Director-Strategic Initiatives (Program Specialist IV)

Nebraska Department of Education; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nebraska Department of Education is seeking a strategic leader to advance its educational policy agenda by monitoring emerging issues and guiding legislative and policy processes. The role emphasizes stakeholder engagement, clear communication, and collaboration to build consensus and drive meaningful change.

Based in Lincoln, NE, the position requires leading staff, coordinating with partners, tracking bills, drafting policy proposals, and presenting analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of experience related to the essential functions of the position.
• Experience with legislative processes and policy development is preferred.
• Ability to supervise staff and manage performance in a dynamic policy environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor emerging educational issues and coordinate planning to advance agency priorities.
• Track bills, engage in legislative strategy, language, amendments, and testimony.
• Engage stakeholders among research institutions, philanthropy, and government to support policy agendas.
• Design policy proposals aligned with agency priorities and support advocacy and engagement efforts.
• Research, write, and present analyses, reports, and fiscal notes for policy decisions.
• Provide leadership in hiring, supervision, and staff development.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Collaboration

Policy analysis

Strategic leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Doctorate or Six-Year Specialist Certificate

Job description

This position will advance the Nebraska Department of Education’s educational policy agenda through monitoring emerging educational issues and engaging in legislative and policy processes. The hiring team is looking for strategic visionary leaders who excel in stakeholder engagement, communication, and collaboration, with experience with legislative and educational policy.

Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE.

Essential Functions

• Monitors emerging educational issues, identifies areas of need, and coordinates collaboration, planning, and implementation to develop effective solutions and advance agency priorities.
• Assists with tracking bills and committee activity, engages in legislative strategy, bill language, amendments, and testimony.
• Engages strategic partnerships and stakeholders among research institutions, philanthropic communities, and government to support the Nebraska Department of Education’s (NDE’s) policy and agenda.
• Collaborates to design legislative policy proposals aligned with agency priorities, supports agency policy, advocacy, engagement portfolio, and acceleration of educational policy change at the state level.
• Researches, writes, and presents analyses, reports, white papers, policy proposals, fiscal notes, and supporting materials.
• Monitors strategic planning and implementation, including seeking additional funding streams to support progress.
• Provides leadership in the hiring, supervision, and potential discipline of staff. Conducts performance management activities including establishing annual goals related to the strategic plan, holding check-in meetings to discuss goal progress, and completing performance appraisals. Facilitates a continuous learning environment by promoting professional development to ensure all employees have the opportunity and skills to be efficient and effective in meeting the goals of the agency. Delegates work and projects appropriately among staff.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

Working Conditions and Travel

This position requires approximately 75% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 25% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as schools, other educational entities, stakeholder and partner offices, and legislative environments. There is also approximately ten days of overnight travel per year.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of experience related to the essential functions of the position. Any equivalent education and/or work experience may be substituted in order to meet the minimum qualifications of the position.

Preferred Qualifications: The completion of a doctorate or equivalent academic endeavor such as a Six-Year Specialist Certificate. Experience in educational leadership and working with government or the legislature.