Artificial Intelligence Program Manager

Artificial Intelligence Program Manager

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has an immediate opening for an Artificial Intelligence Program Manager located at Columbus General Office in Columbus, Nebraska. This position will report to the Innovation Manager. 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 five (5+) years of relevant work experience is required (utility experience preferred). OR 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.