Strategic Initiatives Specialist

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$28.768

Job Posting:

JR2025-00018111 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 Department’s future by driving innovation and fostering collaboration across the Nebraska Department of Transportation's (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 employee’s 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 $20,000 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 NDOT’s mission and future direction.  These things will support the advancement of NDOT’s 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