Director of Strategic Operations and Governance

State of Iowa • Des Moines - 50315 - Polk County, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Eight years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.
• Four years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and 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.
• Two years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; 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 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager