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.

Functional Title: Senior Advisor Job Title: Project Manager V Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: Chief Operating Officer Posting Number: 18562 Closing Date: 08/30/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations Salary Range: $7,716.66- $9,583.34 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-28 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% 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: MOS Codes: 2611,8058,8060,8848,16KX,1D7X1,32EX,3D0X4,611X,612X,63A,63AX,641X,712X,8K000,BU,CE,EA,SEI16

Brief Job Description:

A strategic, results-driven leader to serve as Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), leading high-impact initiatives that drive operational excellence across the agency. This role provides an opportunity to influence enterprise-wide strategy, oversee complex projects, and strengthen organizational performance through collaboration, innovation, and strong leadership.

Reporting directly to the COO, this position collaborates with executive leadership to support and guide cross-divisional initiatives, manage large-scale programs, and ensure alignment with agency priorities. This role provides direct supervision of Project Managers and staff, with responsibility for delivering measurable results, fostering professional development, and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Supervision and Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Project Managers and staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, professional development, and high performance.

Strategic and Executive Leadership: Serve as a senior advisor and representative of the COO's office, contributing and guiding strategic decision-making and aligning initiatives with organizational priorities.

Project and Program Management: Lead multiple complex, enterprise-level projects using established methodologies, ensuring alignment with goals, resources, scope, timelines, budgets, and quality expectations, while monitoring progress, managing change and delivery of high-quality outcomes.

Planning, Operations, and Policy Oversight: Develop and implement project plans, oversee programs and workgroups to enhance efficiency, program outcomes, and ensure policies and procedures support strategic planning, compliance, and operational effectiveness.

Stakeholder Coordination and Communication: Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders while facilitating consistent and transparent stakeholder engagement, briefings, reporting, and executive-level communications.

Performance, Financial, and Risk Management: Establish and monitor performance metrics, ensure financial accountability and resources, identify and address risks, changes, and process improvements to ensure successful outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Project management principles, methodologies, and best practices across varying levels of complexity (limited to highly complex projects)
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and compliance requirements related to program and project activities

Skill in:

• Managing multiple projects, monitoring performance, and adapting to changing priorities
• Communication, facilitation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement

Ability to:

• Analyze complex information, identify risks, and develop effective solutions
• Develop reports, dashboards, and presentations to support decision-making
• Supervise, assign work, and coordinate team activities effectively

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred

Initial Selection Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a relevant field.
• 5 years' experience in project management, including leadership of complex or multi-level initiatives.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience in supervising teams.
• Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Information: N/A

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.