Program Administrator

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teleworking options after the first 6 

IPERS Retirement Package

Flexible Spending Accounts for medical

401A plan with employer contribution

On-site employee fitness center

Employee Discount Programs

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) seeks a capable Executive Officer 2 to lead SAVE program operations at our Des Moines central office. You will oversee policy development, training, and secure verification activities in partnership with DHS/USCIS guidelines.

We require a strong background in compliance, documentation, and process management, with state government experience and effective communication across staff, boards, and external partners.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, in any field, plus four years of related professional work.
• Total eight years of education and/or full-time experience acceptable for the role.
• State executive branch experience with 12 months as Executive Officer 1 or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Administering and managing the Department’s SAVE program per state/federal rules.
• Serving as the primary SAVE contact for staff, boards, counsel, and agencies.
• Developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and training for consistent SAVE practices.
• Providing technical assistance and training on verification and documentation procedures.
• Analyzing and reporting program data to monitor performance and trends.
• Ensuring privacy and security compliance and audit readiness across DHS/USCIS standards.
• Representing the Department in SAVE meetings and interagency work groups.

Skills

Compliance understanding

Documentation

Process management

Policy interpretation

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field

Experience equal to four years of full-time professional-level work in program administration/operation/management

Total eight years of education and/or full-time experience

State executive branch experience; 12 months as Executive Officer 1 or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, solution‑oriented, and enthusiastic professional to join our regulatory department and serve as an Executive Officer 2 within our Administration Division at our central office near Valley Junction in Des Moines, Iowa.

Who We Are

DIAL is a multifaceted regulatory agency charged with protecting the health, safety, and well‑being of Iowans, and is comprised of eight core operational divisions: Administrative Hearings, Building & Construction, Health & Safety, Investigations, Labor/OSHA, Licensing, Workers’ Compensation, and Administration.

DIAL’s mission is Achieve Compliance through Education, Regulation, and Due Process for a Safe and Healthy Iowa. Our goal is to be an effective, efficient and approachable regulatory agency.

To accomplish our mission, the individual selected for this position will assist the Department by administering and managing the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, ensuring that occupational licensing processes comply with both state and federal verification requirements.

Serving as the Department’s primary administrator for the SAVE program, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will oversee all aspects of program operations, including; developing and maintaining internal procedures, workflows, and documentation to ensure consistency and accuracy in SAVE verification practices across DIAL.

You will interpret and implement federal and state guidance, monitor compliance with security and privacy requirements, and ensure SAVE verification activities are preformed accurately, timely and securely. The position also manages records, reporting, and operational tracking necessary for audits and performance evaluation. As the Department’s subject matter expert, you will collaborate with legal counsel, boards, and program managers to align SAVE procedures with DIAL’s licensing processes and regulatory goals.

What We’re Seeking

The successful candidate for this fast‑paced position is a motivated, organized, and detail‑focused individual. The position reports to and works under the general direction of the Customer Service Bureau Chief, and will be located at 6200 Park Avenue in Des Moines.

Desired Skills And Abilities Include

• Strong understanding of compliance, documentation, and process management.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex legal and policy guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, boards, and external partners.

What You’ll Do

• Administering and managing the Department’s SAVE program in accordance with state and federal requirements.
• Serving as the primary point of contact for SAVE related inquiries from staff, boards, legal counsel, and other agencies.
• Developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and training materials to ensure consistent and accurate SAVE verification practices across all licensing programs.
• Providing technical assistance and training to users and stakeholders on proper verification and documentation procedures.
• Analyzing and reporting program data to monitor performance, identify trends, and recommend policy or process improvements.
• Ensuring privacy and security compliance by managing user access, safeguarding sensitive data, and maintaining audit readiness in accordance with DHS, USCIS, and federal security standards.
• Representing the Department in SAVE related meetings, trainings, and interagency work groups, and providing clear communication and guidance to applicants and licensees.

What We Offer

When you join DIAL, you help to make Iowa safer and healthier while, enjoying an outstanding benefits package! In addition to providing a positive work environment, we offer a great compensation package for all our full‑time employees, including:

• Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
• Teleworking options after the first six months.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
• Optional 401A plan with employer contribution.
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
• Access to an on‑site employee fitness center
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)

Background check required.

E-Verify and Right to Work

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 four years of full‑time professional‑level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management.
• A total of eight 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):
  • Two years of full‑time professional‑level work experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management; and
  • 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
  • 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 twelve months of full‑time work as an Executive Officer 1 or comparable specific management‑level position.