Director of Strategic Operations and Governance

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 a newly established Operations Team and shape the future of organizational service delivery, business systems management, and modernization initiatives.

About Us

The Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority (IEDA|IFA) collaborate to foster economic growth and enhance quality of life in Iowa. IEDA supports startups, rural initiatives, and disaster recovery, while IFA expands access to affordable housing, improves water quality, and assists first-time homebuyers. Together, they create opportunities for Iowans, communities, and businesses.

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 aligned with agency priorities and statewide initiatives.
• Lead organizational transformation efforts to improve service delivery, operational effectiveness, and business outcomes.
• Establish governance frameworks, operational standards, and accountability structures supporting 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 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.

Requirements

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• 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.
• Alignment with IEDA|IFA’s Core Values:
  • Accountability in Action – We take pride in our work and results.
  • Innovate Together – We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration.
  • Mission Driven – We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and four years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.
• Eight years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.
• All of the following:
  • Four years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations; and
  • A combination of four years of education and full-time experience (30 semester hours of accredited college coursework equals one year of experience).

  Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is equivalent to one year of experience or education.

• All of the following:
  • Two years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations; and
  • A combination of four years of education and full-time experience (30 semester hours of accredited college coursework equals one year of experience); and
  • A combination of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (24 semester hours of accredited graduate coursework in a public-service-related field equals one year of experience).

  Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is equivalent to one year of experience or education.

• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch, including one year of full-time work as a Public Service Supervisor or comparable management-level position.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Vacation with yearly rollover accruals, unlimited sick leave, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Health Benefits: Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS retirement package and deferred compensation plan option.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free life insurance.
• Support Programs: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

This is a non-merit, exempt position classified as Public Service Manager 1 under FLSA regulations.