Innovation Project Manager
- Pay
- $63,586 – $98,634 per year
- Location
- Polk County, IA
- Listed
- Yesterday
Help turn innovative ideas into opportunities for Iowa businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is seeking an Innovation Project Manager to help administer programs that support innovation, entrepreneurship, small businesses, manufacturing and economic growth across Iowa. This position works across a diverse portfolio of Innovation programs, helping connect businesses and entrepreneurs with resources designed to support their growth. You'll combine program and project management with relationship building, data analysis, marketing and outreach to help advance IEDA's Innovation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
As the Innovation Project Manager, you will manage assigned Innovation programs and help businesses, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders navigate program opportunities. You'll coordinate application and funding processes, administer boards and committees, develop partnerships, and represent IEDA with business, community and government partners.
- Manage Innovation programs including initiatives related to small businesses, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, infrastructure and investment, and 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.
- Guide applicants and program participants by communicating throughout the application process and providing technical assistance to applicants, prospective applicants and grantees.
- Coordinate boards and committees responsible for reviewing applications and proposals, and assist with quarterly Iowa Innovation Council meetings and work groups.
- Build partnerships and promote programs by working with industry trade associations, local economic development professionals, businesses, educational institutions, government partners and other stakeholders.
- Support program by helping implement marketing efforts, identifying eligible businesses and collaborating with partners on innovation and entrepreneurial events and activities.
An ideal candidate is
- An organized project manager who can successfully coordinate multiple programs, application processes, deadlines and stakeholders.
- A strong communicator who can clearly present program information and provide useful guidance to businesses, entrepreneurs and community partners.
- Adaptable and solutions-focused, with an interest in innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development.
- Dedicated to 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
Pay and benefits
As an employee of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) | Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), you'll enjoy the advantages of being a State of Iowa employee, with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. The State of Iowa offers a broad range of benefits for employees and their families, including health, dental, retirement, wellness, and income-protection programs.
- Generous Paid Time Off: Build time away for what matters most with vacation leave that carries over year to year, sick leave with unlimited accumulation, and (9) paid holidays.
- Affordable, Quality Health Coverage: Access comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits to help keep you and your family healthy. The State of Iowa offers health coverage administered by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
- Retirement Security: Plan confidently for the future with the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) and additional voluntary retirement savings opportunities through the Retirement Investors' Club.
- Life and Disability Protection: Eligible employees receive State-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage, providing financial protection when it's needed most.
- Wellness and Family Support: Take advantage of confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, wellness resources, and employee discounts on popular products and services.
- Additional Tax-Saving Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
- A Career with Purpose and Stability: Join a mission-driven organization where your work positively impacts communities across Iowa while enjoying the stability and benefits that come with public service.
Learn more about the benefits available to State of Iowa employees on the State of Iowa Benefits Overview.
New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit ThisIsIowa.com to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to outdoor adventures.
The Innovation Project Manager position is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as an Economic Development Specialist 2 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.
To Apply: Submit an application, resume, and cover letter at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer
About Us
At the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), we're dedicated to making Iowa the choice for people and businesses. We build powerful partnerships, leverage diverse resources, and drive economic and community vitality. From supporting startups and expanding enterprises to preserving the rich history and culture of rural communities, and aiding in disaster recovery, we create endless opportunities for Iowans to thrive.
Equal opportunity and legal notices
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.
This is a non-merit, position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in research, planning, economics, public relations, business, corporate finance, journalism, or marketing, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in interpreting laws, rules and regulations, and/or securing compliance with them; or compiling and evaluating statistical, historical, economic, business, financial, or technical related program data.
- A total of six years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Notes Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas
Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
From State of Iowa's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on November 9, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Innovation Project Manager role at State of Iowa?
The Innovation Project Manager posting at State of Iowa states compensation of $63,586 – $98,634 per year. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on State of Iowa's official career site.
Where is the Innovation Project Manager job at State of Iowa located?
This Innovation Project Manager position at State of Iowa is located in Polk County, IA. Always check State of Iowa's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
How do I apply for the Innovation Project Manager position at State of Iowa?
This listing links directly to State of Iowa's application page. You can apply directly on State of Iowa's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.