Postsecondary Readiness Specialist (Program Specialist III)

Company: State of Nebraska
Location: Lincoln
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Education - Agency 13 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $33.532 Job Posting: JR2026-00024385 Postsecondary Readiness Specialist (Program Specialist III) (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 04-08-2026 Job Description: The Nebraska Department of Education has an exciting opening for a Postsecondary Readiness Specialist! This position is part of the Postsecondary Readiness Pilot (PRP) grant and will build a connection between secondary and postsecondary education. Another great way to see your work directly impacting education across Nebraska! The hiring team is looking for candidates who excel at creative problem solving and have great initiative. People who enjoy collaborating with a variety of people and working to connect others and build teams would enjoy this work! The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions. This position is fixed term , with an end date of June 30, 2027. Any potential extensions are subject to the continuation and availability of funding. Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE. Pay Grade 9: $33.532/hour This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate. Teammates Enjoy In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $28,400 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.htmlbenefits 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 (yes, that’s $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return Thirteen paid holidays per year Essential Functions Provides leadership and technical assistance to school administrators, community partners, statewide stakeholders, and the public related to postsecondary readiness initiatives and the Postsecondary Readiness Pilot (PRP) grant. Coordinates statewide alignment of secondary-to-postsecondary pathways (e.g., CTE programs of study, dual credit, direct admissions, industry credentials, apprenticeship initiatives) to strengthen learner transitions and postsecondary success. Supports development of a statewide postsecondary readiness strategy informed by data, stakeholder, engagement, and alignment with other agency and workforce priorities. Designs and evaluates sub-grants and contracts related to postsecondary readiness. Establishes and fosters strategic partnerships among pilot programs, state agencies, educational institutions, and business and industry partners to facilitate the exchange of information and disseminate resources, publications, and other communications. Assists with design and implementation of the PRP program and connects with other postsecondary readiness efforts (e.g., FAFSA initiative). Conducts stakeholder engagement activities (e.g., focus groups and outreach with schools, communities, students, families) to inform program design and continuous improvement. Develops tools, resources, and implementation guidance to support replication and scaling of effective postsecondary readiness practices statewide. Ensures fiscal and programmatic compliance of postsecondary readiness initiatives in alignment with funding requirements, state policies, and performance expectations. Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings. Working Conditions and Travel : This position requires approximately 70% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 30% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as public meetings, conferences, and educational entities. There is also approximately ten days of overnight travel per year. Requirements / Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of experience related to the essential functions of the position. Any equivalent education and/or work experience may be substituted in order to meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in a related field and experience working within schools or postsecondary education, current teaching certificate. If you have any questions about this posting or working at NDE, please email us at nde.hrjobpostings@nebraska.gov . 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.htmlbenefits 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.

Keywords: State of Nebraska, Grand Island , Postsecondary Readiness Specialist (Program Specialist III), Administration, Clerical , Lincoln, Nebraska