Program Manager

State of Nebraska; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Health insurance

Job summary

State of Nebraska is seeking a Program Manager to oversee a team handling community development activities and grant/loan programs. You will coordinate administration under the Division Director, ensuring policy compliance and effective grant management across state and federal programs.

The role emphasizes strong communication, attention to detail, and leadership in public service. Lincoln, NE-based position with comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, public administration, community or regional planning, marketing or related field and three years of related experience.
• Experience in grant management is preferred and may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Trains staff in development activity policies to meet performance standards.
• Oversees federal and state grant programs and related operations.
• Directs consultant staff and coordinates with other units to ensure policy compliance.
• Assesses project progress and ensures attainment of goals and objectives.
• Advises on guidelines, policies and financing options for projects in the state.
• Develops plans for community development with local partners and government officials.
• Counsels on public/private partnerships to fund development activities.
• Communicates requirements and decisions, both verbally and in writing.
• Reviews proposals to determine feasibility and access to financing sources.

Skills

Grant management

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, public administration, community or regional planning, marketing or related field

Job description

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Economic Development - Agency 72

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$28.375

Job Posting:

JR2026-00029152 Program Manager (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:

Are you someone who is excited about public service and making a difference in your community? The Economic Development Manager position will oversee the work of a team dedicated to community development. Under administrative direction from Division Director, the economic development manager coordinates the administration of and the supervision of a department state and federal grant and loan programs and performs related work as required. DED is looking for a manager with strong communication skills, attention to detail, and experience with grant management . Come join our team and help us Grow Nebraska.

Look at what we have to offer!

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that’s not a typo!) 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

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority.

Job Duties:

• Trains staff in the policies and procedures of development activity to maintain and/or improve the performance levels of the employees through exposure to job knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work in accordance with established performance standards.
• Manages and provides oversight of federal and state grant programs.
• Plans, assigns, and directs the work activities of consultant staff to facilitate the attainment of the team’s work goals to ensure the consistent application of administrative and program policies, procedures, and standards, and to facilitate coordination of the unit supervised with the activities of other staff members within the Division.
• Analyzes records and reports on the status of projects to evaluate staff’s progress; implements necessary actions to ensure the goals and objectives of each project are attained.
• Discusses policies and procedures to provide operational guidelines for the accomplishment of project assignments and instructs consultants on how to handle matters when existing policies, procedures, or guidelines do not cover the situation; obtains pertinent information when an issue requires expertise to provide conclusive answers.
• Designs plans for development of communities, non-profits and public authorities within the State, working in concert with local regional state professionals and government officials.
• Confers with and advises local regional state professionals on how to establish a public/private group sector partnership to produce, finance and development activities.
• Gives and receives information requiring considerable judgment and authority regarding current and specific business of the work unit, by various means including spoken and written communication and direct contact.
• Reviews proposed projects and determines financial and programmatic feasibility of the project, including identifying appropriate sources of financing and the means to access financial resources.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, public administration, community or regional planning, marketing or related field AND three years related experience. Experience in a related field may substitute for education on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference for previous federal or state grant management experience, degree in economics, accounting, or business with an emphasis in accounting or auditing.

Other: Regular and Reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of: Federal and State loan and grants programs; finance principles and practices; the organizational structure, functions, policies, and standards of the agency and of the operations; the organizational structure, functional relationship, and administrative processes of the executive and legislative branches of state government; the federal and state laws and administrative regulations that govern agency operations and federal and state funding programs; principles and techniques of supervision, regulatory compliance.

Ability to: apply the principles of fiscal management; manage funds and provide financial recommendations; organize and present facts and opinions orally and in writing to exchange information and ideas and to promote needs, plans, and objectives; analyze data and draw conclusions; prepare administrative evaluation reports and recommendations; plan, direct, guide and evaluate the work of others; establish short-term goals; coordinate administrative/program operations and activities; assess staff progress toward achievement of program objectives and adherence with program standards.

Skill in: Federal or State Grant Management; Financial review; attention to detail.

Benefits

We 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#benefits

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.