Program Manager I

Job Description:

Program Manager I

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Austin Economic Development supports and recruits’ business to Austin through all divisions. Our mission is to promote a competitive, sustainable and equitable economy for all. In partnership with local businesses, creatives, and community organizations, we create jobs, support Austin’s cultural scene, and build inclusive prosperity citywide.

Job Description:

Program Manager I

Purpose:

Under general direction, this position is responsible for managing programs that integrate multiple elements or projects to achieve a defined objective.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Determines program goals, objectives and resource requirements.
  
• Establishes program standards, methods, policies and procedures.
  
• Coordinates and collaborates with stakeholders.
  
• Monitors and evaluate programs effectiveness and implements improvement strategies.
  
• Manages the budget of assigned program and associated projects and provides financial information.
  
• Assists in developing, managing and submitting proposed budget forecast information.
  
• Manages, coordinates, implements and monitors projects associated with assigned program.
  
• Interacts with internal and external customers.
  
• Investigates and responds to inquiries from the public and other departments.
  
• Provides technical advice and assistance to department management, city management, field personnel, contractors, etc.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May be responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for discharge.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of principles and practices associated with assigned program area(s).
  
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation and monitoring.
  
• Knowledge of management principles related to municipal project and program activities.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedure.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in planning, coordinating, and implementing programs and activities.
  
• Skill in interpreting, organizing, coordinating, and executing assignments, projects and programs.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy in all dealings and maintain confidentiality as required.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field related to the job plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to the job, one (1) year of which was in a lead, supervisory, project or program management capacity.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with system level planning, developing policies and guidelines related to childcare services.
  
• Experience developing requests for proposals, contract management, and performance measure evaluation.
  
• Demonstrated effective and clear verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Demonstrated experience with public presentations.
  
• Demonstrated experience planning and leading meetings.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

This position will help advance the Austin Economic Development (AED) Childcare Team's goals of creating equitable access to affordable, high-quality childcare to help parents work, employers retain talent, and the local economy prosper. This position will also lead systems-level planning efforts with key stakeholders to align AED childcare initiatives, investments, and policies with the Austin-Travis County Success by Six Coalition Strategic Plan.

Pay Range: $65,390 - $81,740 Annual

Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Telework opportunities may be available after an initial training period. Hours may vary and are subject to change based on department needs.

Staff eligible to telework must be in the office for at least 40% of their scheduled work week.

Location: 5202 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, Texas, 78741

Application Details:

• A detailed, complete COA employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine your salary if you are selected for this position.
  
• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
  
• A résumé is required but does not replace a fully completed City of Austin employment application. Resumés will not be accepted in lieu of the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant and detailed work experience is clearly documented in the application to demonstrate qualifications for the position.
  
• When completing the City of Austin employment application, the work experience listed must include a month, year, and a verifiable Supervisor or Human Resources phone number.
  
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Everyone who applies as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees, in Good Standing, who are candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.
  
• Use of AI is strictly prohibited to respond to the application and during the interview process.
  
• Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
  

Additional Details:

• Austin Economic Development may close this job posting at any time after it has been advertised for seven (7) days, please apply as soon as possible if interested.
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED equivalent, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required.
  

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-01-26