Director-Strategic Initiatives (Program Specialist IV)

State-of-Nebraska; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

State of Nebraska’s Education – Agency 13 in Lincoln is seeking a Director of Strategic Initiatives (Program Specialist IV) to advance the department's educational policy agenda through monitoring emerging issues and engaging in legislative and policy processes.

The role emphasizes strategic vision, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with research institutions, government, and philanthropy to design proposals and secure support, with a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least five years of related experience.
• Any equivalent education and/or work experience may be substituted to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Preferred qualifications include Doctorate or Six-Year Specialist Certificate and experience in educational leadership or government/legislature.

Responsibilities

• Monitor emerging educational issues and coordinate planning to advance agency priorities.
• Track bills, committee activity, and provide legislative strategy and testimony.
• Engage with researchers, philanthropy, and government to support the NDE policy agenda.
• Design legislative policy proposals aligned with agency priorities and secure funding.
• Lead staff hiring, supervision, and performance management.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Collaboration

Legislative policy

Educational policy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The work we do matters!Hiring Agency:Education - Agency 13Location:Lincoln, NEHiring Rate:$41.081Job Posting:JR2026-00029424 Director-Strategic Initiatives (Program Specialist IV) (Open)Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):10-06-2026Job 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.**The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.**Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE.Pay Grade 11: $85,448.66/yearThis rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate.Teammates EnjoyIn addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes well over $20,000 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefitsCompetitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types156% state-matched retirement (yes, that’s $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% returnThirteen paid holidays per yearEssential FunctionsMonitors 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.If you have any questions about this posting or working at NDE, please email us at [e-mail] .If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/BenefitsWe offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefitsEqual Opportunity StatementThe 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.