Director of Strategic Operations and Governance

Job Description

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 our newly established Operations Team and help shape the future of how our organization delivers services, manages business systems, and drives modernization initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a high-impact team responsible for advancing organizational effectiveness, operational governance, business systems strategy, and organization-wide transformation efforts.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority (IEDA|IFA) work together to make Iowa a place where people thrive and businesses grow. IEDA drives economic and community development through support for startups, rural initiatives, and disaster recovery. IFA enhances quality of life by expanding access to affordable housing, improving water quality, and helping first-time home buyers. Together, we create opportunities for Iowans, communities, and businesses to thrive.

Reporting to our Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Strategic Operations and Governance will oversee a team consisting of a Business Systems Product Manager and Business Systems Administrator while serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner across the organization. The position's primary purpose is to provide strategic leadership for systems modernization, operational governance, business systems strategy, and organizational transformation initiatives.

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop the Operations Team while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute operational modernization strategies that align with agency priorities and statewide initiatives.
• Lead organizational transformation efforts that improve service delivery, operational effectiveness, and business outcomes.
• Establish governance frameworks, operational standards, and accountability structures that support 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 levels of 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.

• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills
• The 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
• A passion for 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.

• Paid Time Off:
  Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Great Benefits:
  Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility:
  Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance:
  Free Life Insurance.
• Support:
  Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about benefits available to State of Iowa employees visit the benefits web page .

is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as a Public Service Manager 1 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer

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.

For more information, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to four years of full-time work in program administration, development, management, or operations.
• Eight years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or…