About the Department

Lead the growth of Iowa’s outdoor recreation economy and help communities turn natural assets into vibrant destinations. Join the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and help shape the future of Iowa’s outdoor recreation economy as our Outdoor Recreation Program Manager.

In this position, you will lead initiatives that expand and strengthen outdoor recreation across the state by supporting communities, building partnerships, and driving projects that enhance Iowa’s natural assets as a destination.

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.

About this Opportunity
The Outdoor Recreation Program Manager supports IEDA’s mission to make Iowa the choice for people and business by advancing Iowa’s outdoor recreation sector as a driver of economic development - helping communities grow, attracting visitors, and enhancing quality of life across the state.

This role is responsible for managing and supporting programs that connect outdoor recreation with economic development and tourism. Key responsibilities include:

Support marketing and promotion efforts by collaborating with the Iowa Tourism Office on campaigns, storytelling and content that highlights Iowa’s outdoor recreation assets and experiences.
Coordinate stakeholder engagement and collaboration, including organizing meetings, facilitating partner communication, and supporting cross-sector alignment among public, private and nonprofit partners.
Support integration of outdoor recreation into economic development initiatives by working across IEDA programs and community efforts to align recreation assets with tourism growth and quality of life initiatives.
Provide project support and technical assistance to communities and partners by sharing resources, offering guidance and helping track progress and compliance of outdoor recreation initiatives.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with communities, state agencies, nonprofits, and industry stakeholders, including coordination with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and tourism partners

Ideal candidates possess:

Experience managing programs, grants, or community development initiatives.
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing marketing content.
Experience and interest working with tourism, outdoor recreation, or economic development initiatives.
Dedication to uphold our core 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? Visit ThisIsIowa.com to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to outdoor adventures.

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.

The Outdoor Recreation Program Manager position is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as an Economic Development Specialist 2 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 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.

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 Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public relations, business, journalism, marketing, or a closely related field and experience equal to two years of full-time work planning and developing content for media dissemination;

A total of six years of education and/or full-time experience, where 30 semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in a related field equals one year of full-time experience.

Benefits

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-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. 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.

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 to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

Agency Information

Employer: State of Iowa
Agency: 269 Iowa Economic Development Authority
Address: 1963 Bell Ave

Suite 200

Des Moines, Iowa, 50315
Website: iowaeda.com