Salary : $124,051.20 - $176,384.00 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-03480
Agency: 219 Iowa Utilities Commission
Opening Date: 06/19/2025
Closing Date: 7/6/2025 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact: Teri Clevenger @ [email protected]
To Apply: Applicants must attach a resume and cover letter to their NeoGov application

Job Description

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
Chief Operating Officer
About Us:

The Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) is a public agency dedicated to ensuring safe, reliable, and reasonably priced utility services for Iowans. Through effective regulation and policy oversight, the IUC supports economic growth, energy innovation, and consumer protection across the state. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration as we navigate complex utility challenges that impact communities throughout Iowa.
As a member of our executive leadership team, you'll help shape the operational and strategic direction of the agency, empowering staff and driving initiatives that advance our public service mission.
What You'll Do:
As Chief Operating Officer, you will lead the daily internal operations of the IUC, providing executive leadership and oversight of administrative, technical, and strategic functions across the agency. In partnership with the Commission Chair and Commission members, you'll ensure that IUC programs and initiatives are executed effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with the Commission's regulatory goals.
Key responsibilities include:

• Directing internal operations and coordinating daily work across bureaus and staff
  Overseeing performance management, project execution, and strategic plan implementation
  Supervising bureau chiefs and ensuring timely completion of work products, including Commission orders, rules, and reports
• Managing agency-level HR matters such as staffing, employee development, and workplace culture
• Ensuring compliance with state personnel rules, collective bargaining agreements, civil rights laws, and equity initiatives
• Performing special projects and duties as assigned by the Commission
• Creating an effective communication environment within the agency to ensure that staff are consistently kept up to date via a structured, transparent, and inclusive approach.

This position is authorized under Iowa Code 474.1 and serves as a key adviser to the Commission on operational and organizational matters.
Who We're Looking For:

You are an experienced and strategic leader with a strong background in organizational management, public administration, or regulatory affairs. You thrive on leading people with diverse skillsets, seeing the big picture, and ensuring high standards of performance and accountability.

Your Competencies:

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proven experience leading operations or programs in a multi-faceted organization
• Strong understanding of government operations, human resources, and project oversight
• Ability to navigate administrative, financial, and personnel systems with integrity and transparency
• Commitment to public service and continuous improvement

We Value You:
At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave with no limits on sick leave accrual.
• 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 Program and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our webpage.
Why Join Us:

At the Iowa Utilities Commission, your work matters. You'll be joining a mission-driven organization where your leadership and insight will directly impact Iowa's energy and utility landscape. We foster an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative culture where your ideas are valued and your expertise makes a difference.
Don't miss this chance to shape the energy future of Iowa - review the job qualifications and apply now!
We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and bring their unique perspectives to our team. The Iowa Utilities Commission is an equal opportunity employer.

Selectives

564 Government Regulation and Accountability:
Applicant should demonstrate a minimum of 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the area of managing state or federal governmental regulations and implementing accountability provisions.

AND

567 Experience Interpreting Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Code:
Applicant should demonstrate a minimum of 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the area of developing and interpreting Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Code.

AND

720 Policy Development:
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the development of written documents that will create policies, standards, and procedures.

AND

980 Strategic Planning:
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both. Generally, an administrative position (mid to upper level of the management team) is assigned this as one function of their overall job. However, there are some specialists who deal only in strategic planning. Some colleges and universities may now carry this as a major or area of emphasis as part of their business administration or public policy programs. For experience to count, the applicant must have had the responsibility either for coordinating or developing the organization's strategic plan. Sometimes an administrative assistanttype is responsible for a lower level of coordination, i.e., distributing information to managers, collecting what they develop, and putting it into one document; that is not what is sought here. This has to be experience to the point that the individual knows the following:

• What a good strategic plan looks like
• How to prepare a plan
• How to monitor progress and ancillary planning
• How to speak knowledgably for the organization about the plan

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and/or Electrical Engineering, Business Management, Education, Public Relations, Journalism or Mass Communications, and six years of fulltime complex analytical experience in the above disciplines which include at least one year of experience in developing and directing programs, projects or policy development;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting thirty semester hours of graduate level course work in one of the above disciplines for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years;
OR
graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in one of the specified disciplines and three years of full-time complex analytical experience in any combination of the above areas;
OR
graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate Degree in one of the specified disciplines and two years of full-time complex analytical experience in any combination of the above areas;
OR
licensure as a Professional Engineer by the Iowa Board of Engineering Examiners and two years of fulltime professional engineering experience;
OR
certification as a Certified Public Accountant may be substituted for one year of the required experience;
OR
an equivalent combination of experience and education substituting one year of complex analytical experience in any of the above disciplines for each year (thirty semester hours) of the required education to a maximum of four years;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to twelve months of full-time work as a Utility Administrator 1.

For additional information, please click on this
Additional Qualification Requirements

Incumbents in many of these positions will be required to travel and stay out overnight. Incumbents will be required to make arrangements on their own regarding transportation to and from assigned work areas. Some out of state travel may be required as assigned by the agency of employment. Selected positions may require incumbents to provide their own means of transportation in order to conduct state business.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

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!