Administrative Coordinator

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

IPERS retirement

Paid time off

9 paid holidays per year

401A plan

Employee discounts

Job summary

Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking an Administrative Coordinator (Executive Officer 1) in the Operational Services Bureau in Ames, IA. The role drives operational improvements, supports major initiatives, and coordinates critical projects across the Bureau.

The position emphasizes budget analysis, program management, and cross‑functional collaboration with leadership. Shift is Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm, with comprehensive state employee benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in any field and three years of full-time professional-level work in program administration, development, operations, or management.
• A total of seven years of education and/or full-time experience as described, with thirty semester hours equaling one year of experience.
• All of the following: one year of relevant work; additional education/experience as specified; graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program counts as one year.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch including thirty months as a Program Planner, Management Analyst, or Administrative Assistant.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate operational problems and prepare justifications for equipment, facilities, budget, and staffing needs.
• Prepare and present documentation and presentations for Bureau leadership and planning meetings.
• Analyze, track, and adjust the Bureau budget to support resource allocation.
• Serve as Program Manager for statewide vertical infrastructure projects, overseeing planning, execution, monitoring, risk management, and stakeholder alignment.
• Coordinate workloads, gather information, answer questions, and support assigned programs to ensure mission objectives.

Skills

Budget analysis

Program coordination

Stakeholder management

Presentation skills

Policy understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

At the Iowa Department of Transportation, we’re committed to Making Lives Better Through Transportation. We’re looking for an Administrative Coordinator (Executive Officer 1) in the Operational Services Bureau. In this role, you’ll help drive operational improvements, support major initiatives, and bring clarity and coordination to critical projects across the Operational Services Bureau. You’ll carry out this work through the DOT’s core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Location: Ames, IA

Shift Requirements: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

As an Administrative Coordinator, your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluate operational problems and prepare justifications for equipment, facilities, budget, and staffing needs.
• Prepare and present clear, concise documentation and presentations for Bureau leadership and planning meetings.
• Analyze, track, and recommend adjustments to the Bureau budget to support effective resource allocation.
• Serve as Program Manager for statewide vertical infrastructure projects, overseeing planning, execution, monitoring, risk management, and stakeholder alignment.
• Coordinate workloads, gather information, answer questions, and support assigned programs to help ensure mission objectives are met.
• Lead efforts to review performance data, identify operational improvement needs, and coordinate transitions related to operational changes or outsourcing.
• Manage urgent or emergent mission-critical projects, including emergency response coordination and strategic service management.

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed here.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the EEO & ADA Officer at 515-689-1009 or via email at [e-mail] .

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to three years of full-time professional-level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management.
• A total of seven years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
• All of the following (a, b, and c): a. One year of full-time professional-level work experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management; and b. A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and c. A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes thirty months of fulltime work as a Program Planner (any level), Management Analyst (any level), or Administrative Assistant (any level).

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.