Artificial Intelligence Program Manager

About the role

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Program Manager is a strategic leadership role tasked with positioning the organization to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This role blends program management, product development, and artificial intelligence expertise to drive innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable competitive advantage. The ideal candidate will shape and execute AI strategy by leading cross‑functional initiatives that co‑develop and scale both AI‑driven and non‑AI products and services, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, collaboration, and data‑informed decision‑making. The position reports to the Innovation Manager, is based at the Columbus General Office in Columbus, Nebraska, and closes September 2 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Travel required: 25% to 50% (typically within Nebraska, with minimal overnight stays).

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Vision Serve as the primary liaison to the Artificial Intelligence Steering Committee, providing strategic program updates, surfacing key risks and opportunities, and ensuring alignment between AI initiatives and organizational priorities. Facilitate decision‑making by delivering data‑driven insights and progress reports that support governance and long‑term AI strategy. Represent the organization in AI‑related affinity groups and industry forums, fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and staying informed on emerging trends to inform internal strategy. Develop product roadmaps that integrate AI‑driven solutions (machine learning, generative AI) and other innovative technologies to align with market demands and organization goals. Conduct feasibility studies and market analysis to prioritize high‑impact product opportunities. Maintain prioritized product strategies that anticipate future technology shifts and deliver measurable ROI across AI and non‑AI initiatives.
• Product Lifecycle Management Design, manage, and oversee the full product development life cycle for a diverse portfolio of products including AI solutions, from ideation and MVP prototyping to beta testing, launch, and iteration; gather and prioritize user feedback using AI‑related key performance indicators (KPIs). Timely delivery of user‑centric AI products that achieve key milestones like 80%+ user adoption rates.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership Lead and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to build AI and non‑AI prototypes and scalable features. Seamless team coordination, reducing development bottlenecks and fostering innovation through diverse input. Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field and a minimum of 5+ years of relevant work experience (utility experience preferred); OR Associate’s degree in business, computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field and a minimum of 7+ years of relevant work experience (utility experience preferred). At either degree level, at least 3+ years of experience must be focused on program management, product development, or an AI integration role.
• Licenses and/or Certifications: None required.

Skills

• Customer Focus
• Employees & Teamwork / Diversity & Inclusion
• Integrity / Excellence
• Public Service / Environmental Stewardship
• Safety

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance