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Artificial Intelligence Program Manager

Columbus, NE, US, 68602-0499

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has an immediate opening for a Artificial Intelligence Program Manager located at Columbus General Office in Columbus, Nebraska. Position closes September 2 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

This position will report to the Innovation Manager.

Position Summary

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Program Manager is a strategic leadership role tasked with positioning the organization to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This role blends program management, product development, and artificial intelligence expertise to drive innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable competitive advantage. The ideal candidate will shape and execute AI strategy by leading cross-functional initiatives that co-develop and scale both AI-driven and non-AI products and services. They will also foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making to ensure long-term organizational readiness and impact.

Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field and a minimum of 5 (5+) years of relevant work experience is required** (utility experience preferred).

Associate’s degree in business, computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field and a minimum of seven (7+) years of relevant work experience is required** (utility experience preferred).

**At either degree level, a minimum of three (3+) of those years of experience must be focused on program management, product development, or an AI integration role.

Licenses and/or Certifications

None required

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Vision

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Artificial Intelligence Steering Committee, providing strategic program updates, surfacing key risks and opportunities, and ensuring alignment between AI initiatives and organizational priorities. Facilitate decision-making by delivering data-driven insights and progress reports that support governance and long-term AI strategy.

• Represent the organization in AI-related affinity groups and industry forums, fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and staying informed on emerging trends to inform internal strategy.

• Develop product roadmaps that integrate AI-driven solutions (machine learning, generative AI) and other innovative technologies to align with market demands and organization goals

• Conduct feasibility studies and market analysis to prioritize high-impact product opportunities

• Maintain prioritized product strategies that anticipate future technology shifts and deliver measurable ROI across AI and non-AI initiatives.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Design, Manage, and Oversee the full product development life cycle for a diverse portfolio of products including AI solutions, from ideation and MVP prototyping to beta testing, launch, and iteration; gather and prioritize user feedback using AI-related key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Timely delivery of user-centric AI products that achieve key milestones like 80%+ user adoption rates.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to build AI and non-AI prototypes and scalable features.

• Seamless team coordination, reducing development bottlenecks and fostering innovation through diverse input.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Customer Focus

Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion

Integrity/Excellence

Public Service/Environmental Stewardship

Safety

Salary Information - Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary range listed below, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range. Successful applicants will be provided more information regarding the incentive program at the time of an interview.

Pay Grade - 15 Monthly

Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $9,430.00 - $12,023.00

Travel Required: 25% to 50% (With no or minimal overnight stays, less than 3 per month, typically within state of Nebraska) Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.

Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.

Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who values the contributions of its diverse work force. We are only legally able to hire persons who are 1) a United States citizen or national, 2) a lawful permanent resident of the United States, or 3) an alien legally authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

Customers around the state know what to expect from NPPD — quality, reliability and performance excellence. Our values also extend to the way we take care of our employees and their families. We remain on the leading edge by providing competitive benefits that respond to the diverse lifestyles of our people in an ever-changing world.

Salary

Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary listed in posting, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range.

Retirement Savings

NPPD employees may participate in two retirement plan options – a 401(k) plan and a 457(b) plan. Both plans allow for pre-tax or Roth contributions. After the first six months of employment, the 401(k) plan includes a generous matching contribution from NPPD. The five-year vesting period begins on an employee’s hire date. Our retired employees are eligible for retiree healthcare benefits as well as a life benefit paid out to designated beneficiaries upon their passing.

Health & Wellness

At NPPD, we care about the health and wellness of our employees. We offer new teammates two competitive hospital / medical plan options to fit their lifestyle and family needs. We also make an annual contribution to employee Health Savings Accounts, which can be used to offset out-of-pocket expenses. Employees and their spouse are invited to participate in a variety of wellness initiatives offered throughout the year as a way to enhance their wellness, reduce health risks and promote healthy lifestyles.

Other Benefits

Employees earn vacation on a schedule commensurate with their years of service. We also offer paid holidays as well as personal and family medical leave, including birth mother recovery leave and parental child bonding leave. All full-time employees receive a life insurance policy equivalent to two times the participant's annual salary at no cost to the employee. NPPD also offers dental and vision insurance as well as personal accident, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, pre-paid legal/identity theft, and short-and long-term disability insurance plans. Additional benefits include college tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance and complimentary access to an Employee Assistance Program.

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