JOB
Chief Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner | Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) | Des Moines, IowaShape the Future of Iowa’s Workers’ Compensation SystemThis role is an opportunity to help define the future of how Iowa delivers fair, timely, and consistent workers’ compensation decisions.The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) is seeking a Chief Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner (Public Service Manager 2) to serve as a key partner to the Commissioner in leading one of the state’s most critical adjudicative systems.This position offers a rare opportunity to: Influence how a division operates and evolvesLead a highly skilled judicial teamHelp shape policy, process, and long-term directionPlay a central role in ensuring due process for IowansIf you are an experienced attorney looking to expand your impact beyond individual cases, and into leadership, systems, and public service, this role offers that next step.About DIALDIAL protects the health, safety, and well-being of Iowans through education, regulation, and due process. The Workers’ Compensation Division plays a vital role in ensuring fair and efficient resolution of claims that impact workers, employers, and communities across the state.Why This Role Stands OutUnlike many leadership roles, this position is not confined to a fixed structure.This is a newly defined role, offering the ability to help shape responsibilities, priorities, and team directionYou will serve as a trusted advisor and operational leader, working closely with the CommissionerYou will have meaningful influence on process improvement, policy development, and system performanceYour leadership will directly impact timeliness, consistency, and quality of decisions statewideThis is an opportunity for someone who wants to build, lead, and leave a lasting mark.What You’ll DoLead the Division’s Adjudicative WorkOversee hearing operations and ensure timely, high-quality case resolutionConduct hearings, rule on motions, evaluate evidence, and issue decisionsEnsure consistency, clarity, and legal soundness across all decisionsLead and Develop a High-Performing TeamSupervise and support a team of Deputy Commissioners, professional staff, and support staffProvide coaching, guidance, and quality oversightEstablish clear expectations and promote consistency in legal reasoning and decision-makingDrive Operational ExcellenceManage case flow, workload distribution, and performance metricsIdentify process improvements and implement more efficient systemsHelp modernize and enhance case management and hearing processesShape Policy and Strategic DirectionPartner with the Commissioner to evaluate division performance and future needsContribute to policy development, procedural updates, and training initiativesProvide insight based on legal trends, case data, and operational outcomesServe as a Key RepresentativeCollaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including legal professionals and state partnersRepresent the division in workgroups, committees, and public-facing settingsProvide expertise on administrative law and adjudicative practicesWhat We’re Looking ForWe’re looking for a leader who brings: Licensed attorney in the State of IowaExperience in administrative law, litigation, or adjudication (workers’ compensation experience is a plus, not a requirement)Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, or influence othersStrong legal analysis, writing, and decision-making skillsAbility to navigate complexity, ambiguity, and evolving prioritiesA mindset focused on public service, fairness, and continuous improvementWho This Role May Be Perfect ForAn attorney ready to move from individual practice to system-level impactA legal professional interested in leadership, policy, and operational strategySomeone motivated by public service and shaping how decisions affect real peopleA leader who is energized by building and improving systems, not just maintaining themWhat to KnowThis is a non-merit position, serving in a leadership capacity within state governmentThe role offers the opportunity to gain high-level leadership experience and influence statewide operationsYou will work closely with executive leadership and play a visible role in the agency’s successWhy Join the State of IowaWork That Matters – Impact decisions that affect workers and employers across the stateLeadership Opportunity – Shape a division and influence long-term directionProfessional Growth – Expand into executive-level leadership and strategyStability & Purpose – Serve Iowans through meaningful public serviceLocation: Des Moines, Iowa (Central Office near Valley Junction)Background check requiredE-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.This is a non-merit position with the Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Licensed to practice law in the State of Iowa.
