Project Lead, Professional Academies

Texas State Technical College; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 49,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas State Technical College seeks a Project Lead to support the Professional Academies Department and CDL training initiatives. You will coordinate cash/grant projects, manage program docs, and report on progress while supporting open enrollment and continuing education activities.

The role emphasizes collaboration with trainers, administrators, and industry partners to ensure timely training delivery and program success with compliant operations.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or some college is required.
• Two years of required project management experience, preferably in the post-secondary sector.
• Two years of experience with supplemental higher education funding sources required.
• PM, multitasking, organizational, and problem-solving skills with prioritization.
• Proficiency in financial management principles and resource allocation.
• Experience in non-credit course/curriculum development preferred in related roles.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; PMP Certification preferred.
• Three years of project management experience in post-secondary education preferred.
• Three years of experience with supplemental higher education funding sources preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and plan training goals and timelines for Professional Academies programs.
• Prepare and submit program documents and progress reports to stakeholders.
• Serve as primary contact for trainers, administrators, regulators and industry partners.
• Coordinate training resources, vehicles, equipment, and facilities for sessions.
• Track student performance, program outcomes, and regulatory compliance with data tools.
• Monitor program health and ensure adherence to standards and regulations.
• Identify opportunities for program improvements and implement changes.

Skills

Project management

Multi-tasking

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree or some college

Bachelor’s degree preferred

PMP-related certification preferred

Three years of project management experience in post-secondary ed

Two years of experience with supplemental higher education funding sources

Tools

Reporting tools

Job description

Job Description

The Project Lead will support the Professional Academies Department, assisting with the operations and processing of industry-specific programs, including the CDL (Commercial Driver's License) training program. This role will coordinate cash and grant-based projects, ensuring that training goals and objectives are met within prescribed timelines. The Project Lead will be responsible for managing program documentation, reporting on training progress, and providing operational support for training activities, including open enrollment and continuing education programs related to Professional Academies.

Hiring Range is $49,084.31 - $53,992.74 USD Annual. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Equivalent combination of education, training and relevant professional experience will be considered.

Essential Functions

• Employee will demonstrate TSTC Core values of Excellence, Accountability, Service and Integrity with internal and external stakeholders, customers, students and members of the community.
• Program Coordination & Planning Review training goals and objectives for Professional Academies programs, establishing timelines, staffing needs, and budget allocations to ensure program success and growth.
• Documentation & Reporting Prepare and submit reports and required documents to internal and external stakeholders regarding Professional Academies' progress, ensuring all participant records, billing information, and necessary forms are submitted accurately and on time.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Serve as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including trainers, program administrators, regulatory agencies, and industry partners, to support the delivery of Professional Academies.
• Training Support In collaboration with the Manager, Professional Academies, coordinate and manage training resources, ensuring training vehicles, equipment, and facilities are maintained and properly allocated for training sessions.
• Multitasking & Organization Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, including scheduling, tracking progress, and coordinating logistics for training programs while ensuring timely and efficient task completion.
• Data Analysis & Visualization Utilize data analysis and visualization tools to track student performance, program outcomes, and regulatory compliance, reporting insights to leadership.
• Program Compliance & Health Monitor the health of training programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and industry standards.
• Customer Service & Support Act as a liaison between CDL training programs and employers, industry partners, and regulatory bodies, providing administrative support to maintain strong relationships and promote program success.
• Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities for program enhancements, incorporating feedback and industry trends to drive innovation in CDL training processes.

Education, Experience, & Skills Required

• Qualifications Associate’s degree or some college is required.
• Two years of required project management experience, preferably in the post-secondary sector.
• Two years of experience with supplemental higher education funding sources required.
• Project management, multi-tasking, organizational, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrates proficiency in financial management principles and effectively allocates resources to achieve desired outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in non-credit course/curriculum development with practical involvement in developing and implementing a variety of credit, noncredit, and short‑term credit programs.
• Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• PMP‑related certification preferred.
• Three years of project management experience, preferably within the post‑secondary education sector.
• Three years of experience with supplemental higher education funding sources preferred.

• Collect and analyze relevant data and metrics to measure the impact of external and community engagement efforts.
• Prepare reports and presentations for leadership, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, except in cases where a specific degree is required to meet accreditation standards, licensure requirements, or other legislative or regulatory obligations. This includes, but is not limited to, certain faculty positions and staff roles governed by state or federal educational mandates.

Core Competencies

• Stakeholder Engagement Builds and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels to achieve shared goals and foster a culture of success.
• Self‑Motivated Exhibits proactive initiative and a strong work ethic, consistently taking ownership of tasks and working independently to contribute to organizational success. Persuasive, High‑energy, initiative‑taking self‑starter.
• Collaboration Strong aptitude for collaborating across departments and functions to achieve shared goals and maximize impact.
• Problem‑Solving Identifies, analyzes, and resolves problems and challenges to drive continuous improvement and innovation with strong critical thinking abilities.
• Customer Service and Teamwork Commitment to customer service and teamwork demonstrated through proactive engagement and effective collaboration with stakeholders.
• Adaptability and Flexibility Adapt to changing priorities, work in a fast‑paced environment, and handle unexpected situations with poise. Flexibility in adjusting schedules and accommodating shifting demands.
• Ethical Conduct Commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting integrity in all external relations activities.

Work Environment & Additional Information

• Work Location This is an on‑campus position that requires employees to be physically present at the assigned campus location as scheduled by their manager.
• Travel Requirements This role may require occasional travel to different office locations and events.
• Work Shift Flexibility to work outside regular business hours as needed.
• Time Type This position is full‑time, requiring a standard 40‑hour work week.
• FLSA Classification This role is classified as salaried, exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• ORP Eligibility This position is not ORP eligible.

Note: This job description is intended to provide an overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and requirements. This role may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary by the supervisor or institution.

Equal Opportunity Employer

TSTC is an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. TSTC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at TSTC.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

TSTC is the only state-supported technical college system in Texas. TSTC's statewide role and mission is to efficiently and effectively help Texas meet the high‑tech challenges of today's global economy, in partnership with business and industry, government agencies, and other educational institutions.

TSTC publishes the Annual Security Report (ASR), which includes the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR), to ensure that essential information about campus safety is readily accessible. This report includes data on crimes and fire incidents from the past three calendar years, outlining safety measures, reporting protocols, and emergency response plans. It also highlights crime prevention programs and support resources available to the campus community. These reports underscore TSTC's commitment to fostering a safe and informed environment for all students, employees, and visitors. For more information, the report is available on the Clery Act Information page of the TSTC website at tstc.edu/cleryact, and physical paper copies can be requested from the TSTC Police Department or by calling 254-867-3690.