State of Iowa

Community Development Block Grant Project Manager

State of Iowa$63K — $98K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in research, planning, economics, public relations, business, corporate finance, or marketing.
  • 2 years of experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, or in grant/project management.
  • Proven track record in public sector grants or infrastructure projects.
  • Knowledge of HUD programs and federal compliance related to grants.
  • Strong communication skills for relationship-building with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the lifecycle of CDBG projects from application to close-out.
  • Review and score applications, supporting funding recommendations.
  • Establish project budgets, milestones, and required documentation.
  • Coordinate contracts, amendments, and assess construction progress.
  • Interpret state and federal regulations to ensure compliance throughout projects.
  • Provide technical assistance to applicants and grant administrators.
  • Conduct on-site monitoring visits to assess project performance.

Benefits

  • Paid Time Off with rollover vacation accruals and unlimited sick leave.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • IPERS Retirement package with a deferred compensation option.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
  • Free life insurance coverage.
  • Employee Assistance Programs and discounts.
Full Job Description
Salary : $63,585.60 - $98,633.60 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50315 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00037
Agency: 269 Iowa Economic Development Authority
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 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

Make a difference in Iowa communities.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented CDBG Project Manager to support impactful community development across the state. In this role, you will guide cities and counties through the full lifecycle of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects including many focused on critical water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.

If you have experience with public sector grants, infrastructure or construction projects, or program compliance, this is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in Iowa communities.

As the CDBG Project manager, you will serve as a primary project manager and subject matter expert, responsible for ensuring projects comply with federal and state requirements while supporting communities throughout the process.

Key Responsibilities:
Grant & Project Management:
• Manage CDBG projects from application through close out.
• Review and score applications; support funding recommendations.
• Establish project budgets, milestones, and required documentation.
• Coordinate contracts, amendments, and construction progress

Ensure Compliance & Provide Expert Guidance
• Interpret and apply state and federal regulations and program requirements to ensure project compliance.
• Provide clear technical assistance to applicants, grantees, local governments, and grant administrators.
• Conduct on site monitoring visits statewide to assess compliance, construction progress, and project performance.
Support Program Development
• Serve as a cross program compliance resource for CDBG and related infrastructure programs.
• Develop guidance, training materials, and compliance resources to support communities and partners.
• Present program and compliance information to stakeholders, grant administrators, and community representatives.
• Collaborate with team members on program materials, presentations, and continuous process improvements

Ideal candidates have:
• Strong understanding of HUD programs and federal compliance & grant administration.
• Experience with public infrastructure or construction related projects.
• Effective communication skills to build relationships with applicants and grant recipients.
• Dedication 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 ThisIsIowa.com to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to outdoor adventures.

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 benefits web page.

The CDBG Project Manager position is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as an Economic Development Specialist 2 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.
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.
Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major coursework in research, planning, economics, public relations, business, corporate finance, or marketing and experience equal to two years of full-time work that involved responsibility for interpreting laws, rules and regulations, and/or securing compliance with them; or developing, administering and/or deploying grants/projects/programs;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of the above required experience for each year (thirty semester or equivalent hours) of the required education.
01

This position will be located at our Des Moines office location with the opportunity of occasionally work remotely. 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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