Communications and Public Policy Director at State of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska
Posted in Other 4 days ago.
Job Description:
The work we do matters!
Hiring Agency:
Transportation - Agency 27
Location:
Lincoln, NE
Hiring Rate:
$52.112
Job Posting:
JR2025-00014638 Communications and Public Policy Director (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
04-04-2025
Job Description:
Are you known for leading and building high-performing teams? Do you think strategically, create effective and engaging communication for varying audiences using your depth of knowledge of transportation policy and governmental affairs, stakeholder engagement, media relations, and project-specific public involvement? If this is you, apply today!
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 $52.112 - $80.774 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.
JOB DUTIES:
What You'll Do for Us:
- Lead Communications and Public Policy division teammates by providing a clear vision; plan, assign, and direct the work activities of division management and develop goals to ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, standards, and best practices; mentor, coach, and provide professional development and training to division teammates.
- Support the Highway Commission, which serves as a liaison between the public and the Agency and assists in conducting public hearings, meetings, and studies related to the highway system.
- Develop and measure multi-faceted communication plans and engagement strategies that strengthen and build partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including federal, state, and local government officials, legislators, industry partners, community leaders, and Nebraska citizens.
- Serve as a member of the NDOT leadership team, providing direction to advance NDOT's accomplishments across Nebraska. Identify, assess, and proactively manage risks and opportunities that may impact the agency's missions, performance, and/or policy, and serve as a spokesperson for the agency.
- In partnership with leadership, maximize the impact and efficiency of NDOT's public affairs, government affairs, public involvement programs and initiatives, stakeholder partnerships, public perception, communications plans, sustainability and community programming and initiatives across the Agency.
- Monitor advocacy groups, political developments and proposed legislations to identify trends with implications to the agency. Engage with and build coalitions with Federal, State, and local government and non-government stakeholders to advocate for or against and advance policies and programming that support project delivery, transportation policy, and agency goals and priorities.
- Establish and enhance professional relationships with media outlets and lead the development of the Agency's public relations messages consistent with the mission, goals, and objectives of the Agency, which reflect the vision and values of the Director and Governor.
- Effectively communicate the mission, vision and values to develop and maintain productive professional relationships with internal and external customers utilizing the agency's website, social media, video sharing sites, and other channels.
Requirements / Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, Engineering, or related field, AND two years of highly advanced, progressively responsible supervisory experience. Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fifteen+ years of relevant experience, ideally in leadership roles with progressive responsibility within the transportation industry, government affairs, construction project delivery, and stakeholder management.
- Proven track record of leading and building high-performing and engaging teams.
- Experience preparing and managing budgets and contracts.
- Demonstrated experience in public policy, political and public relations, and media relations.
- Experience and strong working knowledge of state and federal policies, transportation policies, and transportation project delivery.
- Experience fostering effective Industry partnerships and a track record of building effective and engaging informational campaigns.
- Demonstrated experience managing projects and programs across an entire organization.
- Ability to communicate effectively with the executive branch, top management, various state, federal, and local officials, news media, legislature, commission/board members, and congressional representatives and their staff.
Other:
- Regular and Reliable attendance is required.
- Must have a valid driver's license or ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
- Must be able to travel both in and out of the State of Nebraska.
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: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits
Equal 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.
