University of Nebraska System

Job Summary:

The Senior Manager for Portfolio Execution is responsible for providing high-level executive support to the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director while ensuring effective project management, reporting, and alignment with organizational priorities. The role develops dashboards, monitors key performance metrics, and supports leadership in tracking initiatives, deliverables, and resource management goals. The position works collaboratively with Institute staff, colleagues across the University of Nebraska system, and key stakeholders and partners throughout the state and nation.

Additional Info

About Us:

Envisioned as a new model for how public higher education is engaged in the first years of life, the Buffett Early Childhood Institute (https://buffettinstitute.nebraska.edu/) is a four campus, university-wide, multidisciplinary research, education, outreach, and policy institute of the University of Nebraska committed to helping transform early childhood development and education in Nebraska and across the nation. The long-term goal of the Institute is to be a leading center where scholars, practitioners, community members, and policy makers collaborate to advance a unified approach that can improve the lives of young children and families and the systems that support them.

Applicants should note that the goals of the Institute are university-, state-, and nation-wide, but the location of the Institute administration is in Omaha. This position will work primarily out of the Omaha office.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree

5 years experience managing complex projects, overseeing cross-functional initiatives to include business analysis experience and progressive administrative support experience working with executive leadership

Demonstrated experience in project portfolio management, including tracking KPIs, milestones, risks, and dependencies.

Proficiency with data analysis, dashboards, and reporting tools

Proficiency in MS Office applications

Experience managing complex travel, events, and logistics for senior executives.

Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail

Equivalent combination of education and experience, that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with enterprise-level project tracking, reporting, or communication systems (e.g., dashboard platforms, CRM, or ERP systems).

Experience supporting boards, advisory committees, or senior governance structures.

Experience in higher education

Additional Information:

The ideal candidate is an energetic self-starter who can working through complex issues and problem solve with minimal supervision; is able to discern patterns in organizational data and communicate those patterns in a meaningful way; shows judgment to seek supervision and/or input from others when necessary; a resilient learner who demonstrates attention to detail, professional discretion, and confidentiality and has experience in a university or post-secondary education institution, proven ability to handle competing priorities with deadlines, and has experience with project management practices and tools.

Special Instructions:

Please note:  Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.

This position is not eligible for an alternative worksite arrangement and will be located on-site in Omaha, NE.