THECB - Manager I, ApplyTexas Admin Portal Program Manager

The agency is located at the George Herbert Walker Bush State Building located in the Capitol Complex at 1801 N. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701.

General Description:

The ApplyTexas Admin Portal Program Manager serves as the statewide lead for the ApplyTexas Admin Portal, the platform institutions use to configure their college applications each academic cycle. This position oversees annual setup, configuration processes, stakeholder engagement, training, documentation, and continuous improvement for the Admin Portal. The Program Manager collaborates closely with institutions, the ApplyTexas Application Services team, the technology vendor, and the ApplyTexas Advisory Committee (ATAC) to ensure the portal remains accurate, functional, and aligned with state requirements. The role also includes a smaller set of responsibilities supporting the Advise TX program, including preparation of a recommended transformation plan and coordinated operational support. This position reports to the Director I, Application Services, and works under limited supervision with latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

General duties and responsibilities encompass three main categories of focus: (1) admin portal leadership & management; (2) stakeholder engagement & issue resolution, and (3) program reporting & continuous improvement.

Admin Portal Leadership & Management

· Serve as the statewide lead for the ApplyTexas Admin Portal, overseeing operations, annual setup, and configuration workflows used by institutions in coordination with product and ApplyTexas technical staff.

· Coordinate with institutions to ensure program selections, application configurations, deadlines, and requirements are submitted accurately.

· Coordinate with product managers, IT teams, and vendors to perform user testing, deliver improvements, maintain compliance with legislative requirements, and ensure a strong user experience.

· Monitor portal functionality, accessibility, and user experience throughout the annual cycle.

· Oversee development and updates to institution-facing guides, training resources, product demonstrations, and communications.

· Oversee the Advise TX program through contract, grant, and program management to ensure all required deliverables and reporting are completed.

Stakeholder Engagement & Issue Resolution

· Serve as the primary point of contact for institutions using the Admin Portal, providing guidance on configuration, timelines, and portal updates.

· Gather feedback from institutions, ATAC, and internal teams to recommend improvements and enhancements.

· Collaborate with the ApplyTexas Applicant Portal lead, ApplyTexas Help Desk Manager, My Texas Future lead, and internal teams to monitor and resolve reported issues.

· Coordinate and deliver clear communication of updates, changes, and enhancements across stakeholders.

· Support the onboarding of new institutions of higher education to the ApplyTexas System.

· Provide targeted operational support for Advise TX as assigned by the Director.

Program Reporting & Continuous Improvement

· Track and report on portal usage, adoption, and performance metrics.

· Recommend and implement strategies for improving institution usability and accessibility.

· Ensure compliance with THECB policies, legislative mandates, and statewide admissions policies.

· Participate in planning and coordination across the Student Application, Counselor Suite, and Admin Portal to maintain alignment and integration.

· Work as part of the Application Services team to ensure Admin Portal integrates effectively with the ApplyTexas Counselor Suite and Student Portal.

· Prepare a recommended Advise TX Transformation Plan, outlining opportunities to modernize workflows, improve data reporting, strengthen partner coordination, and enhance program sustainability.

Performs other related duties as assigned to support the goals of the College and Career Advising Division and agency priorities.

This position is required to report to the office two days per week.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Knowledge of Texas public and higher education systems, admissions processes, and institutional configuration workflows.

· Knowledge of ApplyTexas or comparable higher education application systems.

· Strong project and program management skills, including ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to present information clearly to varied audiences.

· Familiarity with student data privacy, security, and FERPA requirements.

· Ability to troubleshoot and document technical/user issues in collaboration with product and vendor teams.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, K–12 and higher education stakeholders, and community partners.

· Ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines with attention to detail.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital collaboration tools.

Military Crosswalk:  Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Program Management

Required Minimum Education and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

· Four years of relevant full-time work experience, including experience in program management, higher education operations, partner engagement, or platform/system administration.

· Experience coordinating with technical teams and external vendors on product/platform enhancements.

· Strong communication skills and experience working with diverse institutional stakeholders.

Preferred:

· Master’s degree in education, higher education administration, information systems, or related field.

· Experience with ApplyTexas, My Texas Future, or comparable statewide student portal systems.

· Experience supporting institutional admissions operations or application system administration.

· Familiarity with UX design, Salesforce, single sign-on workflows, or comparable systems.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:

•  Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work;

•  Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers, and telephones;

•  Frequent sitting;

•  Frequently working under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.

• If/when working from home, a strong, reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace are required.

Workforce:

Must be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables.

• Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules, working extended hours as necessary.

• Adhere to the organization’s internal management policies and procedures.

• Contribute to the agency’s performance measures and mission.

Application Requirements:

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Board’s employment opportunities website at Careers - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board participates in E-Verify for each new employees’ Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For questions, please call the HR Department at 512-427-6190. For vocal and/or hearing assistance call 7-1-1.

Notes to Applicant:

If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A criminal background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position.

Your job application must be completely filled out. Your application must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer and a description of duties performed in a way that demonstrates you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes do not take the place of the requirement to include this information on the application. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete.

Veterans Information: THECB is committed to hiring Veterans. To receive Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 -member #4, must be attached when submitting your application.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: THECB does not discriminate on the basis, of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Job offer and continuation of employment with THECB is contingent upon:

• Proof of education and experience listed on the application.
• Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S.
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25. Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request.

THECB does not allow dual employment with other state of Texas agencies or institutions.

Skills assessment may be conducted at time of interview

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.