WIC Program Manager - Public Health

DHHS Nebraska is seeking an experienced leader to oversee the statewide operations of the State WIC Program and provide strategic direction and vision for the DHHS WIC team. The WIC Program Manager leads and oversees the implementation of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), ensuring compliance with federal regulations and the effective delivery of nutrition services to eligible families. Applying public health best practices to strategic planning, goal setting, and program evaluation will ensure continuous improvement in service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Direct overall State WIC Program operations, articulating the vision and strategic direction for the statewide program and the DHHS WIC team.
• Develop a working partnership with USDA staff and serve as the program contact with the federal agency.
• Coordinate and manage the statewide financial needs of the program.
• Establish, control, and monitor a large program budget of approximately $36 million.
• Complete monthly financial and participation reporting, annual closeout, and additional federally required reporting.
• Regularly review state program funding needs, participate in federal reallocations; review, analyze, and approve program expenditures.
• Manage organizational and financial relationships with 14 WIC subrecipients.
• Ensure the completion of the annual WIC state plan.
• Hire, train, supervise, and manage state agency WIC program staff and contract personnel.
• Ensure program integrity through the completion of program monitoring, compliance, and enforcement of program sanctions, rules, and fair hearing process.
• Participate in individual or multi-state coalitions and partnerships to procure systems and contractors needed for required data collection and program services.
• Respond to requests from the Department, the public, APA, and Public Records Unit.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, social/behavioral sciences, education, health sciences, public health, education, law, or related field and one year of experience in program planning, implementation, budgeting, monitoring, evaluating, marketing a program or service, and supervising/managing staff. Related coursework, training, and/or education may substitute for the Bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in nutrition or public health field
• 2-5 years’ experience managing programs or large projects
• 2-5 years of supervisory experience

Skills

• Knowledge of principles and practice of public health and public health nutrition programs
• Knowledge of federal and state law and policy related to public health and nutrition, including legislative and administrative processes
• Ability to plan and coordinate nutrition services in state government and private sector programs, provide anticipatory management to programs, and guide staff
• Knowledge and skills in program administration, resource utilization, principles of the management process
• Knowledge and skills in public health planning, strategic planning, program implementation and evaluation, and data collection
• Knowledge and skills in financial management, grants management, and budgetary procedures
• Knowledge and skills in public relations, building partnerships, and customer service
• Leadership, negotiation, and building consensus skills
• Skills in supervising and motivating employees, assigning work to program managers and program staff, and change management
• Skill in federal grant writing and management
• Strong computer skills, particularly Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Google
• Knowledge and experience evaluating programs and program outcomes, according to standards and best practices, including the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data and apply results for policy and program management recommendations and decisions
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

Pay

$31.186 hourly. $32.746 hourly upon successful completion of original probation.

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. Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency, and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: State of Nebraska Benefits.