IT Program Specialist (Austin)

DescriptionWHO WE ARE:Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol, we have offices statewide. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. This position is based at 1411 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, in the Information Technology Division.TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.WHO YOU ARE:You are a highly organized IT professional and a dedicated team player who can work in a high-volume environment. You will join a tight-knit, three-person IT team where collaboration is key. We rely on each other to meet deadlines, solve problems, and share the workload. While teamwork is central to our success, you must also be able to work independently with considerable latitude for independent decisions. If you are a self-starter who enjoys working closely with others while priding yourself on autonomous accuracy and reliability, you will thrive here.WHAT YOU WILL DO:The IT Program Specialist (Program Specialist IV or V) performs highly complex to advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work involving planning, developing, and implementing IT-related budgets, fiscal planning, recurring annual IT hardware/software maintenance agreements, tracking assignments, and submitting requisitions and receipts for IT-related goods and services. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.WHAT YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO DO: - Track and Facilitate Annual Recurring IT hardware/software maintenance agreements: Proactively track and facilitate the procurement of recurring annual IT maintenance agreements to ensure no lapse in critical technology services. Includes verifying business needs/specifications, requesting quotes from vendors, entering requisitions, and entering receipts for IT goods and services.- Budget & Fiscal Planning: Partner with IT budget staff to help them plan for future fiscal years, verify funding availability, and ensure spend aligns with annual budget plan.- Collaborate with the IT Staff Augmentation Contract (ITSAC) contract managers to ensure ITSAC contractor Purchase Orders (PO) are issued and updated in a timely manner. - Receive, assign, and track progress of various IT projects, initiatives, and operational activities ensuring all tasks are completed by the due date.- Data Entry & Reporting: Process high-volume purchase requests and receipts with a high degree of accuracy. Compile and maintain critical data for various budget and workload reports.- Team Collaboration: Work daily with your two teammates to cross-train, assist with high volumes, and ensure the IT division’s technology purchasing needs are met efficiently.YOU ARE A GREAT FIT IF YOU HAVE:- Organizational & Analytical Mastery: You thrive in a high-volume environment by independently organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple assignments simultaneously without missing a deadline. You bring strong analytical skills to every task, allowing you to evaluate complex data and exercise independent judgment for both individual tasks and collaborating with the team.- Fiscal Mindset: You understand how budgets work and can navigate the complexities of fiscal year planning.- Texas State IT Procurement Knowledge: Familiarity with State of Texas procurement rules and DIR contracts.PREFERRED:- Certification: Current Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or the ability to obtain it within 6 months of hire.- Certification: Current Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or the ability to obtain it within 12 months of hire.YOU QUALIFY WITH:- Program Specialist IV: Two years of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.- Program Specialist V: Two years and six months of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.- Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for both levels.YOU GAIN:- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace- A collaborative 3-person team environment where your contribution matters- Competitive starting salary: $5,000 – $6,000/month- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts- Medical Insurance- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave- Additional benefits for active employees can be found at VETERANS:Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: HOW TO APPLY: To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at or on Taleo (Job Search). TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.Job Field: Operations Specialties Managers/ Administrative ServicesJob Type: StandardOrganization: TWC Business UnitSchedule: Full-timeJob Level: Non-ManagementTravel: NoEmployee Status: Regular