Assistant Commissioner

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is seeking a visionary leader to guide the day to day operations of the Commissioner’s Office and advance the strategic priorities of the Commissioner of Education and the State Board of Education. At NDE, strong customer service and clear communication—both internally and externally—are essential. If you are committed to continuous improvement, thoughtful problem solving, and strengthening programs in service for Nebraska’s learners, apply today!
The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.
Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE.
Salary: $149,509.15 - $165,070.39 per year ($151,378.02 - $167,133.77 per year after annual increases on 6/29/2026)
The selected candidate’s skills, abilities, education, and experience may provide an opportunity for a higher salary rate than listed above.
Teammates Enjoy In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $46,000 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related field and eight years of experience related to the essential functions of the position to include leadership and managerial experience.
• Any equivalent education and/or work experience may be substituted in order to meet the minimum qualifications of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Education Specialist degree and six years or experience in a leadership role, or Doctoral degree and five years of experience in a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Manages key processes of the Commissioner’s Office and State Board of Education (e.g. oversight of agenda development, committee structures and staff assignments, coordination of related events and information gathering), and other functions as directed by the Commissioner.
• Facilitates planning for State Board meetings, retreats, special meetings, public speaking events, new member orientations, and other engagements.
• Prepares agendas, communications, logistics, reports, and distribution materials.
• Coordinates State Board member requests for information.
• Advises the Commissioner and State Board of current critical issues within the agency and pertinent incidents, and educational and governmental policy matters.
• Provides agency-wide leadership on implementation, evaluation, and updates to the agency’s strategic plan.
• Serves as liaison to the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), provides leadership and guidance, and facilitates NASBE-related projects.
• Represents the Commissioner of Education at internal and external meetings and forums.
• Responds to inquiries from the public, and provides information and guidance.
• Works collaboratively to complete annual and biennial budgets, and ensures the budget reflects major projects and initiatives, operational requirements, and changes in state and/or federal regulations.
• Provides leadership in the hiring, supervision, and potential discipline of staff.
• Conducts performance management activities including establishing annual goals related to the strategic plan, holding check-in meetings to discuss goal progress, and completing performance appraisals.
• Facilitates a continuous learning environment by promoting professional development to ensure all employees have the opportunity and skills to be efficient and effective in meeting the goals of the agency.
• Delegates work and projects appropriately among staff.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
• 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!
• Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types
• 156% state-matched retirement for state plans, or 101% state-matched retirement for school plans
• Thirteen paid holidays per year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive