INTERDEPARTMENTAL PROJECT MANAGER

RI Council 94; Cranston (RI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking an Interdepartmental Project Manager to coordinate cross-agency projects and advance program modernization across health and human services.

This role involves developing plans, managing milestones, and coordinating with DHS leadership, program administrators, and external partners to deliver initiatives such as SNAP, Medicaid, child care assistance, and related services.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in public administration or related field.
• 5–7 years with executive or senior management exposure.
• Experience leading cross-agency projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-agency projects to improve service delivery.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and performance metrics.
• Coordinate with IT, policy staff and external partners.
• Create dashboards and tools for prioritization and release planning.
• Communicate project updates to DHS leadership.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting & evaluation

Communications

Research & analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Computer literacy

Education

Master's degree in Public Administration or related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

MS Office

Tableau

Jira

Job description

INTERDEPARTMENTAL PROJECT MANAGER (Open)

Salary $110,161.00 - $124,825.00

Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

To work with State agencies and/or organizations to strengthen cross-system collaboration and implement integrated services organization and delivery policies; to be responsible for several project development; to perform research, program evaluation, fiscal and policy analysis on various issues affecting consumers of human service programs; to initiate, plan, coordinate, supervise and review a continuous information educational and community relations program; to serve in a highly responsible communication capacity representing a number of state departments in their contact with state, local, public and media officials; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general direction of a department director or a consortium with considerable latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgement; assignments are subject to review for results obtained in adherence to established policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision of staff specialists and position assigned to assist in the performance and execution of specific projects delegated by the director.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

To work with State agencies and/or organizations to strengthen cross-system collaboration and implement integrated service organization and delivery policies. To be responsible for special project development authorized and delegated by a director. To perform research, fiscal and policy analysis on various issues affecting consumers of human service programs. To serve in a highly responsible communications capacity representing a number of state departments in their contact with state, local, public and media officials. To perform complex program analysis and evaluation of departmental services. To research and write commentary on various issues affecting consumers of human service programs. To resolve complaints or objections and to prepare reports on complex issues for consideration and decision by the director(s). To be responsible for developing and maintaining a continuous coordinated effort in liaison with the general assembly, state agencies, general public, and media. To be responsible for the development, implementation, and dissemination of newsletter specific to legislative changes and their impact. To operate publishing, graphic, and financial computer programs required for specific projects. To represent the director(s) as assigned in contacts with constituents and officials to explain specific polices and their impact. To keep departmental officials informed of the director's decisions and recommendations on programs and policies. To make frequent contact with departmental officials relative to decisions and recommendations on program and policy issues. To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of projects management related to developing interdepartmental programs and services; a thorough knowledge of planning, budgeting and evaluation process and the ability to apply them in a human service system; a thorough knowledge of practices, procedures and protocols for press relations; the ability to research and prepare reports and recommendations for dissemination of policy information; a working knowledge of computers and communication technology; a thorough knowledge of, and the ability to, evaluate the attitudes and reactions of interested and affected groups and their demands and needs for information about the department's programs and objectives; and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of constituents, state officials and the general public; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education: Such as may have been gained through: possession of a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field; and Experience: Such as may have been gained through: considerable employment in a highly responsible position involving responsibility for the research, fiscal analysis and policy development and dissemination of information. Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support complex initiatives that improve the delivery of health and human services programs across the state. This role will coordinate cross-agency projects that advance program modernization, operational performance, policy implementation, and customer service improvements. The Project Manager will work closely with DHS leadership, program administrators, and external partners to plan, manage, and execute initiatives affecting programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, child care assistance, long-term services and supports, and other public benefit programs. Projects may involve technology implementation, business process redesign, federal and state policy changes, program integrity initiatives, and service delivery improvements.

Additional Responsibilities

• In-depth familiarity with project management tools and processes; experience with managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders in government setting.
• Experience with project management components including but not limited to:
  • Managing multiple concurrent projects that support DHS strategic priorities and operational improvements
  • Developing project plans, timelines, risk mitigation strategies, and performance metrics
  • Design of project goals and intended outcomes, including metrics for measuring success, compliance, and deliverable status
  • Coordinating across program areas, IT teams, policy staff, and external partners to ensure successful implementation of initiatives
  • Supporting modernization efforts involving eligibility systems, digital service delivery, and data-driven decision making
  • Translating policy or regulatory changes into operational implementation plans
  • Facilitating stakeholder engagement, working groups, and cross-agency coordination efforts
  • Monitoring project progress and preparing briefings, status reports, and executive updates for leadership
  • Identify potential risks and issues related to the project, problem solve internally, and elevate to the appropriate staff and leadership
  • Identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve accuracy, and enhance service delivery for Rhode Islanders
  • Create dashboards and tools to assist the business in prioritization and release planning activities
• Leadership communication
  • Project updates to DHS leadership as requested and needed
  • Create regular opportunities to communicate with your supervisor about the project, and relay decisions made and risks for the project
  • Develop a plan to elevate issues and priorities to leadership through appropriate supervisory structure and other escalation vehicles
  • Work with DHS communications to draft presentations for the General Assembly, Governor’s Office, and other State agencies regarding assigned projects, as needed
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong project management skills, experience working in complex organizational environments, and the ability to lead initiatives that require coordination across multiple teams and partners. Experience with health and human services programs, government operations, policy implementation, or large-scale operational change initiatives is highly desirable.
• This position offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful initiatives that strengthen program access, improve operational effectiveness, and support the delivery of critical services to Rhode Island residents.

Skills/Experience

The successful candidate should possess:

• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication, problem solving, and delegation skills.
• Have demonstrated significant ability to lead cross-agency professionals through collaboration and effective project management.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to communicate to multiple stakeholders.
• Versatile project management skills with the ability to learn quickly and work with limited oversight and supervision.
• Interest and experience in human and/or social services or state government.
• Strong command of modern technology (Full MS Office suite, Tableau, Jira)
• A minimum of five to seven years of experience of working with executive level or senior level management.
• Project management certification or designation required (please provide documentation/verification).

The individual hired to fill this position is being hired into an E-Verify site which contains Federal tax Information (FTI), as defined in IRS Publication 1075. Although the individual may not have direct access to FTI, the individual is required to have their employment eligibility validated through E-Verify. https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf

Benefits For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/. Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

The State of Rhode Island provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the process, please contact [e-mail].

The State of Rhode Island is committed to providing fundamental services to all Rhode Islanders. Join our team and enjoy the benefits of providing public service with purpose and impact.