Communications and Officer Ankeny Polk

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Communications and Change Officer to join our leadership team!

The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the Iowa DOT is a high-visibility agency that serves millions of customers each year, supported by more than 300 employees and 600 county partners. With major modernization efforts underway and frequent policy changes shaping our work, MVD needs a dedicated leader to drive consistent, strategic communication across stakeholders, customers, and staff. This role centralizes critical marketing, digital, and internal communication functions to strengthen public trust and support MVD’s goal of becoming a role model in government service nationwide.

This role is pivotal in driving organizational change, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and ensuring consistent, transparent communication across internal and external audiences all while fulfilling the Iowa DOT’s Mission of Making Lives Better Through Transportation.

As a direct partner to the MVD Director, this role will lead the division’s communications strategy, oversee change management initiatives, and manage MVD’s digital presence, concurrently demonstrating actions and behaviors guided by the five CORE values:
Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

This position will have occasional in-state and out-of-state travel required.

In this high-visibility, fast-paced environment, this role will work with the MVD Director on:

• Lead change management efforts using frameworks like ADKAR and Prosci.
• Develop and implement change management tools, templates, and training.
• Conduct stakeholder analyses and readiness assessments.
• Measure and report on change adoption and effectiveness.
• Serve as the OCM lead for the MVD
  360 modernization project.

• Develop and execute communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage high-impact stakeholders as part of major change and policy initiatives.
• Create messaging for legislative, regulatory, and modernization initiatives.
• Draft speeches, talking points, and executive communications for the MVD Director.
• Facilitate division-wide webinars and stakeholder engagement sessions.

• Oversee MVD’s web content and digital strategy.
• Coordinate with the Iowa DOT External Communications Team.
• Manage internal and external publications, press releases, and outreach campaigns.
• Maintain a comprehensive communications and events calendar.

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the EEO & ADA Officer…