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Arts Director

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Arts Director

Salary

$68,702.40 - $122,428.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50315 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01705

Agency

269 Iowa Economic Development Authority

Opening Date

01/07/2026

Closing Date

1/19/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Bethany Coop ([email protected])

To Apply

Submit an application and resume at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.

+ Description

+ Benefits

Job Description

The arts have the power to drive economic growth and community vitality across Iowa. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is seeking a mission-driven leader to serve as the nextArts Director.

In this role, you’ll lead a dynamic team of IEDA arts team staff members, administer impactful grant programs, coordinate and collaborate with the Iowa Arts Council advisory, and champion the arts as a catalyst for economic prosperity across Iowa.

About Us:

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is dedicated to making Iowa the choice for people and business by building partnerships, leveraging resources, and strengthening economic and community vitality. IEDA administers several state and federal programs focused on business and community development to reach its goals of assisting individuals, communities, and businesses. Whether it is an enterprise or start up, a rural community seeking to preserve its history and highlight its arts and culture, or a community recovering from a disaster, IEDA creates opportunities for Iowans to thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Arts Team, and the Iowa Arts Council, play a vital role in fostering creativity, supporting artists and organizations, and integrating arts and culture into community and economic development statewide. As the Arts Director, you will:

+ Providestrategic and operational leadershipfor the Arts team, advancing arts initiatives and fostering creativity, learning, and participation statewide.

+ Lead the Arts team. Coach, guide, and evaluate assigned team members, manage workloads, and track projects.

+ Coordinate and directly collaborate with theIowa Arts Council advisory, to provide recommendations for the development and implementation of Iowa’s strategic arts plan.

+ Oversee state and federally funded arts programs, ensuring compliance, effective fund distribution, and impactful service delivery.

+ Serve as the primaryrelationship manager for arts-related projects, representing IEDA at conferences, site visits, and regional gatherings.

+ Administer partnership agreements, including with the National Endowment for the Arts, and manage a multi-million dollar budget.

What We Offer:

+ Impactful Work:Make a lasting impact on Iowa’s creative landscape and economic future.

+ Professional Growth:Opportunities for attending conferences and workshops to promote programs and learn about their impact.

+ Collaborative Environment:Work with a dedicated team of professionals committed to making a difference for Iowans and communities.

Ideal candidates will have:

+ Regulatory Knowledge: Ability to promote the arts as a driver of community vitality within the bounds of state and federal regulations.

+ Program Management: Proven experience managing programs involving state or federal grant funding.

+ Leadership Skills: Ability to mentor and direct a team.

+ Dedication to uphold ourCore 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?VisitThisIsIowa.comto see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access toentertainment (https://www.traveliowa.com/getinspireddetails/9-super-cool-music-venues/12/) , opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access tooutdoor adventures (https://www.traveliowa.com/getinspired/the-great-outdoors/13/) .

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 thebenefits web page (https://das.iowa.gov/state-employees/human-resources/employee-benefits-programs/employee-benefits-overview) .

The Arts Director is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as Public Service Manager 1 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer

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 federalRight to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.

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

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to four years of full-time work in program administration, development, management, or operations.

2) Eight years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.

3) All of the following (a and b):

a. Four years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and

b. A combination of 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. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

4) All of the following (a, b, and c):

a. Two years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and

b. A combination of 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 equals one year of full-time experience; and

c. A combination of 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, 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.

5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Public Service Supervisor or comparable specific management-level position.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/PublicServiceManager1-00784-60784-80784.pdf)

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

269 Iowa Economic Development Authority

Address

1963 Bell Ave

Suite 200

Des Moines, Iowa, 50315

Website

iowaeda.com

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