EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Black Hawk County (IA); Iowa; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs Department seeks an Executive Director to lead operations, programs, and services under Iowa Code Chapter 35B. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, develop policies, and oversee veteran assistance programs while advocating for veterans at local, state, and federal levels.

The role requires strategic planning, collaboration with the Veterans Affairs Commission and Board of Supervisors, strong public speaking and outreach skills, and a commitment to service

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in service delivery at a management level.
• Must obtain NACVSO accreditation within one year of hire and maintain CEUs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations, programs, and services of the Veterans Affairs Department.
• Supervise staff and manage the department's budget and policies.
• Coordinate with the Veterans Affairs Commission, Board of Supervisors, and other agencies.
• Advocate for veterans and their families through outreach, public engagement, and partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with state laws and department regulations.

Skills

Staff supervision

Budget management

Public engagement

Policy development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit an application, resume, and cover letter. Preference will be given to candidates who submit an application by November 10, 2026.

Summary:

Under the direction of the Veterans Affairs Commission and in collaboration with the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors, the Executive Director oversees the operations, programs, and services of the Veterans Affairs Department in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 35B. The Executive Director is responsible for departmental leadership and administration, including supervision of staff, budget management, development and administration of departmental policies and procedures, and oversight of veteran assistance programs. Provides assistance to veterans and their families in accessing local, state, and federal benefits and serves as an advocate for veterans through community outreach, public engagement, and collaboration with community organizations and service providers.

• Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location in order to perform assigned tasks.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the operations, programs, and services of the Veterans Affairs Department.
• Develops and administers departmental operating policies and procedures; recommends changes to improve operational effectiveness and service delivery.
• Coordinates with governmental agencies, veterans service organizations, community organizations, and other service providers to maximize available resources and services for veterans and their families.
• Counsels, advises, and assists veterans, their survivors, and dependents regarding local, state, and federal veteran benefits and assistance programs.
• Promotes public awareness of programs and services through community outreach, public speaking, presentations, and participation in professional organizations and community events.
• Oversees the administration of veterans assistance programs, including reviewing eligibility decisions made by staff, conducting hearings, and taking corrective action as necessary.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with County policies, contracts, and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.
• Keeps abreast of changes in laws, regulations, and national trends affecting veterans; advises the Veterans Affairs Commission and provides updates regarding departmental operations, programs, and services.
• Prepares and administers the departmental budget and monitors expenditures to ensure responsible management of departmental funds.
• Coordinates with the Board of Supervisors and other County departments on matters involving departmental operations and administration, consistent with the authority of the Veterans Affairs Commission.
• Maintains required training and certification in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 35B.6.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received:

• Supervision is received from the Veteran Affairs Commission.

Supervision Exercised:

• Functional and administrative supervision is exercised over the Veteran Affairs Department staff.

• Must have a Bachelor's degree (B. A.) in a related field; and a minimum of least three (3) years' experience in service delivery at a management level; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Pursuant to Iowa Code, Chapter 35B requires the Executive Director have served 90 consecutive days of active duty (unless discharged for medical reasons) during the time period of one or more of the wars or conflicts listed in the Code.
• Must have a valid Iowa Driver's License and be insurable under the County's guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of federal and state statutes, regulations, and policies affecting veteran benefits, including Iowa Code Chapter 35B.
• Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques and the ability to assess needs, resolve problems, and determine eligibility for veterans assistance programs.
• Knowledge of community resources, governmental agencies, and organizations providing services to veterans and their families.
• Knowledge of effective management and leadership principles and practices, including employee performance management and administration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, delivering presentations, and preparing reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to use job-related software and electronic records systems.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate departmental operations, establish priorities, and implement improvements.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound administrative and operational decisions within established authority.
• Ability to prepare and manage departmental budgets and monitor expenditures.
• Ability to interpret reports and statistics, evaluate operational information, and make informed recommendations.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Veterans Affairs Commission, Board of Supervisors, County departments, employees, community organizations, and the public.
• Ability to incorporate the County's mission and core values into departmental practices and align departmental goals and objectives with the County's strategic plan.

Special Requirements:

• Must obtain certification from the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs within one year of the date of hire that they are nationally accredited by the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO);
• Must obtain the Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required to maintain accreditation through the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) and the Department of Veteran Affairs
• Be available to work flexible schedule and occasional additional time as needed.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The work environment and physical demand characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Refer to the “Essential and Marginal Function Analysis” statement for a complete description of essential functions and functional requirements.

Learn more about Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs: Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs Website