Manager, Professional Academies Administration

Are you someone who strives for excellence, values accountability, provides the best service, all while reflecting unwavering integrity? Our talented team members across the state follow the behaviors, beliefs and outcomes of these core values to ensure that our vision is met. If you're ready to join the TSTC family and make great memories please complete our application process. The Manager, Professional Academies Administration provides statewide operational leadership for the administration of Professional Academies programs, ensuring departmental alignment, administrative execution, financial coordination, grant compliance, and performance reporting across multiple programs, campuses, and funding sources. This role is responsible for the internal operational infrastructure of the department and serves as the primary leader for the systems, processes, and administrative functions that support effective program delivery and departmental performance. Working in close partnership with the Director of Professional Academies, the Manager translates departmental strategy into actionable operational plans, establishes priorities, and ensures consistent execution of key initiatives and deliverables. The role provides direct supervision to Project Leads and is accountable for coordinating staff performance, workload alignment, and operational consistency across grant administration, budgeting, cohort creation, documentation, and reporting functions. The Manager also serves as the department's primary liaison to External Relations Operations and plays a key role in cross-functional coordination, project feasibility analysis, financial management, and process improvement. Through strong operational leadership, data-informed decision-making, and disciplined execution, this position helps strengthen program capacity, ensure compliance, and support the continued growth and effectiveness of Professional Academies statewide. Starting salary is $64,600 - $70,000 USD Annual. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Equivalent combination of education, training and relevant professional experience will be considered. Essential Functions The employee will demonstrate TSTC's Core Values of Excellence, Accountability, Service, and Integrity with internal and external stakeholders, customers, students, and members of the community. Strategic Partnership & Alignment Serves as a strategic operational partner to the Director of Professional Academies by translating departmental priorities into coordinated action plans, operational workflows, and measurable deliverables. Supports statewide alignment across Professional Academies programs by facilitating collaboration, clarifying priorities, and ensuring accountability for departmental goals, timelines, and shared outcomes. Serves as the department's primary liaison to External Relations Operations for shared services coordination and divisional alignment. Supervision of Project Leads Provides direct supervision to Project Leads supporting grant oversight, budgeting, cohort creation, and program documentation. Establishes expectations, manages performance, coordinates workloads, supports staff development, and provides day-to-day operational direction to ensure consistent execution of departmental priorities and administrative standards. Innovation & Process Improvement Leads process improvement efforts that strengthen departmental efficiency, consistency, and scalability across Professional Academies operations. Identifies operational gaps, evaluates workflows, and implements improvements that enhance service delivery, reduce administrative friction, and support program growth and competitive positioning. Departmental Project Management Leads complex, multi-phase departmental projects by developing implementation plans, timelines, and deliverables; coordinating stakeholders; and ensuring timely execution aligned with departmental goals, grant requirements, and operational priorities. Project Feasibility & Budget Development Leads the development of budgets, profit-and-loss analyses, and financial feasibility assessments for proposed Professional Academies initiatives across funding sources. Evaluates project viability, resource requirements, and financial implications to support informed operational and strategic decision-making. Financial Management & Compliance Oversees day-to-day departmental financial operations, including purchasing, procurement, travel, vendor payments, invoice processing, and financial documentation. Ensures transactions are completed accurately, records are maintained appropriately, and departmental financial activity remains aligned with institutional procedures and applicable requirements. Grant Oversight & Compliance Oversees grant-funded administrative processes within Professional Academies to ensure compliance with funder requirements, accurate reporting, documentation integrity, and timely submission of deliverables. Monitors grant performance and supports alignment with departmental, institutional, and funding expectations. Data & Performance Reporting Leads the collection, validation, and reporting of program-specific metrics, including training outcomes, cohort performance, job placement data, and labor market indicators. Analyzes performance data and provides operational insights and recommendations to support departmental planning, program evaluation, and strategic decision-making. Education & Experience Minimum Qualifications Associate's degree. Three years of experience in a leadership or management role overseeing staff, projects, or operations. Five years of experience supporting operational processes, project coordination, program administration, workforce development programs, or continuing education operations. Two years of experience in non-credit training, workforce development, continuing education, or a related higher education environment. Two years of experience with supplemental funding sources, grant administration, budgeting, financial tracking, or compliance reporting. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree. Five years of experience in a leadership or management role overseeing staff, projects, or operations. Seven years of experience supporting operational processes, project coordination, program administration, workforce development programs, or continuing education operations. Three years of experience in non-credit training, workforce development, continuing education, or a related higher education environment. Three years of experience with supplemental funding sources, grant administration, budgeting, financial tracking, or compliance reporting. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, except in cases where a specific degree is required to meet accreditation standards, licensure requirements, or other legislative or regulatory obligations. This includes, but is not limited to, certain faculty positions and staff roles governed by state or federal educational mandates. Skills & Abilities Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written and verbal formats across internal and external stakeholders. Ability to apply financial planning, budget management, and reporting principles to support operational decisions. Ability to apply financial management principles and allocate resources to support operational goals and desired outcomes. Ability to collect, analyze, and present data and metrics to measure program impact and prepare reports and recommendations for leadership. Ability to manage multiple projects, competing deadlines, and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. Ability to analyze operational workflows, identify performance gaps, and develop and implement process improvement strategies. Ability to support the development and implementation of non-credit, credit, and short-term training programs and curriculum. Ability to apply knowledge of higher education systems and workforce development practices to support institutional goals. Core Competencies Cross-Functional Collaboration – Builds effective working relationships across organizational levels and functional areas to support coordinated execution of departmental priorities. Works collaboratively with leaders, project staff, and shared services partners to align efforts, resolve issues, and maintain progress in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Leadership – Provides clear direction, accountability, and support to Project Leads and other stakeholders involved in Professional Academies operations. Balances strategic priorities with day-to-day execution, exercises sound judgment, and drives results through effective planning, follow-through, and team leadership. Collaborative Decision-Making – Engages stakeholders in thoughtful decision-making processes that balance operational realities, strategic goals, and funding requirements. Builds consensus where appropriate, incorporates relevant perspectives, and supports decisions with sound analysis and practical judgment. Stakeholder Engagement – Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support shared goals, program success, and operational effectiveness. Demonstrates professionalism, responsiveness, and partnership in interactions with leadership, staff, grant partners, and other collaborators. Organization & Attention to Detail – Maintains strong organizational discipline and attention to detail across financial processes, grant documentation, reporting, and project execution. Effectively prioritizes competing demands, manages multiple workstreams, and ensures work is completed accurately, timely, and in alignment with departmental expectations. Ethical Conduct & Confidentiality – Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive information, financial matters, and grant-related documentation. Upholds institutional standards, protects confidentiality, and promotes ethical practices in all aspects of the work. Innovation & Continuous Improvement – Evaluates existing processes and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and service delivery through process redesign, operational refinement, and practical innovation. Applies emerging practices and tools thoughtfully to strengthen departmental effectiveness and long-term capacity. Ownership & Accountability – Takes ownership of departmental operations, deliverables, and deadlines by maintaining focus, follow-through, and accountability for results. Ensures responsibilities are carried out with a high level of reliability, professionalism, and commitment to quality. Extra Duties Statement This job description outlines the general responsibilities and expectations of the role. It is not intended to include every task or responsibility. Additional duties may be assigned by leadership as needed. This position may be considered for telework options based on eligibility under TSTC's Telework Policy aligned with State of Texas requirements. Must be reachable during business hours through standard communication channels as required by the role. Some duties may require work outside standard business hours during peak program, grant, reporting, or operational cycles. Full-time, FLSA-exempt position. Periodic in-state travel to campuses or meetings beyond the employee's designated or nearest base campus may be required based on business needs and will comply with TSTC and State of Texas requirements. Position requires sustained attention to confidential, sensitive, and high-impact operational, financial, and grant-related matters. This position is classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as exempt and operates in a professional environment that may include campus offices, classrooms, or other educational and administrative settings. TSTC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position. TSTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, or veteran status. The role may require movement across campus, participation in meetings, and engagement with faculty, staff, students, grant partners, and institutional stakeholders to support departmental and institutional goals. Work is primarily performed in an office or professional environment using standard technology and communication tools. These activities can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation to support the essential functions of the role. Equal Opportunity Employer Texas State Technical College (TSTC), as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. TSTC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. Employment Eligibility Verification If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at TSTC. Background Checks A criminal history background check will be required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr TSTC