Deputy Director of Operations

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

23h

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking a seasoned transportation professional with strong communication and leadership skills to lead the agency’s Operations and District functions. The Deputy Director of Operations is the senior leader responsible for overseeing the operations, construction, and maintenance of Nebraska’s state and federally owned transportation system. The Deputy Director provides executive leadership and direction for NDOT’s eight districts and supports agency-wide service and support functions critical to delivering a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation system. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, operations management, or a related field, along with fifteen (15) years of progressive management and leadership experience coordinating construction, engineering, operations, and/or planning initiatives; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation is required.
Limited travel with occasional overnight stays is required.
Expertise in managing Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) activities, including work zone traffic management, incident management, traffic operations coordination, and the integration of data, technology, and operational strategies to improve safety, mobility, and system reliability.
Thorough knowledge of state and federal transportation regulations, construction and safety standards, and contracting practices.
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to communicate complex tactical and strategic issues to diverse stakeholders.
Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, establish trust and credibility, and collaborate at all levels of an organization.
Strong leadership, performance management, and coaching skills, including the ability to motivate, influence, and mentor teams.
Demonstrated leadership abilities in safety program development, construction delivery, and maintenance practices.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Qualifications Licensure as a Professional Engineer (P.E.).
Advanced degree such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Engineering (ME).
Demonstrated executive-level leadership experience in transportation, infrastructure, construction, engineering, public works, or a related field.
Experience aligning and integrating strategy across multiple teams, divisions, or organizations.

Responsibilities

Provide vision across the Department while guiding implementation of strategic level initiatives that impact the maintenance and construction of the state highway system, including planning efforts, business process improvements, materials innovation and research, and the deployment of new technologies.
Collaborate closely with industry organizations, including the Nebraska chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC), to understand construction industry trends and provide strategic guidance on construction operations and practices.
Serve as a liaison among federal and state agencies, professional organizations, contractors, consultants, elected officials, executive leadership, the Legislature, and the public to foster effective working relationships and successful partnerships.
Represent the Department by serving on a variety of industry, professional, and advisory committees at both the state and national levels.
Identify, develop, and implement agency-wide strategies and programs that support and grow Nebraska’s industries and businesses, including initiatives related to supply chain resiliency, freight mobility, safety programs, and communications infrastructure deployment.
Leverage public-private partnerships and collaborate with metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), counties, and sister state agencies to support construction, operations, and maintenance of the statewide transportation system.
Provide fiscal oversight and lead the preparation, management, and execution of agency budgets to ensure adequate staffing, materials, and equipment resources for construction, operations, and maintenance functions.
Direct statewide emergency operations and response activities.
Provide executive oversight of the agency’s fleet and building portfolio and serve as the Director’s representative on the Capital Improvement Working Group.
Provide executive-level leadership and oversight for statewide transportation safety initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment, regulatory compliance, and measurable improvements in public and workforce safety.