Manager, Project & Portfolio Management

Job Title Manager, Project & Portfolio Management

Agency Tarleton State University

Department Continuous Improvement

Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate

Job Location Stephenville, Texas

Job Type Staff

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Manager, Project & Portfolio Management in the The Office of Continuous Improvement. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives - on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located - on campus or online - you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond. ________________________________________________________________________

Important Immigration Information:

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. ________________________________________________________________________

The Manager, Project & Portfolio Management leads the project and program management function within the Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI), providing portfolio-level oversight of complex, cross-functional, and technology-enabled initiatives. The position supervises and develops project management staff, establishes consistent project management practices, monitors portfolio health and capacity, and provides executive-level reporting and recommendations. The Manager works with university leaders, project sponsors, technology partners, and functional stakeholders to evaluate project needs, risks, dependencies, resources, and delivery strategies. The position provides coaching and direction to Project Managers and directly leads selected complex or high-risk initiatives requiring senior-level project management support. Serves as Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Position is in-office located on the main campus in Stephenville, Texas with work hours of Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, or as work requirements indicate, which may include after-hours work as needed

Key Responsibilities

• Promote an AI-first approach by considering responsible AI-enabled, automated, and existing institutional capabilities before pursuing new commercial solutions.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate emerging technologies and AI-enabled solutions into project and program planning when appropriate.
• Lead the project and program management function within OCI and provide portfolio-level oversight of complex, cross-functional, and technology-enabled initiatives.
• Supervise, coach, and develop project management staff and establish expectations for project delivery, stakeholder engagement, communication, and accountability.
• Assign and balance project resources based on institutional priorities, project complexity, staff capacity, dependencies, and delivery risk.
• Monitor the project portfolio to identify risks, dependencies, capacity constraints, resource needs, competing priorities, and issues requiring leadership attention.
• Provide project and portfolio reporting, recommendations, and decision support to the Executive Director and university leadership.
• Establish and maintain project and program management practices, governance, standards, documentation, and reporting.
• Work with sponsors and stakeholders to evaluate project needs, objectives, risks, resources, delivery strategies, and measures of success.
• Coach Project Managers through complex stakeholder, delivery, resource, and project-risk issues and provide intervention as needed.
• Directly lead selected complex, high-risk, or institutionally significant projects and programs.
• Build collaborative relationships with university leaders, technology partners, functional stakeholders, vendors, and other partners.
• Partner with OCI and university stakeholders to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and technology-enabled solutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Project Management, Information Systems, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in project management, program management, information technology, business transformation, continuous improvement, or a related area, including four years of project, program, or team leadership experience

Required Skills and Competencies

• Ability to apply an AI-first mindset when evaluating opportunities, including awareness of AI-enabled, automated, existing institutional, and commercial solutions.
• Strong knowledge of project, program, and portfolio management principles and practices.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervision, coaching, and staff development skills.
• Ability to analyze complex project needs, risks, dependencies, capacity, and resource requirements.
• Strong executive communication, stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of technology-enabled business solutions and continuous improvement practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across functional areas.
• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a portfolio of complex, cross-functional projects or programs.
• Experience supervising and developing project management professionals.
• Experience supporting enterprise technology, business transformation, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or related certification.

Compensation & Benefits Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary range is $68,465.00 up to $94,487.00 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and qualified part-time employees. Our Careers Page offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed information visit our Benefits Information page.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application
• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.