Project Manager - Customer Energy Solutions

City of Austin; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin seeks an experienced project manager to lead complex administrative projects from planning through delivery, coordinating with City Manager's Office and Council offices. You will oversee staffing, vendor contracts, and performance while developing timelines and ensuring compliance with city policies.

Responsibilities include reporting, presenting to leadership, and guiding teams to deliver high-quality results with strong stakeholder engagement and minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus six years of progressively responsible work experience in managing projects.
• Ability to plan, execute, and control a project with little supervision.
• Experience with contract management and consultant oversight.
• Strong written and oral communications with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage design, development, and implementation of projects with defined requirements and staffing.
• Negotiate consultant contracts and oversee terms, fees, and performance.
• Develop short- and long-range plans and estimate timelines for projects.
• Monitor and review contracts and contractors for compliance and changes.
• Prepare reports and correspondence for City Manager's Office, Mayor, and City Council.

Skills

Project management

Contract negotiation

Budgeting

Team leadership

Stakeholder communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Project management software

Job description

About This Position

Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for managing the work involving the coordination of one or more large or moderately complex administrative projects or activities that require a high degree of specialized knowledge.

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.

• Manages the design, development, and implementation of projects to include, but not limited to, gathering and defining the project requirements; obtains staffing requirements; and forms projected teams.
• Manages the selection process and administers consultant services, including negotiating contract terms and fees by negotiating the contract, approving the consultant's product, approving payment to consultant, initiating poor performance remedies, etc.
• Develops short- and long-range plans for future to ongoing projects, including estimating timelines for start-up and completion of projects.
• Manages, monitors, and reviews contracts and contractors to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, including administering change orders and estimates.
• Coordinates and prepares reports and correspondence in response to requests for information from City Manager's Office, Mayor, and City Council Offices; prepares City Council agenda material such as ordinance memorandums and presentations.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to the City Manager, management team, and department directors.
• Suggests and implements management solutions to address new or ongoing challenges faced by the City organization.
• Manages the performance of professional staff in work involving organizational structure review and operations research and related work reviewing departments, divisions, and programs.
• Assists in planning, directing, and coordinating, through subordinate level staff, the department work plan; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; and reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to City management, field personnel, contractors, etc.

Responsibilities – Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

May provide leadership and/or supervision to assigned employees or project management.

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 laws, rules, regulations, and codes associate project assignment.
• Knowledge of project accounting and methodologies and the principles, methods, and practices of project management.
• Knowledge of design principles, practices, procedures, and estimating techniques.
• Knowledge of budget policies and principles.
• Knowledge of contract policies and procedures.
• Skill in adapting, interpreting, and applying guidelines and standards.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external customers.
• Skill in using available applicable software packages.
• Skill in evaluating contract agreements.
• Skill in negotiating with various audiences to accomplish objectives.
• Skill in written and oral communications including public presentations.
• Skill in completing projects within the required scheduling.
• Ability to make prompt decisions and develop new and relative ideas for providing a quality product and quality customer service with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform all facets of projects with little or no supervision.
• Ability to plan, execute, and control a project (establishing realistic estimates and reporting metrics).
• Ability to assess and analyze project risks and exposures, identify options and alternatives, make decisions, and implement corrective actions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all public contacts.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and difficult situations.
• Ability to communicate in oral or written format to a variety of audiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field or major coursework in project management, plus six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience in managing projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Team supervisory or Team lead experience in program delivery and implementation at a utility or program implementation firm.
• Experience with the Multifamily and Commercial building sectors including but not limited to: Experience with Building science and energy efficiency practices of both existing and new construction Experience Reading MEP drawings Field experience and testing of mechanical systems Obtained or have a strong understand behind Building Performance Institute and RESNET principles and certifications Ability to travel to various work locations for regular work assignments.

Notes to Candidate

The position will lead Austin Energy’s multifamily energy efficiency, electrification, and demand‑side management programs within CES. It will oversee and develop a cohesive portfolio of new and existing initiatives and continue driving a long‑term strategy to expand program participation, with a strong emphasis on marketing, education, diverse community engagement, and outreach to low‑and moderate‑income residents. Additionally, the role will provide focused leadership to ensure the multifamily segment contributes effectively to Austin Energy’s energy efficiency and demand response goals in alignment with the Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan. This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Work Location, Pay, and Hours

Work Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Pay Range: $89,880 (Min) to $115,100 (Mid)

Days/Hours: Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - 60% telework allowed

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 – that anchor our delivery of 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.

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 [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

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