The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) are seeking a transformative Director of Strategic Operations and Governance (Public Service Manager 1) to lead our newly established Operations Team and help shape the future of how our organization delivers services, manages business systems, and drives modernization initiatives.
This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a high-impact team responsible for advancing organizational effectiveness, operational governance, business systems strategy, and organization-wide transformation efforts.
About Us
The Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority (IEDA|IFA) work together to make Iowa a place where people thrive and businesses grow. IEDA drives economic and community development through support for startups, rural initiatives, and disaster recovery. IFA enhances quality of life by expanding access to affordable housing, improving water quality, and helping first-time homebuyers. Together, we create opportunities for Iowans, communities, and businesses to thrive.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to our Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Strategic Operations and Governance will oversee a team consisting of a Business Systems Product Manager and Business Systems Administrator while serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner across the organization. The position's primary purpose is to provide strategic leadership for systems modernization, operational governance, business systems strategy, and organizational transformation initiatives.
Key duties include:
- Lead, mentor, coach, and develop the Operations Team while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and execute operational modernization strategies that align with agency priorities and statewide initiatives.
- Lead organizational transformation efforts that improve service delivery, operational effectiveness, and business outcomes.
- Establish governance frameworks, operational standards, and accountability structures that support cross-functional decision-making.
- Oversee the agency's portfolio of business system initiatives, modernization projects, and strategic investments.
- Serve as a key liaison with agency leadership, state partners, vendors, and external consultants.
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable information for executives, staff, and stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Champion organizational change management efforts and guide stakeholders through evolving systems, processes, and ways of working.
- Build strong partnerships across departments to identify opportunities, solve challenges, and support organizational success.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills
- The ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience leading strategic organizational change and transformation initiatives
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
- A passion for our Core Values:
Accountability in Action - We take pride in our work and results.
Innovate Together - We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration with our teams and partners.
Mission Driven - We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do.
Apply today and help lead the next chapter of operational excellence at IEDA and IFA. Submit an application, resume, and cover letter at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.
New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit ThisIsIowa.com to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to outdoor adventures.
As an employee of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, you are a State of Iowa employee, and you are eligible to enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
- Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
- Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
- Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
- Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
- Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.
To learn more about benefits available to State of Iowa employees visit the benefits web page.
The Director of Strategic Operations and Governance is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as a Public Service Manager 1 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer
This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
E-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
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to four years of full-time work in program administration, development, management, or operations.
2) Eight years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.
3) All of the following (a and b):
a. Four years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and
b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
4) All of the following (a, b, and c):
a. Two years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and
b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience; and
c. A combination of a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is
also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Public Service Supervisor or comparable specific management-level position.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (Download PDF reader)
