Bureau Chief, Deputy State Registrar Des Moines Polk

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Health & Human Services
- Public Health.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services
- Human Resources Enterprise.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Public Health, Bureau of Health Statistics, is seeking a Public Service Manager 2 to serve as the Deputy State Registrar and Bureau Chief of Health Statistics.

This role also serves as the State Registrar of vital statistics. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong operational leadership skills, demonstrated success in servant leadership, and a deep commitment to improving public health outcomes through data modernization, stakeholder engagement, and sound policy implementation.

This is a full-time opportunity, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This position is located in Des Moines, with some flexibility for remote work.

Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated success in servant leadership, including developing people, fostering collaboration, and leading through influence.

• Lead and oversee all functions of the Bureau of Health Statistics, serving as the Deputy State Registrar.
• Manage a large, multidisciplinary team (13 direct and 26 indirect reports) with clear goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Drive bureau-wide improvement by optimizing processes, strengthening operational efficiency, and advancing data modernization.
• Oversee budgeting and resource allocation, including management of a $3.0M vital records retained fees budget.
• Ensure secure and compliant data systems; manage contracts, data-sharing agreements, and research agreements.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations related to records, security, confidentiality, and public access.
• Build strong partnerships across agencies and organizations to advance public health outcomes.

• Provide guidance on policy issues and legislative impacts to staff and stakeholders.
• Lead bureau policy development, review, and implementation, in collaboration with bureau supervisors and legal partners.
• Manage rule making activities, respond to legislative inquiries, and interpret new laws affecting bureau operations.
• Communicate changes in administrative rules and legal requirements to internal teams and external partners.
• Prepare legislative assessments, fiscal notes, and represent the bureau within state and national organizations.

• Cultivate a high-performing, mission-driven team through coaching, mentorship, and professional development.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation, and performance management in alignment with state policies and regulatory requirements.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, transparent, and accountable workplace culture.

• Serve as a bureau representative in public forums, media inquiries, professional associations, and interagency collaborations.
• Respond to questions from legislators, stakeholders, and the public.

• Strong strategic and operational leadership, with proven ability to oversee complex programs and large teams
• Demonstrated success in servant leadership
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Deep understanding of data governance, confidentiality, and public health data systems
• Skill in budget development, fiscal oversight, and resource allocation
• Ability to interpret laws, administrative rules, and legislative impacts
• Experience with continuous improvement, quality management principles, and process redesign
• Strong analytical decision-making and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to foster collaboration and…