The Director of the Office of Economic Assistance (OEA) provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for statewide public assistance programs administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The Director is responsible for ensuring the effective administration of programs that support economic stability, food security, employment readiness, and financial well-being for Nebraskans.

This role leads policy development, program administration, operational strategy, and stakeholder engagement for major state and federally funded assistance programs that help individuals and families achieve long-term self-sufficiency and economic mobility. Programs administered through OEA provide critical medical, nutritional, employment, and financial support services to families, children, older adults, low-income individuals, and individuals with disabilities across Nebraska.

The Director collaborates with DHHS leadership, federal and state partners, legislators, and community stakeholders to ensure programs are delivered efficiently, in compliance with federal and state requirements, and aligned with the agency’s mission of helping people live better lives.

Salary: The starting annual salary for this position is $160,000. Final compensation will be commensurate with education and experience, if approved.

Essential Functions:

• Direct statewide administration of public assistance programs, ensuring effective service delivery and compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies.

• Establish strategic priorities and operational goals for the Office of Economic Assistance and lead large-scale cross-system initiatives that improve efficiency, strengthen program alignment, and enhance customer service.

• Provide executive oversight of multiple federally funded assistance programs and funding streams, ensuring program integrity and alignment with federal requirements and state priorities.

• Lead policy development and legislative strategy, including evaluating proposed legislation and implementing statutory or regulatory changes impacting public assistance programs.

• Represent DHHS in engagement with federal partners, legislators, advocacy organizations, and community stakeholders to support coordinated service delivery and economic stability initiatives.

• Direct program integrity and compliance activities, ensuring accurate eligibility determinations and reducing fraud, waste, and abuse through strong oversight and accountability.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Human Services, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Significant leadership experience in public assistance programs, social services administration, human services policy, or related areas.

• Demonstrated experience managing complex programs funded by federal and state resources.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Public Policy, or a related field.

• Executive leadership experience within a large human services organization.

• Experience overseeing federally funded programs such as SNAP, TANF, or similar economic assistance initiatives.

• Experience working with legislative bodies, community organizations, and multi-agency initiatives.