responsible for supporting the day-to-day progress and success of technical assistance projects and driving at least one aspect of performance management within the Technical Assistance & Performance (TAP) Division in the Office of County Administration (OCA). The TAP team aims to be the trusted group for partnering with Harris County departments and divisions to solve some of the County’s hardest problems and achieve truly impactful solutions to enhance the County’s work and improve the lives of Harris County residents. The TAP team partners with departments and divisions to help address problems or achieve solutions related to major priorities of Commissioners Court. Commissioners Court’s priorities and the Harris County Strategic Plan goals are focused on justice and safety, infrastructure, economic opportunity, health, climate/resilience, and housing.
The TAP team usually works with partners for several weeks or months to study an issue and any applicable data/documents, develop a project scope and timeline, identify action steps and any additional resources/support needed, and then implement sustainable solutions through a flexible and adaptive process. In terms of performance management, the TAP team also manages the Department Progress Meetings process with the Goal Area Committees (which are made up of Commissioners Court office staff) as well as departments’ Performance Measures reporting. In addition, the team regularly provides ad hoc support to other divisions or departments as needed (e.g., supporting preparation of key Commissioners Court agenda items and related backup materials, supporting the Fiscal Review process for requests for new funding, expanding departments’ access to and awareness of available resources within the County). Harris County seeks a mission- and data-driven, service-oriented individual who can help drive the successful execution of the team’s projects and other responsibilities. This role works closely with other TAP team members and department staff to execute countywide projects and other work.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Project Execution: For each TAP team project, supports the development, implementation, and refinement of a typically multi-week or -month process that includes project kickoff, assessment, brainstorming, work plan development, testing, implementation, reassessment, improvement, and sustainment. Supports 1-3 TAP team projects at any given time. Helps ensure timely and effective execution of (and, as needed, adjustments to) the project work plan, in conjunction with partner division/department staff as applicable. Presents project updates or deliverables to Commissioners Court as needed.
Communication: Regularly communicates with the Senior Project Manager who is leading each project to which the Project Manager is assigned, other TAP team members, partner department/division staff, and others as needed regarding project progress and to provide and gather feedback on an ongoing basis. Special attention should be given to communicating with partner department/division staff to maintain alignment, discuss proposed changes or other updates, and respond to feedback quickly.
Collaboration: Collaborates effectively with staff from other supporting departments (HR, IT, Budget etc.) by coordinating efforts, clarifying roles, and aligning timelines or processes. Builds strong working relationships that support joint ownership of outcomes, improve operational flow, and reduce duplication. Regularly engages with Commissioners Court staff, elected officials, and department leadership regarding projects.
Research and Analysis: Performs extensive research, benchmarking, and policy/data analysis as needed to inform project scope and project plans, understand best practices, and provide context for recommendations.
Performance Tracking: Plays an integral role in driving the preparation of Department Progress Meetings with the Goal Area Committees and/or departments’ quarterly reporting on Performance Measures. Attends and tracks follow-ups from select Goal Area Committee meetings.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email
[email protected].
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate. Education and Experience:
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Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Minimum two (2) years of experience in project management, process improvement, strategic planning, and/or innovation.
Minimum two (2) years of experience driving meaningful improvements or launching new projects and programs, tracking performance of those improvements and new initiatives, adjusting based on changes and feedback, reporting results, and addressing roadblocks.
Demonstrated commitment to and track record of advancing equity, justice, diversity, and opportunity in operations and public policy design.
Demonstrated track record of managing complex projects and solving difficult problems involving various levels and teams within an organization.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Advanced knowledge of or ability to learn quickly about public policy, Texas county government operations, laws, statutes, functions, programs, and best practices for county operations.
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Knowledge of change management, project management, and team-building principles.
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Ability to execute tasks in an effective and timely manner and prioritize assignments to meet directives while managing workload levels.
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Ability to establish positive relationships, maintain the highest standard of professional and personal ethics and behavior, handle sensitive or confidential information discretely, and accept and provide supervision.
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Ability to drive organizational culture and work well within high-performing teams.
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Ability to provide counsel to, interface with, and obtain feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders, including Commissioners Court staff, elected officials, and department leadership.
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Ability to continuously learn about all County operations and Commissioners Court’s goals and objectives to ensure the department is providing the appropriate service support to other County departments and offices.
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Ability to play a valuable role in teams with expertise in relevant areas, including, but not limited to, technical assistance, project management, problem solving, customer service, process improvement, and performance management.
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Ability to work amidst ambiguity with a high level of emotional intelligence, curiosity, integrity, ethics, and transparency.
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Ability to manage projects flexibly based on changing context, needs, information, and priorities.
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Strong customer/client service mindset focused on listening to and understanding project partners’ challenges, respecting their time through efficient conversations and clear and concise requests, and striving to solve problems to help County departments and divisions ultimately better serve the people of Harris County.
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Highly skilled in oral and written communication, with excellent ability to review and edit memos, policy documents, process flows, reports, and other documents.
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Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office and project management applications.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
