Project Manager III

Project Manager III Department: Communications Division Location: Austin, Texas Job Type: Staff Salary: Commensurate About the Institute The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and a member of The Texas A&M University System. TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities for 75 years with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise. Mission and Vision Our Vision – TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society. Our Mission – TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer. Work Environment Entrepreneurial culture Affiliation with Texas A&M University students and faculty Ability to work with nationally recognized experts Opportunity to help train the next generation of transportation professionals Premier office and research facilities and equipment Accredited laboratories and safety proving ground Outstanding research support services Flexible work hours Family friendly High staff retention rates Leadership development and wellness programs Data allowance and home office equipment reimbursements Relocation assistance (if eligible) Tuition reimbursement program (if eligible) Benefits Employees have health coverage options offered by The Texas A&M University System, tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance (if eligible), data allowance, and home office equipment reimbursements. Additional benefits include access to research support services and wellness programs. For more details: Job Summary The Project Manager III is responsible for managing the intake, tracking, coordination, and progress of projects within the Communications (COMM) department. This role serves as the central point of contact for work orders, project teams, and clients, ensuring projects move efficiently through multiple stages while meeting deadlines, budget requirements, and process standards. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Project Intake and Workflow Management (25%) Manage the intake and flow of projects, gathering required details and ensuring accurate setup in the job tracking system. Assist with administrative tasks in the job tracking system, including project login, account numbers, and work order setup. Prepare detailed work orders with project descriptions, tasks, milestones, timelines, and budgets. Shore projects through multiple stages and teams within COMM (e.g., content development, editing, design, proofing, client review, accessibility checks, and approval). Job Tracking and Deadline Management (20%) Track milestones, deadlines, and budgets for assigned projects using job tracking tools. Monitor project progress and adjust timelines as needed to meet deadlines. Send reminders and follow‑ups to communications staff and project contributors to keep work moving forward. Maintain accurate records of activities, updates, and changes throughout each project. Communication and Coordination (20%) Act as the primary point of contact for clients regarding work order intake, account numbers, project tracking, and process-related questions. Coordinate change orders and resource allocation between project managers, workers, and clients. Relay project requirements, updates, and changes to assigned teams and ensure alignment on scope. Assist with preparing progress reports and tracking follow-up items from emails and project communications. Urban Office Liaison (15%) Serve as the primary liaison between COMM/TTI staff, TTI Facilities, building management, and vendors for day‑to‑day urban office operations. Coordinate office space planning, furnishings, maintenance requests, repairs, mail services, deliveries, and consumable supplies. Act as a point of contact for building safety protocols, emergency procedures, evacuation drills, alarms, and inclement weather communications. Support onboarding and offboarding of urban office employees through coordination of building access, IDs, badges, parking access, and equipment return. Communicate observed AWL compliance concerns and workplace culture issues to appropriate supervisors or HR, escalating as needed. Serve as liaison with Information Technology and NIS teams to support office technology needs. Ensure reception or front desk coverage during required business hours or coordinate coverage with designated staff. Communicate important office updates, visits, events, and operational information to urban office staff. Maintain office supply inventory and oversee shared kitchen areas; coordinate food and logistics for meetings and events when other support staff are not assigned. Coordinate office-wide meetings and events to ensure logistical readiness and effective communication. Change Orders, Resource Allocation, and Budget Tracking (10%) Coordinate internal discussions related to scope changes, resource allocation, and timeline adjustments. Process and document change orders as needed to keep the job tracking system up to date. Assist with reassigning tasks and adjusting budgets for billing and tracking purposes. Monitor budgets and flag potential issues or discrepancies. Records Management and Archiving (5%) Create and maintain a centralized archiving system for COMM projects. Serve as a record keeper and organizer for completed projects, ensuring documentation is accurate and accessible. Other Duties (5%) Provide detailed daily or weekly job tracking support as needed. Stock office supplies and receive packages. Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Seven (7) years of experience working in a communications environment, such as a communications department, print shop, marketing office, or newspaper. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong verbal and written communication skills for email, phone, and in-person interactions. Excellent organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail. Ability to manage, track, and document complex workflows efficiently. Ability to multitask, prioritize work, and manage deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Professional, positive demeanor with strong customer service skills and the ability to interface effectively with clients. Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software; familiarity with database and job tracking systems. Other Requirements This position requires working from the office five days a week during regular business hours. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with work orders, billing processes, or project budgeting. Experience with project tracking tools. Experience handling and tracking communications processes and follow‑ups. Demonstrated experience coordinating projects across multiple teams or departments. Strong documentation and record‑keeping skills. Writing and editing skills. Familiarity with design, content development, or production workflows in a communications setting. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with database and job tracking systems. Physical Requirements Ability to perform common office functions. Ability to frequently communicate with others within the workplace. Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. Ability to lift, carry, and/or move light to medium weight objects. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Research Compliance Office of the Texas A&M University System