IT Manager

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Information Technology Manager leads all IT operations for the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS), overseeing the development, support, and strategic direction of the Nebraska Public Retirement Information System (NPRIS). NPRIS is a mission-critical pension administration system supporting multiple statewide retirement plans and providing services to members, employers, and agency staff. This position is responsible for managing a highly skilled IT team and ensuring the reliability, security, and ongoing improvement of NPERS technology systems. The role works closely with the NPERS Executive Director, the Public Employees Retirement Board (PERB), and the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) to align technology initiatives with business needs, regulatory requirements, and statewide IT standards. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, sound technical judgment, and the ability to balance operational stability with continuous improvement. This role requires effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands, and the capability to interpret and apply state and federal laws, policies, and standards within a technology environment.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in computer science, information systems, mathematics, engineering or other related field and two years of experience in related information technology discipline(s) (network infrastructure, coding, systems or database), and two years of experience supervising activities of professional level IT Staff; experience can be substituted for education on a year for year basis, two years of which should be as a project coordinator, leader, or supervisor.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and develop technical staff
Ability to balance day-to-day operational responsibilities with longer-term strategic planning
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess technical and business impacts
Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including executive leadership
Ability to work collaboratively with vendors, agency staff, and OCIO teams to deliver effective technology solutions
Knowledge of software development, system architecture, and IT operations concepts
Strong organizational, planning, and decision-making skills in a multi-priority environment
Ability to interpret and apply policies, standards, and regulatory requirements within IT operations

Nice To Haves

Experience leading or supervising application development teams
Experience supporting or maintaining enterprise business applications
Knowledge of or experience working with pension plans, retirement systems, or financial services organizations
Experience working with large or complex information systems, including legacy or highly customized applications
Experience coordinating work across multiple teams, organizations, or government agencies
Experience evaluating and implementing technology improvements in an operational environment

Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, and develop NPERS IT staff, including assigning work, setting priorities, and supporting professional growth
Build and maintain a collaborative, high-performing team environment, including cross-training and knowledge sharing
Align team activities with agency priorities and ensure accountability for results
Oversee the development, maintenance, and operation of NPRIS, including the NPERS website and online member and employer portals
Ensure system reliability, performance, and security while supporting ongoing enhancements and functional improvements
Evaluate and recommend new technologies and approaches to improve system effectiveness and maintainability
Develop and manage work plans for IT projects, ensuring alignment with agency goals and resource availability
Prioritize and coordinate multiple concurrent initiatives in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
Lead or support projects involving multiple teams, including collaboration with OCIO and external partners
Report on project status, system performance, and key initiatives to the Executive Director and PERB
Advise leadership on technology strategy, risks, and opportunities
Communicate effectively with stakeholders at varying levels of technical understanding
Manage relationships with IT vendors, including software providers, contractors, and service partners
Coordinate with OCIO and other state agencies to ensure alignment with statewide systems, standards, and services
Support procurement, contracting, and vendor performance oversight
Develop and implement IT policies, procedures, and standards in alignment with state requirements
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and security standards
Participate in the development and management of the IT budget, including review and approval of technology purchases