The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Education - Agency 13

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$33.532

Job Posting:

JR2026-00024896 Assistant Director - Educator Certification (Education Specialist III) (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

04-22-2026

Job Description:

This position impacts school in a big way! Join us as Assistant Director of Educator Certification to contribute to getting teachers into classrooms across the state. This position will oversee processes associated with the educator certification system, issuance of educator certificates, and interpretation and application of applicable state laws, rules, and regulations. The team is looking for candidates with good communication skills, and great customer service. If this sounds like you, apply today!

 

**The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions. **  

Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE.

Pay Grade 9: $69,746.51/year ($70,618.34/year after pay structure increases on June 29, 2026) This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate.

Teammates Enjoy

In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $28,000 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
  • 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!
  • Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types
  • 156% state-matched retirement for state plans, or 101% state-matched retirement for school plans
• Thirteen paid holidays per year

Essential Functions

• Provides programmatic leadership, consultative services, information, and technical assistance related to certification processes and technical functions in the Educator Certification system.
• Collaborates with other Certification staff to determine areas for training needs, process improvement, and regulatory certification changes. Provides training to other staff related to the utilization of the Educator Certification system and other processes.
• Provides input on policy development and interpretation, particularly on Rules 21 and 24.
• Develops communications delivered to internal and external stakeholders to inform of statutory or regulatory changes impacting educator credentialing.
• Serves as interim Director in absence of the Section Director and assists with analysis of educator certification applications.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, travels independently, and works in a variety of settings

Working Conditions and Travel:

This position requires approximately 90% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 10% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as meetings and conferences. There is also approximately eight days of overnight travel per year.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in the field of education or related subject area, two years of successful preK-12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school, or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807.

NOTE: A Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per 92 NAC 21 must be possessed by the time the candidate begins employment at the Nebraska Department of Education and an active certificate maintained while in the Education Specialist position.

Substitution: Bachelor’s degree in education or equivalent Master of Arts in Teaching per 92 NAC 21, and four years of teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Education with at least three years of experience in PreK-12 teaching or administrative experience, as well as experience with the Nebraska Educator Certification System.

If you have any questions about this posting or working at NDE, please email us at nde.hrjobpostings@nebraska.gov.

 

 

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.