Program Manager 4

About the role

Iowa Department of Education’s mission is ensuring all students experience a world-class education. To accomplish our mission, we need talented, passionate people working together to build an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential.

This position provides leadership, project management, and coordination for major school choice initiatives and legislative priorities of the Iowa Department of Education. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, the position supports the planning, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of statewide education initiatives, including Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), public charter schools, accredited nonpublic school programs, and the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) program.

Your Responsibilities

• Provide project management and coordination for the Department's 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. This position will work collaboratively 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.

A successful candidate will bring or have the ability and desire to learn:

• Passion for accomplishing common goals in pursuit of public service
• Strong technical skills
• Strategic and analytical mindset
• Knowledge and experience with coordinating the development of legislation, administrative rules, and legislative proposals
• Ability to work collaboratively on, and provide leadership for, high-performing teams
• Ability to work independently, moving projects forward with minimal supervision
• Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines while leading teams as a non-traditional leader (no supervisory authority)
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators
• Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical and regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders

Desirable Qualifications

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

What's in it for you?

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

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• Candidates are encouraged to include detailed information about their relevant experience in their application, or submit a cover letter and resume in addition to their application.
• To ensure full consideration for this position, all requested materials must be completed and uploaded through the NEOGOV online application process.
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday; some nights and weekends, occasional in-state and out-of-state travel