State of Iowa

Business Development Manager

State of Iowa$73K — $113K *
Finance & Insurance
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in business development or project management.
  • Strong analytical skills to turn market data into actionable strategies.
  • Excellent communication skills in verbal, written, and presentation formats.
  • Ability to manage complex projects with diverse stakeholders.
  • Willingness to travel frequently for business development initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement strategies to attract new businesses to Iowa.
  • Support the expansion and retention of existing companies.
  • Promote Iowa's competitive advantages to business leaders.
  • Serve as IEDA's expert in the financial and insurance services sector.
  • Build and maintain relationships with industry leaders and economic partners.
  • Analyze market trends to inform agency leadership and strategy.
  • Represent Iowa at industry events and stakeholder meetings.

Benefits

  • Paid Time Off including unlimited sick leave and 9 paid holidays.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • IPERS Retirement plan and deferred compensation options.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
  • Free life insurance and access to Employee Assistance Programs.
Full Job Description
Salary : $73,673.60 - $113,464.00 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50315 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00824
Agency: 269 Iowa Economic Development Authority
Opening Date: 09/18/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact:
To Apply: Submit an application, resume, and cover letter at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.

Job Description
Help shape Iowa's economic future. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), located in Des Moines, Iowa, is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Business Development Manager to join our Global Business team.

If you have experience in business development, economic development, financial or insurance services, and/or project management, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Iowa's economy.
Key Responsibilities:

In this role, you will develop and implement strategies to attract new businesses to Iowa, support the expansion and retention of existing companies, and position Iowa as a competitive destination for investment. You will also serve as IEDA's subject-matter expert for the financial and insurance services sector, building relationships with industry leaders and identifying opportunities for economic growth.

Drive Business Growth

  • Attract, retain, and expand businesses in Iowa.
  • Lead business recruitment and expansion projects.
  • Promote Iowa's competitive advantages to business leaders and site selectors.


Lead Industry Strategy & Partnerships

  • Serve as IEDA's subject-matter expert for the financial and insurance services industry.
  • Build relationships with industry leaders, communities, and economic development partners.
  • Represent Iowa at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.


Expand in Global Markets

  • Analyze market trends and business opportunities to inform strategy.
  • Provide insights and recommendations to agency leadership.
  • Travel to and support domestic and international business development missions, trade shows, and promotional activities.


Ideal candidates have:

  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn market information into actionable business development strategies.
  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
  • Experience managing complex projects with multiple internal and external stakeholders
  • The ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout Iowa, domestically, and occasionally internationally
  • 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.

New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to , opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to

As an employee of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, you are a State of Iowa employee, and you are eligible to enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • 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
The Business Development Manager position is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as an Economic Development Specialist 3 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) 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 four 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.

2) A total of eight 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.

For additional information, please click on this
Additional Qualification Requirements

Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.
  • Yes - I understand and agree.
  • No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?
  • No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
  • Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

This position will be located at our Des Moines office location with the opportunity of occasionally work remotely. Relocation assistance will not be provided. Are you able to fulfill this requirement with or without a reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

About State of Iowa

The State of Iowa is a government entity responsible for providing services and programs to the residents of Iowa. The state government is divided into three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. The executive branch is headed by the Governor of Iowa, who is responsible for implementing and enforcing state laws. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, while the judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice. The State of Iowa was admitted to the Union on December 28, 1846, and has since become known for its agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy industries.
Learn more about State of Iowa
Size
18,000 employees
Industry

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