External Relations Project Manager

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. Job Description The External Relations Project Manager serves as the division’s lead for project execution, operational improvement, and modernization initiatives across External Relations. This role provides senior-level leadership for divisional project intake, planning, tracking, and execution while driving continuous improvement efforts that strengthen operational performance, organizational effectiveness, and strategic alignment across the division. Working closely with divisional leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, the External Relations Project Manager translates strategic priorities into actionable plans, project roadmaps, and operational solutions. The role leads divisional efforts related to workflow redesign, service delivery improvement, operational streamlining, modernization, and execution discipline, ensuring projects and initiatives are aligned with TSTC priorities and positioned for sustainable success. The External Relations Project Manager serves as a senior technical professional who independently manages a complex portfolio of divisional projects, modernization efforts, and operational improvement initiatives. Through disciplined project leadership, stakeholder coordination, process improvement, and data-informed execution, this role strengthens divisional capacity, improves operational consistency, and supports the long-term operational maturity of External Relations. Essential Functions Project Intake, Planning & Prioritization Leads divisional project intake and planning processes by vetting new initiatives, proposals, and taskforce concepts and translating business priorities into project scopes, timelines, roadmaps, and recommended next steps. Partners with divisional leadership to assess feasibility, align priorities, and support informed decision-making regarding project activation, sequencing, ownership, and resource needs. Project Execution & Oversight Serves as project lead for select divisional initiatives and manages planning, execution, implementation, and transition to operational ownership as appropriate. Monitors major initiatives, projects, and operational efforts across the division to ensure alignment with goals, timelines, deliverables, and intended outcomes. Tracks progress through dashboards, trackers, data visualizations, and regular check-ins with project owners to support accountability and sustained execution. Operational Improvement & Modernization Leads divisional initiatives focused on improving operational efficiency, service delivery, execution consistency, and organizational performance across External Relations. Evaluates workflows, identifies operational challenges, and implements practical improvements that strengthen coordination, efficiency, and service outcomes. Leads modernization and transformation initiatives that improve divisional capabilities, operational agility, and service delivery through redesigned workflows, more effective operating models, and implementation of improved processes and tools. Project Accountability & Organizational Effectiveness Supports divisional accountability for project execution by monitoring milestone completion, surfacing roadblocks, and identifying at-risk efforts that require intervention or escalation. Facilitates post-project reviews, operational retrospectives, and follow-up planning to identify lessons learned, reinforce accountability, and sustain continuous improvement across divisional initiatives. Supports organizational effectiveness efforts that improve divisional coordination, execution discipline, and operational maturity. Reporting, Documentation & Decision Support Prepares operational plans, project summaries, executive briefs, status reports, dashboards, and related documentation to support divisional leadership reporting and decision-making. Organizes project-related information, documents progress, and produces materials that improve visibility into divisional priorities, project health, execution risks, and operational outcomes. Cross-Functional Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement Builds strong working relationships across External Relations and with internal stakeholders across TSTC to support project alignment, communication, and execution. Facilitates collaboration across departments and project teams, creates forums for dialogue and issue resolution, and promotes shared understanding of priorities, timelines, roles, and responsibilities. Partners with divisional leadership and stakeholders to identify operational pain points, improve coordination, and strengthen divisional capacity. Strategic Planning & Divisional Support Partners with divisional leadership to support strategic planning, divisional goal setting, organizational evolution, and implementation of high-priority initiatives. Supports development of operational roadmaps, planning materials, and execution strategies that advance divisional priorities and strengthen alignment between day-to-day operations and long-range goals. Education & Experience Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, project management, organizational leadership, higher education administration, or a related field. Four years of experience in project management, operational improvement, organizational effectiveness, or related work involving complex cross-functional initiatives. Two years of experience leading continuous improvement, modernization, service delivery improvement, operational transformation, or organizational effectiveness initiatives. Experience developing project plans, roadmaps, reports, dashboards, or other tools used to support executive visibility, project monitoring, and operational decision-making. Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders to plan, coordinate, and execute complex initiatives. Preferred Qualifications Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma, Agile, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Prosci, or other related certification. Five years of experience in project management, operational improvement, organizational effectiveness, or related work involving complex cross-functional initiatives. Three years of experience leading continuous improvement, modernization, service delivery improvement, operational transformation, or organizational effectiveness initiatives. Experience in higher education, workforce development, public sector operations, or another complex multi-stakeholder environment. Experience supporting executive-level planning, organizational change, or divisional strategy implementation. 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 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 think strategically and develop innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions to operational challenges. Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable recommendations. Ability to collect, analyze, and present data and metrics to measure project impact and prepare reports and recommendations for leadership. Ability to develop project plans, implementation roadmaps, dashboards, and status reporting tools that support project execution and leadership visibility. Ability to facilitate cross-functional collaboration, planning, and problem-solving across multiple stakeholder groups. Ability to convey complex information clearly through written, verbal, and presentation formats to diverse audiences. Core Competencies Strategic Project Leadership Independently manages complex divisional initiatives from intake and planning through execution and operational transition. Applies sound judgment to scope work, prioritize efforts, anticipate risks, and align project execution with divisional goals, timelines, and operational realities. Operational Improvement & Innovation Evaluates processes, identifies inefficiencies, and implements operational improvements that strengthen divisional performance, scalability, and service delivery. Applies continuous improvement principles, modern practices, and practical innovation to improve execution and organizational effectiveness. Cross-Functional Collaboration Builds effective partnerships across functions, teams, and leadership levels to support coordinated planning and execution. Facilitates communication, alignment, and shared problem-solving in support of divisional priorities and complex cross-functional work. Analytical Thinking & Decision Support Uses data, reporting, and operational analysis to evaluate progress, identify trends, and support informed decision-making. Develops dashboards, summaries, and executive-ready reporting that improve visibility and help leaders assess priorities, risks, and outcomes. Organization & Execution Discipline Maintains strong organization across multiple projects, workstreams, deadlines, and stakeholder needs. Ensures projects are monitored effectively, deliverables are tracked, commitments are followed through, and work is completed with accuracy and discipline. Adaptability & Change Agility Works effectively in evolving environments and supports change through structured planning, clear communication, and practical problem-solving. Helps stakeholders navigate shifting priorities, new processes, and modernization efforts with consistency and professionalism. Ownership & Accountability Takes ownership of divisional project execution, operational deliverables, and continuous improvement efforts. Demonstrates reliability, initiative, and accountability for moving work forward, resolving issues, and delivering high-quality results. 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 project, reporting, planning, 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 operationally important institutional and divisional information. 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, employers, community partners, and institutional stakeholders to support divisional 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. 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. This position may be considered for telework options based on eligibility under TSTC’s Telework Policy aligned with State of Texas requirements. Position requires sustained attention to confidential, sensitive, and operationally important institutional and divisional information. 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 project, reporting, planning, or operational cycles. 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. TSTC is an 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 Texas State Technical College