Innovation Project Manager
About The Position
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is seeking an Innovation Project Manager to administer programs that support innovation, entrepreneurship, small businesses, manufacturing, and economic growth across Iowa. The position works across IEDA’s Innovation program portfolio, connecting businesses and entrepreneurs with resources and combining program and project management with relationship building, data analysis, marketing, and outreach. The manager oversees assigned Innovation programs and helps businesses, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders navigate program opportunities. The role coordinates application and funding processes, administers boards and committees, develops partnerships, and represents IEDA with business, community, and government partners. The position is classified by the State of Iowa as an Economic Development Specialist 2, is non-merit and non-contract, and is exempt under FLSA regulations. Travel, including overnight travel, may be required; employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
Requirements
- Meet at least one of the State of Iowa’s minimum qualification pathways: (1) a degree from an accredited four-year college or university in research, planning, economics, public relations, business, corporate finance, journalism, or marketing, plus two years of full-time work interpreting laws, rules, and regulations and/or securing compliance with them, or compiling and evaluating statistical, historical, economic, business, financial, or technical program data; or (2) six years of combined education and/or full-time experience as described in pathway one, with 30 semester hours of accredited college coursework in any field counting as one year of full-time experience.
- Arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
- Submit an application, resume, and cover letter at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.
Nice To Haves
- Organized project-management abilities, including coordinating multiple programs, application processes, deadlines, and stakeholders.
- Strong communication skills for presenting program information and guiding businesses, entrepreneurs, and community partners.
- Adaptability and a solutions-focused approach.
- Interest in innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Responsibilities
- Manage Innovation programs related to small businesses, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and investment.
- Help develop program policies, guidelines, applications, and supporting materials.
- Lead application and funding processes by determining applicant eligibility, reviewing applications against established criteria, managing scoring processes, and making funding recommendations.
- Communicate with applicants and program participants throughout the application process and provide technical assistance to applicants, prospective applicants, and grantees.
- Coordinate boards and committees that review applications and proposals.
- Assist with quarterly Iowa Innovation Council meetings and work groups.
- Build partnerships with industry trade associations, local economic development professionals, businesses, educational institutions, government partners, and other stakeholders.
- Support implementation of marketing efforts, identify eligible businesses, and collaborate with partners on innovation and entrepreneurial events and activities.
- Represent IEDA with business, community, and government partners.
Benefits
- Vacation leave that carries over year to year.
- Sick leave with unlimited accumulation.
- Nine paid holidays.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement through the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) and voluntary retirement savings opportunities through the Retirement Investors’ Club.
- State-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage for eligible employees.
- Confidential Employee Assistance Program services and wellness resources.
- Employee discounts on popular products and services.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent-care expenses.
- Public-service career stability and the opportunity to contribute to communities across Iowa.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
