University of Nebraska System

Job Summary:

The Senior Manager for Strategy is responsible for Institute-wide strategic alignment, cross-functional integration, and proposal development. This role leads the development and implementation of organizational strategy, ensuring alignment across programs, funding, and university priorities while building partnerships and advancing initiatives that expand impact. Serving as a key strategic partner, the position works collaboratively across teams, with the university, and external partners, while directing proposal development efforts, cultivating funding opportunities, and producing high-quality submissions that support the Institute's mission.

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 policymakers 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 grant and proposal development, strategic planning, or related work

Experience synthesizing complex, technical, or research-based information into clear, actionable materials into high-quality grant proposals or similar strategic documents (e.g., reports, white papers, accreditation materials)

Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail

Expressed Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

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

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated success in securing grant funding

Familiarity with local, state, and national funding sources, both public and private

Experience supporting or leading strategic planning processes

Experience working across organizations or institutions (e.g., multi-university or multi-partner initiatives)

Familiarity with early childhood education issues and policy

Additional Information:

The ideal candidate is a strong strategic thinker and skilled communicator who can translate complex ideas, data, and research into clear, compelling materials. They bring experience in grant and proposal development, along with the ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This individual demonstrates sound judgment, strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and a track record of developing high-quality proposals and strategic documents. They are relationship-oriented, able to build and maintain partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders, and committed to advancing.

Special Instructions:

Please note:  Sponsorship will not be offered

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