Artificial Intelligence Program Manager

Socket.dev; Columbus (NE); On-site; USD 105,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

401K retirement plan

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Job summary

Nebraska Public Power District in Columbus, NE seeks an Artificial Intelligence Program Manager to lead AI strategy across initiatives and co-develop AI-driven and non-AI products. You will guide governance, roadmaps, and cross-functional delivery to drive innovation and ROI.

The role reports to the Innovation Manager and requires strong program management, product development, and AI integration experience with a focus on utility-sector readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field.
• Associate’s degree in business, computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3+) years focused on program management, product development, or an AI integration role.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison to the AI Steering Committee, delivering strategic program updates and data-driven insights.
• Represent the organization in AI-related affinity groups and industry forums to inform internal strategy.
• Develop product roadmaps that integrate AI-driven solutions and other innovative technologies.
• Conduct feasibility studies and market analyses to prioritize high-impact opportunities.
• Maintain prioritized product strategies that anticipate future technology shifts and ROI.
• Design, manage, and oversee the full product lifecycle for AI and non-AI solutions, from ideation to launch.
• Ensure timely delivery of user-centric AI products with strong adoption metrics (80%+).
• Lead cross-functional teams to build AI and non-AI prototypes and scalable features.
• Foster innovation and collaboration through diverse input and reduced bottlenecks.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Cross-Functional Leadership

Project Management

AI Integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, computer science, data science, engineering, or related field

Associate’s degree in business, computer science, data science, engineering, or related field

Job description

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has an immediate opening for a Artificial Intelligence Program Manager located at Columbus General Officein Columbus, Nebraska. Position closes September 2 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

This position will report to the Innovation Manager.

Position Summary

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Program Manager is a strategic leadership role tasked with positioning the organization to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This role blends program management, product development, and artificial intelligence expertise to drive innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable competitive advantage. The ideal candidate will shape and execute AI strategy by leading cross-functional initiatives that co-develop and scale both AI-driven and non-AI products and services. They will also foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making to ensure long-term organizational readiness and impact.

Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field and a minimum of 5 (5+) years of relevant work experience is required** (utility experience preferred).

OR

Associate’s degree in business, computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field and a minimum of seven (7+) years of relevant work experience is required** (utility experience preferred).

At either degree level, a minimum of three (3+) of those years of experience must be focused on program management, product development, or an AI integration role.

Licenses and/or Certifications

None required

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Vision

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Artificial Intelligence Steering Committee, providing strategic program updates, surfacing key risks and opportunities, and ensuring alignment between AI initiatives and organizational priorities. Facilitate decision-making by delivering data-driven insights and progress reports that support governance and long-term AI strategy.
• Represent the organization in AI-related affinity groups and industry forums, fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and staying informed on emerging trends to inform internal strategy.
• Develop product roadmaps that integrate AI-driven solutions (machine learning, generative AI) and other innovative technologies to align with market demands and organization goals
• Conduct feasibility studies and market analysis to prioritize high-impact product opportunities
• Maintain prioritized product strategies that anticipate future technology shifts and deliver measurable ROI across AI and non-AI initiatives.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Design, Manage, and Oversee the full product development life cycle for a diverse portfolio of products including AI solutions, from ideation and MVP prototyping to beta testing, launch, and iteration; gather and prioritize user feedback using AI-related key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Timely delivery of user-centric AI products that achieve key milestones like 80%+ user adoption rates.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to build AI and non-AI prototypes and scalable features.
• Seamless team coordination, reducing development bottlenecks and fostering innovation through diverse input.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Customer FocusEmployees & Teamwork/Diversity & InclusionIntegrity/ExcellencePublic Service/Environmental StewardshipSafety

Salary Information - Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth.In addition to the base salary range listed below, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range. Successful applicants will be provided more information regarding the incentive program at the time of an interview.

Pay Grade - 15 Monthly

Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $9,430.00 - $12,023.00

Travel Required: 25% to 50% (With no or minimal overnight stays, less than 3 per month, typically within state of Nebraska) Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.

Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical,training opportunities and more.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.

Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer