Job Description:

About the NCAAA:
The Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs (NCAAA) is a state agency dedicated to improving the social, economic, and political status of African Americans and the African diaspora in Nebraska. Established in 2020, the NCAAA advises the executive and legislative branches, works collaboratively with community leaders, and engages in advocacy, education, and policy development to address issues facing African American communities. The Commission’s mission is carried out through legislation, community engagement, and proactive initiatives that promote equity, prosperity, and meaningful opportunities for African Americans statewide, while fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation in all aspects of its work.

Position Summary:
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Commission on African American Affairs for the State of Nebraska, responsible for directing the Commission’s initiatives, promoting its mission, and overseeing all operations. The Executive Director plays a key role in enhancing engagement with the African American community, advocating for issues that impact the community, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality programs and services.

Salary: $80,000-$95,000 contingent upon education & experience

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!

Job Duties:

Visionary and Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead the strategic initiatives of the Commission, ensuring alignment with its mission and state policies.

• Provide visionary leadership to enhance the Commission’s impact within Nebraska’s African American community.

• Draft policies and strategies to promote the well-being of the African American population through education, community involvement, and legislative advocacy.

• Advise the Commission on key matters affecting the African American community, providing well-researched recommendations for program changes and development. Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

• Represent the Commission at public forums, legislative sessions, and civic functions, advocating for the needs and rights of the African American community.

• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance awareness and engagement.

• Organize and present testimony at the Nebraska Legislature on issues related to the African American community.

• Oversee the Commission’s public outreach and education programs, coordinating responses to third-party inquiries and presentations.

• Monitor policy developments at the state and federal levels that may affect the African American community in Nebraska, keeping the Commission informed of potential impacts. Operations and Fiscal Management

Operations and Fiscal Management

• Prepare and manage the Commission’s budget, working closely with the state budget division and legislature to ensure adequate funding.

• Identify and pursue grant and funding opportunities to enhance the Commission’s resources and capacity to serve the community.

• Present the annual budget and significant revisions to the Commission for approval.

• Ensure compliance with state regulations, permits, and reporting standards for operational stability and fiscal integrity.

• Engage stakeholders (internal and external) in fiscal discussions to validate spending, priorities, and financial forecasts. Policy and Program Development

Policy and Program Development

• Conduct needs assessments and research to inform evidence-based policy design and program planning.

• Engage stakeholders in policy development cycles—drafting, consultation, feedback, and refinement—to enhance inclusivity and relevance.

• Coordinate and prepare for Commission meetings, reporting on the status of programs, initiatives, and fiscal matters.

• Ensure that data collection and program evaluation are conducted in line with state mandates and the Commission’s goals.

• Provide the Commission with insights and recommendations for new programs or policy changes that would benefit the community.

Salary: $80,000-$95,000 contingent upon education & experience

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidate must be a legal resident of Nebraska and of African American ancestry.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution, ideally in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, or a related area. OR at least five (5) years of senior leadership experience, preferably within a government agency or community organization.
• 1-3 years of experience in developing and leading strategic initiatives and managing personnel.
• Knowledge of fiscal management best practices, including budgeting and financial oversight.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• An understanding of the issues affecting the African American community.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and advocacy groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, law, or an equivalent field.
• Five or more years of senior leadership experience with experience in public speaking and legislative advocacy.
• A deep understanding of the issues impacting the African American community in Nebraska around Education, Housing, Economic and overall wellbeing.

Other: This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver's license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and Reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Strategic planning and organizational development.

• Fundraising principles and grant management.

• Public relations (written and oral communication).

• Program design, monitoring, and evaluation.

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.