Highway External Affairs Manager

: The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Transportation - Agency 27 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $31.362 Job Posting: JR2025-00017003 Highway External Affairs Manager (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 06-16-2025 : The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead messaging, media relations and public outreach efforts.The ideal candidate will have strong verbal and written communication skills, experience in government, public and media relations and management experience leading creatives. Must combine strategic vision with creative leadership to drive engagement and alignment of organizational goals and messaging. This role is pivotal in shaping public perception, enhancing transparency and promoting key initiatives of the Administration, therefore experience working for or with state, federal or local government is preferred. The successful applicant will be responsible for building, managing and measuring agencywide Strategic Communication efforts, influence public policy at State and Federal level, and provide support to the Executive Branch, NDOT's Director's Office, District and Division staff. The position is the interface between NDOT and its partners, customers, and stakeholders working to promote awareness of and value of the Nebraska transportation safety, operations and project delivery. 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 $31.362 - $47.042 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved. JOB DUTIES:

• Serve as a spokesperson/representative for NDOT on behalf of the Communications Division Manager; proactively engage with media across digital, broadcast and print mediums.
• Assist the technical writing team with storytelling and broader communication to stakeholders and create public awareness campaigns.
• Direct and guide the production of agency publications, press releases, multi-media and social media content.
• Direct and guide Agency webpage content.
• Direct and guide the use of strategies that increase demand generation using industry best practices.
• Implement Agency communication plans consistent with the State of Nebraska's media plan and style guide.
• Prepare/review official correspondence, public notices, news releases following AP style.
• Lead coordination for media/public events featuring safety guidance, project status and schedule, legislative changes.
• Direct strategic communication and creative requests for digital design, photography, website content, technical writing, and training documents.
• Develop, implement, manage and measure performance of deliverables produced.
• Develop state and federal policy change recommendations on potential issues that impact NDOT.
• Develop and maintain a strategic plan for implementing an intergovernmental community engagement that helps leverage transportation in other policy sectors to include economic development.
• Provide recommendations and guidance to the Communications and Public Policy Division Manager and the Director's Office on strategies to improve customer service and stakeholder relations and build public trust in Agency initiatives.
• Confer with the agency's Government Affairs Office to manage and advocate specific policy issues and develop position papers, policy papers, and appropriate data for stakeholders.
• Confer with external partners, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and State government and local jurisdictions to identify and share best practices for the agency and these groups.
• Serve as the special project's coordinator for the Division, and report on plans, progress, and outcomes to the Communications Manager.
• Shape public trust and deliver impactful internal and external communication.
• Supervise assigned employees to include identification of priorities, goals, and performance standards; provide training and performance development to these employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in communications (such as public relations or journalism), general administration, project management, policy analysis/evaluation, engineering, or similar fields, and three years of experience in preparing and communicating information to the public; or coordinating advocacy groups or community based organizations; or coordinating promotional/publicity campaigns; or interpreting and applying laws, rules, and regulations. Additional years of experience as described above may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year or equivalent basis. Preferred Qualifications: Master's Degree in Public Administration, Communications, Community and Regional Planning, or similar fields. Direct experience working with State and Federal Legislators and Regulators. Direct experience working in/with the highway/ transportation industry or the State of Nebraska. Experience working with and/or advocating for public interest groups, industry organizations, citizens, and/or communities. Experience serving as a spokesperson for groups/companies. Experience developing and implementing strategic plans and performance measures. Direct experience working with Nebraska public/media relations and production. Other:

• A valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation is required.
• Must be available for statewide overnight travel.
• Regular and reliable attendance is also required.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES: Knowledge of :

• Nebraska transportation needs, issues, constraints, and practices.
• The needs and concerns of communities, stakeholders and economic development opportunities.
• The principles and practices of public/media relations, demand generation and customer services.
• The policies and requirements relative to agency and State financial, personnel, and purchasing administrative practices.
• The transportation project delivery and program management process and schedules.
• Transportation construction process and schedules.
• Contract and Budget Management.

Ability to :

• Communicate via a wide variety of media and formats with diverse groups and individuals.
• Identify the best approach to providing information on and managing progress of agency plans and goals.
• Develop and foster working relationships and advocate NDOT goals, initiatives, and solutions in an effective manner.

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. 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.

Instructions for Applying

Important points to remember when applying:

• The employment application is required and is the primary source of information used to determine if you meet the minimum requirements of the job.
• Make sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications are rejected.
• You will not be allowed to change your application after you have applied for a position and you cannot re-apply for the the same position unless it is posted again.
• You have the opportunity to attach a resume; however, it should not be used to replace any information asked for on the official application.
• When you have successfully applied for a job, you will receive a confirmation on the screen and your application will be available on your Candidate Home page.

We encourage you to use the Search for Jobs feature to find jobs that are available in a particular location or a job that matches your work experience. Applicants who need accommodation in the selection process should request this in advance. Requests can be made by contacting the Nebraska State Personnel Office 1526 K Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE. View phone number on us.edajobs.com. These positions are subject to application of Veterans' Preference.