Salary : $126,755.20 - $180,128.00 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00197
Agency: 282 Iowa Department of Education
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact:
To Apply: To ensure full consideration for this position, all requested materials must be completed and uploaded through the NEOGov online application process.

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.
We are looking to find a highly qualified leader to serve as the Department's Chief of Staff. This person will provide key leadership and oversight for the Department.
Your Responsibilities:
In partnership with the Director, Division Administrators, and Bureau Chiefs, ensure the strategic planning and implementation of all team members' work to advance the Department's top five priorities:
1) Support a strong teacher pipeline through recruitment and retention;

2) Strengthen early literacy and evidence-based reading instruction;

3) Narrow and close achievement gaps through accountability and support;

4) Empower students with multiple pathways to postsecondary success; and

5) Promote vibrant, safe and healthy learning environments.
Support the Director and the Divisions of PK-12 Learning, Special Education, Teacher Quality and Innovation, and Higher Education in carrying out the Department's mission, accomplishing the goals of the strategic plan, and meeting agency performance targets.
Facilitate communications among the leadership team and all-agency activities.
Provide team supervision of Finance, Communications, Human Resources, Legal, and Legislative teams.
1) Provide oversight and coordinator of all financial matters including fiscal and budgetary needs of the Department;

2) Ensure strong communication with all education stakeholders groups and, at times, represent the Director with such groups.

3) Oversee consistent administration of the selection, on-boarding, evaluation, career development, exit and other HR processes across all divisions and bureaus, including expanding access to professional learning opportunities across the agency;

4) Ensure timely, complete legal reviews, interpretations, and guidance provided by the Department's legal team in coordination with the Office of the Attorney General; and

5) Provide information, consultation, and assistance to the Director and leadership team on the formulation and implementation of legislation, regulations, and best practices.
Provide administrative leadership and oversight within the Department regarding its core functions to:
1) Implement all state and federal law;

2) Administer funds and programs;

3) Ensure compliance and accountability;

4) Identify and support the replication of best practices; and

5) Build and sustain strong relationships with all education stakeholders groups spanning early childhood education through postsecondary pathways.

Facilitate the identification and implementation of solutions to operational challenges and inform agency management and organizational structure decisions.
Lead State Board of Education coordination:
1) Supervise material and presentation development and approval across all Divisions and Bureaus;

2) Oversee day-of meeting operations, including presenters, media, and public comment;

3) Coordinate all member inquiries; and

4) Ensure State Board of Education meetings meet the highest level of standards of professionalism.
If you wish to review a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire, please contact [email protected].
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, some nights, weekends, occasional in-state and out-of-state travel
A successful candidate will bring or have the ability and desire to learn:

• Passion for accomplishing common goals in pursuit of public service
• Knowledge and experience with coordinating the development of legislation, administrative rules, and legislative proposals
• Ability to work collaboratively on, and provide leadership for, high-performing teams
• Ability to work independently, moving projects forward with minimal supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical and regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in large-scale project implementation.
• Experience in program evaluation.
• Experience in policy analysis or implementation.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities
• Collaborative, positive work environment
• Talented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and grow
• Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country
• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors
• Competitive salary and benefits package:

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 college or university with a master's degree in education or public administration, and experience equal to five years of full-time work in teaching or educational administration.
2. A total of nine years of education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in education or public administration equals one year of full-time experience.

For additional information, please click on this
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

Do you have, or have had, a BoEE License?

• Yes
• No

04

Has there been probable cause, suspension, revocation or disciplinary action taken against you?

• Yes
• No

05

If any of the above apply to you, please describe:
Required Question