Strategic Initiatives Specialist

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

Lincoln NE

Hiring Rate:

$28.768

Job Posting:

JR2025- Strategic Initiatives Specialist (Open)

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

Job Description:

The Strategic Initiatives Specialist within the Strategic Planning Division will play a critical role in shaping the Departments future by driving innovation and fostering collaboration across the Nebraska Department of Transportations (NDOT) Divisions and Districts. By design this position has the opportunity to grow and develop while working closely with agency leadership to shape future endeavors especially those brought on by new Federal Laws Regulations and Programs. By providing strategic planning services and data-driven insights the role ensures NDOT is well-positioned to anticipate emerging transportation trends align initiatives with statewide priorities and build strong partnerships that support long-term success. Key responsibilities include project management for a wide variety of project types some of which include technology policy planning resiliency and other key areas.

We reward our employees hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
13 paid holidays
Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
Military leave
Tuition reimbursement program
Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
79% employer-paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20000 life insurance policy
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
Job security and stability even during times of economic hardship
Employee Assistance Program
Fun inviting teammates
Free parking

Pay range is $28.768 - $42.408 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.

JOB DUTIES:

• Emerging Federal Programs Support Lead: The FHWA and other federal agencies along with Congress regularly enact new legislation or regulations for which NDOT must comply. This position will lead agency-wide initiatives to maintain NDOT compliance with new Federal programs and requirements. This will be achieved by collaborating with executive leadership and federal partners facilitating cross-divisional coordination and providing policy analysis and recommendations to NDOT.
• Special Projects and Program Support: Transportation is changing rapidly along with many other industries. This position will be responsible for efforts to stand up new programs develop actionable plans facilitate workshops and other collaborative efforts and ensure that associated activities align with NDOTs mission and future direction. These things will support the advancement of NDOTs long-term goals and priorities. Some examples could include Complete Streets Innovative Finance Alternative Delivery Economic Development and other infrastructure adjacent projects plans and programs.
• Emerging Technology: Monitor trends and advancements in transportation technology lead cross-functional efforts to explore and pilot innovative technology solutions and guide projects that position NDOT at the forefront of modern transportation systems. These could include things like inductive roadway charging connected corridors automated vehicles advanced aviation alternative fuels digital twins artificial intelligence etc.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with various groups including public stakeholders governmental agencies private sector interests and Internal NDOT teams on key strategic initiatives. Has the ability to communicate complex information to a diverse audience.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Two-year post-high school degree or equivalent coursework/training in public administration business administration communications regional or community planning social sciences education or human rights and one year of experience in project management public policy marketing and/or planning. Additional years of experience in comparable fields of work listed may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of NDOT business structure such as the project delivery processes and organizational structure.
• Familiarity with a variety of Federal Aid programs and their requirements. Emphasis on technology and planning-related programs.
• Background in transportation planning and policy analysis.
• Experience leading emerging technology projects
• Experience working directly with Executive Teams and leading cross-agency efforts
• Postgraduate degree in data analytics engineering business or public administration.
• Experience leading projects that involve change management

Other:

• Must have a valid drivers license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
• Must be available for out-of-town and occasional overnight travel.
• This position does not offer remote work as an option although flexible work hours are available.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

The ideal candidate will possess some background alike or similar to transportation planning data analytics emerging technology freight alternative fuels project delivery highway construction highway operations change management and project management.Overall candidates should be flexible adaptable and curious.This means possessing a strong desire to learn tackle new challenges connect with people and lead.

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: 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.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.