Working Title: AI Program Manager
Agency: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Solicitation Reference Number:529601569
Location:  4601 W. Guadalupe Street Austin, Texas 78701
Telework Policy: Position will be 5 days required to be onsite at the location listed above
Duration: On-going, no ending date
Visa: Must be US Citizen, Green Card, EAD. No H1B

Role Overview
We are seeking a Program Manager to work directly with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead modernization efforts across the Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) and System Support Services (SSS) divisions. This role is critical to driving process improvements, implementing automation, and leveraging AI tools to streamline complex workflows.

The Program Manager will serve as a bridge between teams, ensuring collaboration, alignment, and consistent execution of project plans. Success in this role requires strong leadership, consensus-building skills, and the ability to create a “nudge” environment—encouraging teams to adopt new practices and maintain momentum toward shared goals.

Organizing programs and activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the organization. Developing new programs to support the strategic direction of the organization. Creating and managing long-term goals. Developing a budget and operating plan for the program.

Key Responsibilities

•  Lead Modernization Initiatives
• Design and implement projects that simplify and automate complex tasks in PCS and SSS.
• Integrate AI and automation tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Drive Collaboration and Consensus
• Facilitate cross-division communication and decision-making.
• Build trust and alignment among stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
• Create a Nudge Environment
• Use behavioral strategies to encourage adoption of new processes.
• Promote continuous improvement and accountability across teams.
• Ensure Consistent Project Planning
• Develop clear, actionable project plans with measurable milestones.
• Monitor progress and adjust strategies to meet deadlines and quality standards.
• Measure Success and Quality
• Track key metrics such as stakeholder satisfaction, cycle time reduction, and compliance.
• Report outcomes to leadership and recommend improvements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex projects in large organizations.
• Strong skills in consensus building, stakeholder engagement, and change management.
• Familiarity with AI, automation tools, and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma).
• Ability to work across multiple divisions and manage competing priorities.

Critical Job Functions for the Program Manager (COO Support)
1. Cross-Divisional Project Leadership

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of AI and automation projects that span multiple business units, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational needs across both System Support Services and Procurement and Contracting divisions.

2. Standardization & Process Improvement

• Establish and promote consistent project management practices for all project managers reporting to the COO, including standardized charters, schedules, risk logs, and reporting templates.
• Conduct process analyses to identify and implement automation and efficiency improvements, driving a quality and process-driven approach. 

3. Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

• Facilitate communication and collaboration among IT, operations, strategy, and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are understood and met. 
• Develop adoption strategies for new AI and automation tools, ensuring buy-in and effective implementation across impacted areas. 

4. Compliance & Governance

• Ensure project compliance with data governance, security, and ethical AI standards, maintaining organizational integrity and regulatory adherence. 

5. Reporting & Accountability

• Prepare and deliver progress reports to the Senior Advisor and COO, providing transparent updates on project status, risks, and outcomes. 
• Maintain accountability for project results, ensuring objectives are delivered on time and with a well-thought-out approach. 

6. Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Oversee and mentor interns and early-career professionals, fostering technical and professional growth within the project team. 

Required/Preferred Skills:

• 8 years - Required, Experience with AI, automation tools, and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma).
• 8 years - Required, At least eight (8) years information technology (IT) program management experience. Experience should also include: • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. • Experience in developing clear, concise project documentation.
• 8 years - Required, Successful management of complex projects with a multi-year budget of $10 million or more.
• 8 years - Required, Experience with Microsoft Project, Office, and Visio.
• 8 years - Required, Experience with managing multiple competing priorities, conflict management, and facilitation.
• 8 years - Required, Strong command of PMO standards, stage-gate reviews, and executive reporting.
• 8 years - Required, Ability to translate organizational strategy into actionable program plans
• 8 years - Required, Skilled in presenting complex technical concepts in business-focused language.
• 5 years - Preferred, Proven ability to communicate with senior leaders and executives
• 5 years - Preferred, Strong negotiation and influence skills across IT, business, and external partners.
• 5 years - Preferred, Comfortable operating in ambiguous or fast-changing environments.
• 5 years - Preferred, Strong data-driven reporting and KPI development.
• 5 years - Preferred, Experience creating dashboards for executive consumption and with dashboard tools, such as PowerBI or Tableau.
• 5 years - Preferred, Experience supporting C-suite or executive sponsors.

Services are expected to start 02/23/2026. This service may be amended, renewed, and/or extended providing both parties agree to do so in writing.

Services shall be provided during normal business hours unless otherwise coordinated through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding State holidays when the agency is closed.

The primary work location(s) will be at 4601 W Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78751. The working position is On Site. Any and all travel, per diem, parking, and/or living expenses shall be at the Candidate's and/or Vendor's expense. Texas Health and Human Services Commission will provide pre-approved, written authorization for travel for any services to be performed away from the primary work location(s). Pre-approved travel expenses are limited to the rates and comply with the rules prescribed by the State of Texas for travel by its classified employees, including any requirement for original receipts.

The Candidate(s) may be required to work outside the normal business hours on weekends, evenings and holidays, as requested. Payment for work over 40 hours will be at the hourly rate quoted and must be coordinated and pre-approved through Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Debbie Pedigo
CEO / Senior Staffing Consultant
DebbieP@PedigoStaffing.com 
830.433.4604
210.401.4501
 
Pedigo Staffing Services
PedigoStaffing.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/2735943

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