Director-Strategic Initiatives (Program Specialist IV)

Location: Lincoln, NE (office at 84th & O St).

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Benefits

Total Compensation package includes well over $20,000 in additional benefits value. Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement; 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program; generous vacation and sick leave earnings (starting at 12 days each) plus other leave types; 156% state-matched retirement ($1.56 for every dollar) with a guaranteed 5% return; thirteen paid holidays per year; professional development opportunities.

Pay

Pay Grade 11: $85,448.66 per year (rate based on available budget; any offer will be made at this rate).