The work we do matters!
Hiring Agency:
Transportation - Agency 27
Location:
Lincoln, NE
Hiring Rate:
$25.814
Job Posting:
JR2026-00025521 State Government Affairs Manager (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
05-08-2026
Job Description:
The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) has an exciting career opportunity for a highly motivated teammate to serve as the State Government Affairs Manager. In this role, you'll be responsible for the comprehensive government affairs and regulatory strategy for the agency. A Government Affairs Manager learns and shares the important work of NDOT--serving Nebraska's citizens, providing for the best possible statewide transportation system for the movement of people and goods. A successful teammate in this position will represent NDOT and its priorities, making a difference in the lives of Nebraskans by advocating on behalf of the department with elected state officials and their staff.
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
Pay range is $25.814 - $38.720 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.
JOB DUTIES
- Manage the government affairs and corresponding functions of the NDOT and assist with building a long-term government affairs strategy that supports the future infrastructure needs of Nebraska.
- Execute NDOT's government affairs strategy, including developing legislation, regulatory management, and relationship building.
- Identify, review, and monitor proposed legislation on behalf of NDOT, including but not limited to bill status, amendment recommendations, and strategy options.
- Advise agency management on potential legislation and assess possible impact on the agency.
- Draft information to include testimony and fact sheets to advise stakeholders on the impact of proposed legislation.
- Review and interpret current statute, proposed legislation, rules, regulations, promulgation guidance, and policy and program statements to determine the impact on the agency.
- Provide direction and coordinate constituent correspondence and information requests with the External Affairs Manager.
- Collaborate actively with Policy Research Office partners and policy/government affairs stakeholders, especially State Senators and related staff, including coordinating responses to information requests with other NDOT personnel.
- Serve as custodian of records and revisions for agency rules and regulations.
- Finalize bill proposal drafts on behalf of NDOT and submit proposed legislation to the Policy Research Office.
- Manage the implementation of new laws and the promulgation of rules and regulations with agency leadership and divisions/districts.
- Coordinate legislative briefings on agency issues or constituent inquiries.
- Perform other duties as required.
Requirements/Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Post-high school coursework or training in public relations/public affairs, communications, political science, or public administration, and experience in policy development and implementation or assisting in drafting bills, researching statutes, and revision of rules/regulations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree or higher in political science or public administration.
- Experience in state government.
- Experience in transportation infrastructure.
- Experience in developing and implementing agency-related policies, rules, and regulations; or in researching and drafting legislation and promoting bills or similar governmental initiatives.
- Experience/working knowledge of agency rules and regulations process.
Other:
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES
- Knowledge of the legislative process.
- Knowledge of State and federal transportation policy.
- Principles of administration, such as planning, organization, evaluation, analysis, communication, and techniques of public relations.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Suite.
- Abilityto navigate theinterrelationship of various statutes.
If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/
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.
Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits
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.
