Chief Operating Officer

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Administrative Services - Agency 65

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$62.500

Job Posting:

JR2026-00026552 Chief Operating Officer (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

06-17-2026

Job Description:

The Office of the Chief Information Officer does not sponsor STEM or non-immigrant work visas for this position.

Under the general direction of the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a senior executive responsible for the strategic coordination and operational oversight of the OCIO for approximately 300 employees.

This role functions as a trusted advisor to the CIO as an operational leader with delegated authority to ensure execution of enterprise IT strategies. The position integrates strategy, governance, and operations across multiple OCIO divisions, ensuring alignment with agency priorities, effective service delivery, and organizational accountability.

Look at what we have to offer!

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 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
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

Starting Salary: $130,000 / year Pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints, if approved.

 

Job Duties: Serves as an advisor to the CIO, providing strategic guidance, executive-level coordination, and decision support on OCIO IT priorities. In conjunction with C-Level staff, executes the organization's strategic plan. Oversees day-to-day operations of the OCIO enterprise, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and service expectations. Leads OCIO governance processes, including project prioritization and decision-making. Coordinates cross-functional IT activities across infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, etc. Establishes and monitors performance metrics, including KPIs and SLAs, to drive accountability and improvement. Provides oversight of major OCIO projects and initiatives to ensure delivery scope, schedule, and budget. Supports the IT budget through resource allocation across the organization. Identifies risks and implements strategies to ensure continuity and effectiveness of IT services. Leads process improvement efforts to increase efficiency and service quality. Facilitates communication between OCIO high level leadership, agency leadership, and stakeholders. May supervise senior managers and support workforce planning and organizational design. Other duties as assigned and within the scope of the classification.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; and five or more years of progressively responsible experience in IT, operations, or enterprise program management, including at least three years in a senior leadership role.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or related field). Experience in a large public sector or government IT environment. Experience in as a Chief of Staff, COO, Deputy Director, or similar executive role. Relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP, Certified Government CIO).

Other: Regular and reliable attendance required.

 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Knowledge of:
• Enterprise IT operations, including infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, etc. 
• IT governance frameworks and best practices 
• Strategic planning, performance management, and organizational leadership 
Ability to:
• Translate strategy into actionable plans and results 
• Lead and influences across the large OCIO organization 
• Balance strategic priorities with operational demands 
• Analyze complex issues and implement effective solutions 
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences 
• Manage multiple priorities in a high-visibility environment 
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality 

 

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.