Chief Data Officer

DGS Office of External Affairs; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 46,703 - 57,082; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Tuition reimbursement

79% employer paid health insurance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Training and Development opportunities

Job summary

The State of Nebraska is seeking a Chief Data Officer who will oversee data management and governance strategies. This role is critical in managing enterprise data systems while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

Ideal candidates should have extensive experience with Power BI and data integration. They will collaborate across agencies to enhance decision-making processes through effective data management and governance practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in relevant fields.
• Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent experience acceptable.
• Preferred experience in database administration and data management.

Responsibilities

• Administer enterprise databases to ensure accuracy.
• Monitor data integrity and implement necessary corrections.
• Ensure proper security measures for sensitive information.
• Develop and maintain data dictionaries for usability.
• Collaborate with technical teams on data improvement projects.

Skills

Database management

Data modeling

Power BI administration

SQL

ETL processes

Data governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Power BI

Azure SQL

ETL tools

Job description

Job Posting

Title: Chief Data Officer

Agency: Administrative Services - Agency 65

Location: Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate: $51.893

Job Number: JR2026-00022708

The Office of the Chief Information Officer does not sponsor STEM or non-immigrant work visas for this position. The IT Data Administrator is responsible for managing, maintaining, and securing enterprise data systems to ensure accuracy, consistency, and accessibility across state agencies. This position supports the statewide growth of Power BI and Artificial Intelligence initiatives by developing structured datasets, maintaining data models, and enforcing data governance standards. The role oversees data integration, quality control, and compliance with privacy and security requirements while collaborating with technical teams to improve reporting, analytics, and automation capabilities. The IT Data Administrator plays a key role in enabling data-driven decision-making and supporting enterprise modernization efforts.

Job Duties

• Administer, maintain, and optimize enterprise databases and data repositories to ensure accuracy, consistency, and high availability.
• Monitor data integrity, identify discrepancies, and implement correction processes to maintain clean and reliable datasets.
• Manage access controls and permissions to ensure proper security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Develop and maintain data dictionaries, metadata, and documentation to support data transparency and usability across agencies.
• Oversee the creation, publication, and maintenance of Power BI datasets, dataflows, and reports used for statewide analytics and decision-making.
• Ensure that data sources feeding Power BI are accurate, refreshed on schedule, and compliant with data governance standards.
• Collaborate with analysts and program staff to improve dashboards, optimize performance, and promote consistent reporting practices.
• Support enterprise data governance frameworks, ensuring adherence to statewide data standards, retention policies, and security requirements.
• Monitor compliance with privacy and data-sharing regulations such as HIPAA, FERPA, or CJIS where applicable.
• Document data lineage and maintain audit trails to ensure accountability and transparency.
• Collaborate with application and infrastructure teams to design and implement data integration processes between systems and agencies.
• Maintain and optimize ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes that move and synchronize data between environments.
• Support modernization and cloud migration efforts by preparing and transforming legacy data into modern platforms.
• Prepare and structure data to support Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation projects.
• Collaborate with the IT Systems Architect and development teams to ensure data readiness for predictive analytics initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for data-driven automation to improve operational efficiency.
• Provide technical assistance to staff using Power BI or other reporting tools, resolving issues related to data access and reporting performance.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation for data management processes.
• Train end-users on data best practices and reporting standards.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams—including IT, business analysts, and program managers—to ensure coordinated data management across systems.
• Identify process improvements that enhance data quality, security, and usability.
• Participate in statewide data governance and architecture meetings to align agency practices with enterprise standards.
• Other duties as assigned and within the scope of the classification.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, related field and a minimum of 5 years of experience in computer science, information systems, mathematics, engineering, coding computer applications, programming, IT architecture, software development, or infrastructure design. Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Management, or a related field. In addition to the experience above, three or more years of experience in database administration, data analysis, or enterprise data management. Hands‑on experience with Microsoft Power BI, including dataset management, data modeling, and report publishing. Experience with SQL, ETL tools, and data integration between multiple systems or platforms. Familiarity with cloud‑based data environments, such as Microsoft Azure, Synapse, or similar architectures. Knowledge of data governance frameworks, metadata management, and information security practices.

Travel: This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and reliable attendance required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Principles and best practices of database management, data modeling, and data governance.
• Microsoft Power BI administration, including dataset management, dataflows, and report publishing.
• Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes, data warehousing, and system integration methods.
• Data privacy, security, and compliance standards applicable to state and federal requirements (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA, CJIS).
• Cloud data environments and tools such as Azure SQL, Synapse, or similar modern platforms.
• Artificial Intelligence and automation concepts, particularly as they relate to data preparation and analytics readiness.
• Metadata management, data dictionaries, and documentation standards.
• Techniques for troubleshooting data issues and optimizing query and system performance.
• Standard software development lifecycle (SDLC) processes and change management practices.

Skills In

• Administering and maintaining enterprise data systems and business intelligence platforms.
• Using SQL and other query tools for data analysis, validation, and transformation.
• Designing and maintaining Power BI datasets, data models, and reports.
• Developing and automating ETL workflows and data pipelines.
• Identifying and resolving data quality, performance, or integrity issues.
• Effectively communicating complex data concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborating with technical and program teams to meet data and reporting needs.

Abilities To

• Analyze data and system structures to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Apply data governance principles to ensure consistent, accurate, and compliant data practices.
• Work independently to manage multiple data systems and competing priorities.
• Develop documentation, procedures, and standards that promote consistent data management practices.
• Support statewide initiatives involving Power BI, data integration, and AI readiness.
• Adapt to emerging technologies and contribute to continuous improvement of enterprise data environments.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate across divisions and agencies to promote data sharing, transparency, and informed decision‑making.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% state‑matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer‑paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.