Program Manager, Nebraska Leaders

University Of Nebraska Omaha; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska Omaha seeks a Program Manager for the Nebraska Leaders Program within the Division of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success. You will oversee day‑to‑day operations, student belonging, retention, and career outcomes with UNO, Career Services, and IESS.

You will implement strategy, manage budgets, and build relationships with employer partners and students across Nebraska. A Bachelor’s is required; Master’s is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• 2+ years in program management, leadership development, career advising or HR in higher education, nonprofit, or workforce settings.
• Experience coordinating with campus partners and employer sponsors a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Nebraska Leaders Program across UNO, coordinating recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, internships, coaching, and graduation milestones.
• Provide career advising and coaching to students and recent alumni to support major exploration and job search readiness.
• Foster employer partnerships and campus engagement to create internships and career opportunities.
• Oversee program evaluation, data collection, annual reporting, and responsiveness to stakeholder data requests.
• Manage program budget and collaborate with cross‑campus teams to align resources and services.

Skills

Leadership

Career Advising

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Tools

Handshake

LinkedIn

Job description

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to preventing and eliminating discrimination against employees and prospective employees based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. The University of Nebraska at Omaha does not condone or tolerate discrimination. In support of this policy, the University has implemented employment programs to recruit, employ, and promote qualified individuals based solely on their knowledge, skills, abilities and talents. These factors, along with our commitment to recruit, assess and select all candidates/employees using job-related criteria, ensure fairness, equal evaluation, and treatment in our selection decisions and processes.

GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION

EEO Statement:

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity.

Read the full statement.

Job Grade

AS23S

Division

Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success

College/Dept

Student Success

Department

Student Success Office

Requisition Number

2026-00324

FTE (full-time equivalency)

100

Work Schedule

No remote/telecommute opportunity

Appointment Term

12- 12/12 months

Essential Personnel per Inclement Weather Policy

No

Pay Information

$60,000 - $75,000

Pay Schedule

Annually

FLSA Designation

Exempt

Job Summary

The Nebraska Leaders Program is a statewide initiative designed to identify, cultivate, and retain top undergraduate talent across Nebraska. The program partners emerging leaders with coaching, mentorship, internships, and exclusive career opportunities to build a community of graduates committed to strengthening Nebraska’s economy, workforce, and civic leadership. Builders are students with innate leadership and entrepreneurial potential who are guided through structured experiences that transform talent into statewide impact.

The Program Manager serves as the program administrator for the Nebraska Leaders Program leading the day-to-day operations of the program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha through the Division of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success ( IESS ) and Career Services, with a focus on student belonging, retention, personal development, graduation, and gainful employment within the state of Nebraska. This position is responsible for the successful implementation of program strategy, oversight of the program budget, and management of relationships with employer partners and student participants. The Manager oversees all components of the student experience, including recruitment, marketing, and the application process, as well as career advising, job and internship support, and long-term alumni engagement.

The role also manages program evaluation and continuous improvement through assessment development, data collection, annual reporting, and fulfillment of data requests for internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Manager provides career advising and strengths-based coaching to students and recent alumni, supporting career and major exploration, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and job and internship searches. The Manager assists the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of Career Services with career programs and services for students across all undergraduate colleges, employer outreach and relations, and timely promotion of program and career opportunities.

Program Implementation, Strategy and Management

Oversee and execute Nebraska Leaders Program cohort programming that engages students in unique opportunities in Omaha and within the state of Nebraska. Provides individualized advising and coaching to maximize each student’s potential. Lead planning, coordination, and execution of the program’s annual cycle (recruitment, application promotion and assistance, onboarding, mentoring, internships, coaching, and graduation milestones). Develop and refine program curriculum and cohort experiences to align with strategic goals for talent retention and leadership development. Serve as primary point of contact for enrolled students, providing ongoing guidance and support throughout participation.

Percentage Of Time 30

Career Advising and Professional Development

Oversee leadership coaching, career advising, and professional development offerings for undergraduate students, including workshops, guest speaker series, strengths assessments, and career readiness activities. This includes but is not limited to interest and skills assessments, career/major exploration, career counseling, job and internship coaching, resume/cover letter writing, and practice interviews for employment opportunities. Assist with educating students on registration and use of LinkedIn and Handshake, the online career management system used by UNO students, alumni, and employers. Work with internal and external advisors, coaches, trainers, and consultants to support students’ personal development, including the Division of Student Life and Wellbeing, Office of Engagement, and academic colleges.

Percentage Of Time 30

Employer and Partner Engagement

Work with the Nebraska Leaders organization to cultivate and sustain relationships with employer partners and community leaders to expand internships, mentorships, and job opportunities for students. In close coordination with the Director of Career Services, work with top employers and industry partners across the state to help make a measurable impact on economic growth and student success. Assist in coordinating and participating in all career and employer programs offered through Career Services including career fairs, campus recruiting, practice interview programs, employer information sessions, professional etiquette dinners, and campus presentation and tabling events.

Percentage Of Time 15

Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

Establish measurable outcomes and metrics to track program success (retention, employment and internship outcomes, satisfaction, long-term impact). Collect data, analyze results, and prepare reports to inform decision-making and stakeholder updates. Initiate follow-up correspondence and contact with students via phone, e-mail, and written correspondence regarding the program. Provide more specific information about the Nebraska Leaders programs, activities, and events. Maintain ongoing communication with students once enrolled to assist with internships and opportunities in the Omaha metro area. Maintain contact with Nebraska Leaders alumni and engage them in future programming.

Percentage Of Time 15

Administrative Duties

Develop and manage the program budget. Ensure compliance with any reporting requirements, program obligations, and organizational policies. Represent the program at recruitment events and public engagements. Work collaboratively across campus with various University stakeholders to maximize appropriate resources and programming across the University.

Percentage Of Time 10

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Required Experience

2+ years of program management, leadership development, career advising or human resources experience, preferably within higher education, nonprofit, or workforce development settings.

Required License/Certification

N/A

Required Additional Qualifications

N/A

Preferred Education

Master’s Degree

Preferred Experience

Experience with program assessment

Compliance Requirements

Credit Check

Credit Check No

Motor Vehicle Licensing Validity Check

Motor Vehicle Licensing Validity Check No

Pre-employment Physical Request and Assessment

Pre-employment Physical Request and Assessment No

Drug Screen

Drug Screen No

Supplemental Question

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is the highest level of education you have attained?
  • none
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate (PhD, MD,EdD, JD etc)