Unemployment Insurance Manager

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

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

Iowa Workforce Development is seeking an Unemployment Insurance Manager in the UI Division’s Benefits Bureau. The position provides strategic leadership for the bureau by resolving operational challenges, improving program performance, developing strategic plans, and collaborating with department and division leadership to advance departmental goals and priorities. The role administers statewide U.S. Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Benefit programs and oversees personnel, program performance, policies, and procedures.

The position is based at 1000 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Current practice allows teleworking and alternate work schedules after successful completion of probation and training. Travel may be required, and employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

Iowa Workforce Development supports Iowans and employers through workforce services including employment, training, disability assistance, and unemployment services. Applicants must meet at least one of the listed minimum qualification pathways: a four-year degree and four years of qualifying professional experience; a total of eight years of education and/or qualifying full-time experience, with 30 semester hours of coursework equaling one year of experience; or four years of specified current, continuous state executive branch experience. Selected positions may be subject to a criminal background check.

Requirements

• Meet at least one minimum qualification pathway: graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field and four years of full-time professional experience in unemployment insurance, program administration, management, or development; a total of eight years of education and/or qualifying full-time experience, with 30 semester hours of accredited coursework equaling one year of full-time experience; or four years of current, continuous state executive branch experience as a Workforce Advisor, Field Auditor, Job Insurance Quality Auditor, Investigator 2, or Employer Liability Specialist.
• Demonstrate strategic leadership, coaching, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Collaborate effectively with department and division leadership.
• Communicate and build relationships effectively to represent the bureau in departmental projects and initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and ensure bureau priorities support broader departmental objectives.
• Arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

Responsibilities

• Oversee personnel functions for the Unemployment Insurance Benefits Bureau, including establishing permanent and temporary positions, justifying hiring needs, interviewing and selecting staff, and preparing performance plans and evaluations.
• Manage employee grievances and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure staff receive the training, equipment, and technical support needed to perform their duties.
• Assign work, review performance with team members, provide coaching and guidance, answer staff questions, and clarify policies, procedures, and work requirements.
• Help develop and administer bureau policies and procedures and approve work methods to support staff understanding and implementation.
• Implement employee engagement activities to promote retention, morale, and organizational effectiveness.
• Plan, direct, and administer statewide U.S. Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Benefit programs, ensuring work is accurate and timely.
• Develop, implement, and interpret administrative procedures for bureau staff.
• Review activities, reports, and records to evaluate whether program goals, objectives, and responsibilities are being met.
• Monitor staff work products, including customer service and fact-finding calls, for accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
• Develop internal policies and procedures to improve coordination among managers and key personnel, and keep staff informed of management goals and policy or procedural changes.
• Develop policies and procedures to improve operational quality and meet federal Department of Labor requirements for benefit accuracy, quality, and timeliness.
• Analyze workload and quality reports, assess progress toward goals, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Prepare the State Quality Service Plan when performance measures do not meet established standards.
• Respond to constituent complaints and inquiries and assist program staff with daily operations to support performance goals.
• Collaborate with department and division management to evaluate and resolve operational problems and make decisions that enhance program effectiveness.
• Work with department and division leadership to develop strategic plans that maximize bureau performance and align with the department’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Represent the bureau in collaboration with department leadership on significant departmental projects and issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement plans, including IPERS and the Retirement Investors Club employer-sponsored plan with a state match up to $75 per month.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Life insurance and free long-term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee discount programs.

What This Job Offers

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