Program Manager 4

State of Iowa • Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

2d

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Education is hiring a Program Manager 4 to provide leadership, project management, and coordination for major school choice initiatives and legislative priorities. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, the position supports the planning, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of statewide initiatives, including Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), public charter schools, accredited nonpublic school programs, and the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) program. The role also supports legislative activities and other Department priorities and special initiatives.

The successful candidate will bring or be willing to develop a public-service mindset, strong technical and analytical skills, and the ability to lead and collaborate with teams without supervisory authority. They should be able to work independently, manage priorities and deadlines, communicate clearly, interpret technical and regulatory language, resolve conflicts, and work with diverse stakeholders.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some nights and weekends and occasional in-state and out-of-state travel. The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify and complies with federal Right to Work laws. Applicants must meet at least one of the listed minimum qualification pathways, which include specified combinations of education, professional-level program administration or management experience, graduate education, or qualifying state executive-branch experience.

Requirements

• Meet at least one minimum qualification pathway specified in the posting: qualifying education and experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management; an education and experience equivalency pathway; or qualifying current, continuous state executive-branch management experience.
• Demonstrate or have the ability and desire to learn strong technical skills and a strategic, analytical mindset.
• Ability to coordinate or learn to coordinate the development of legislation, administrative rules, and legislative proposals.
• Ability to collaborate on and provide leadership for high-performing teams.
• Ability to work independently and move projects forward with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in complex situations, meet deadlines, and lead teams without supervisory authority.
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators, or ability and desire to learn.
• Ability to manage prioritization and time effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and explain highly technical and regulatory language in an understandable manner.
• Conflict-resolution and interpersonal skills.
• Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Passion for accomplishing common goals in pursuit of public service.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of state government operations, administrative processes, and education policy.
• Knowledge of Iowa's PK–12 education system, including public schools, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools.
• Knowledge of school choice programs, including Education Savings Accounts and scholarship programs.
• Knowledge of legislative processes, policy development, and implementation of enacted legislation.
• Knowledge of project management principles, strategic planning, and organizational improvement.
• Knowledge of state and federal education laws, regulations, and administrative requirements.
• Knowledge of governmental reporting, accountability, and compliance processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide project management and coordination for Department school choice initiatives, including Education Savings Accounts, public charter schools, accredited nonpublic school initiatives, and other programs assigned by the Chief of Staff.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and ongoing administration of Iowa's participation in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit.
• Support the Chief of Staff and the Department's legislative liaison with legislative activities, information gathering, and implementation of enacted legislation.
• Collaborate with the legislative liaison and Department staff to ensure timely responses to requests and effective coordination of legislative priorities and requirements.
• Provide project coordination and administrative support for additional Department priorities and special initiatives assigned by the Chief of Staff and Division Administrators.

Benefits

• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Collaborative, positive work environment
• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities
• Talented and passionate colleagues who will help you learn and grow
• Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country

What This Job Offers

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