Public Involvement Manager

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

2d•$31

About The Position

Are you a strategic leader ready to take on a role with agency-wide impact? The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking a dynamic Public Involvement Manager who is passionate about leading meaningful change and strengthening community connections. This is an opportunity for a forward-thinking professional to shape our engagement strategy, build and mentor a high-performing team, and promote open, accessible dialogue with the communities we serve. If you're energized by creating impact, fostering collaboration, and guiding others toward a shared vision, we invite you to apply. As an NDOT employee, you will join a team of 2,000 dedicated professionals performing important work to provide Nebraska with a safe and efficient transportation system. NDOT is a friendly and supportive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. We provide training and career development, advancement opportunities, ample paid time off, and work-life balance. 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 $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

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, communications, engineering, construction management, regional or community planning, social sciences, natural sciences, education, social justice or human rights, and experience in program and/or project management, public policy, performance measures, marketing, and/or planning.
Experience may substitute for the education requirements on a year-for-year basis.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Strong customer service skills.
Strong verbal and written communication with the ability to explain complex processes and interpret state and federal regulations, and present information to individuals and groups.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Team development.
Desire to learn quickly, embrace responsibility, and accept accountability.
Ability to formulate and implement procedures and policies.
Ability to identify and prioritize problems and formulate possible solutions.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, in varied settings, both in-person and through correspondence, reports, and electronic means.

Nice To Haves

Experience in making decisions that conform to State and Federal Regulations.
Experience in transportation-related project delivery or program management.
Experience or training in the development or oversight of professional performance measures.
Experience as a supervisor and successfully leading a team in achieving goals.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement methods to collect data for analysis required for federal reporting requirements.
Plan and evaluate NDOT’s performance relative to established standards to ensure compliance with federal and state programs.
Develop and implement quality enhancement policies.
Documents findings of process reviews and identifies methods and strategies to address deficiencies.
Approve program/project-related activities according to federal regulations, state statutes, NDOT Rules and Regulations, program procedures, program agreements, and any other federal/state oversight agency with jurisdictional requirements applicable to NDOT programs/projects.
Serve as the final reviewer for program compliance analysis in addition to implementation and documentation of State and Federal aid transportation programs and projects.
Plan, assign, and direct the work activities of consultants and assigned staff to attain work goals and to ensure consistent application of federal requirements, administrative policies, procedures, and standards.
Supervise, evaluate, and review work performance of assigned staff with established standards to determine the quality and quantity of employees' work and to recommend personnel actions such as appointments, promotions, disciplinary actions, grievance dispositions, status changes, separations, and to identify employee training needs and to improve career advancement potential.
Provide technical assistance and implement training for federal aid subrecipients, contractors, external stakeholders, and NDOT staff to comply with federal requirements and regulations.
Manage and review NDOT projects to ensure the project complies with federal and state programs.
Review project information to determine the level of public involvement.
Work with NDOT staff, consultants, and Local Public Agencies to identify and mitigate community impacts from transportation projects.
Develop appropriate public outreach enhancements and recommendations for community resources to aid in information dissemination.
Manage and/or coordinate all phases of the public involvement process; manage and/or coordinate the public hearing and public meetings process.
Initiate, manage, review, and approve consultant-scope projects; approve and oversee consultant work and/or services, manage contract hours, expenditures, and quality of consultant work.

Benefits

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