Job Description

This position is for current permanent Iowa Department of Management (DOM), Division of Information Technology (DoIT) employees. Those in any other status are not eligible to apply.

The Iowa Department of Management’s Division of Information Technology (DoIT) is seeking an experienced Information Technology Specialist 5 (ITS5) to serve as a senior-level IT Product Owner responsible for leading the strategy, vision, and full lifecycle of complex, enterprise-level technology products. This role serves as the single point of accountability for a diverse product portfolio, guiding multi-agency solutions, ensuring alignment with statewide IT goals, and driving continuous improvement across mission-critical systems. The ITS5 – Product Owner partners with executive leadership, Fusion Teams, vendors, and business stakeholders to deliver high-value, scalable solutions that support Iowa’s digital modernization efforts and improve service delivery for internal and external users. Applicants are encouraged to provide supplemental information to include, but not limited to, a resume and cover letter.

What You Will Do

Serve as the single point of accountability for a portfolio of complex enterprise IT products, ensuring alignment with statewide business needs and defined success criteria.
Lead the full product lifecycle—from identifying business needs and defining scope to prioritizing features, managing the product backlog, and maintaining long-term product roadmaps.
Guide Agile ceremonies and product development activities, including sprint planning, story refinement, acceptance criteria, release planning, and sprint reviews.
Collaborate with DoIT supervisors, Fusion Teams, vendors, and executive stakeholders to ensure cohesive delivery, risk management, and continuous improvement across mission-critical systems.
Oversee vendor relationships, contract performance, service-level adherence, and compliance with governance frameworks, regulations, and statewide technology standards.
Monitor product performance, financials, and operational metrics, providing regular updates to leadership to support strategic decision-making and enterprise modernization.

What We Are Seeking

Strong experience in IT product management, including full lifecycle oversight, product road mapping, and backlog prioritization.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with business partners, vendors, and technical staff across the enterprise.
Advanced communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Proven capability in vendor management, contract evaluation, performance monitoring, and ensuring adherence to service-level agreements.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate business processes, assess risks, and identify modernization and automation opportunities.
Knowledge of Agile methodologies, including guiding ceremonies, defining acceptance criteria, and supporting iterative delivery.

What We Offer

Flexible work environment
Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
Life and disability insurance
Retirement savings options (RIC)
Flexible Spending Accounts

Why Work with Us?

At the Iowa Department of Management (DOM), we help government agencies across the state perform at their best by managing financial resources, technology, and information. Our mission is rooted in service—we provide efficient, innovative, and strategic solutions that empower agencies to fulfill their goals.

We’re guided by four core values:

Integrity – We act with honesty and accountability.
Teamwork – We collaborate to achieve shared success.
Service – We are committed to excellence in public service.
Partnership – We build strong relationships to drive results.

Working Arrangement

This position requires onsite work in Des Moines, IA each week. Employees meeting all expectations of their work responsibilities may request remote work and develop a hybrid/remote schedule collaboratively with their manager.

Please note, candidates for this position must reside in the state of Iowa at the time of starting the role.

Background Check Requirements

After a conditional offer of employment has been made, and as the final step in the hiring process, candidates for this position will be subject to a background investigation, which may include but may not be limited to a verification of a candidate’s education, previous employment/work history, contact of personal references, motor vehicle records, and a criminal history check (including through Federal, State, or Local criminal justice agencies).
Information gathered as part of such background investigation will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by Iowa Code section 22.7, 8B.4A, and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; provided that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, such information shall be available to candidates upon request.

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

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 with a degree in any field, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security.

2) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in computer science, computer applications, software engineering, computer engineering, management information systems, business analytics, or cyber security, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security.

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

a. Three years of full-time work experience in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security; and

b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

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

a. Five years of full-time work experience in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security; and

b. Either of the following:

i. Certification from an authorized educational institution/major computer or software producer in one or more of the specialty areas listed in part a; or

ii. Eighteen semester hours from an accredited college or university in one or more of the specialty areas listed in part a.

5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full-time work as an Information Technology Specialist 4.

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

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!

Supplemental Questions

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability?
Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.

Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

Yes - I understand and agree.
No

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and have experience equal to three years of full-time work in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security?

Yes - I have an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and have experience equal to three years of full-time work in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security
I do not have an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field
I have an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, BUT DO NOT have experience equal to three years of full-time work in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in computer science, computer applications, software engineering, computer engineering, management information systems, business analytics, or cyber security, and have experience equal to two years of full-time work in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security?

Yes - I have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in computer science, computer applications, software engineering, computer engineering, management information systems, business analytics, or cyber security, and have experience equal to two years of full-time work in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security
I have not graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in computer science, computer applications, software engineering, computer engineering, management information systems, business analytics, or cyber security,
I have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in computer science, computer applications, software engineering, computer engineering, management information systems, business analytics, or cyber security, but do not have experience equal to two years of full-time work in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security

Do you meet a and b:
a. Three years of full-time work experience in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management,
product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security; and
b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

Yes - I meet a and b
I do not meet a and b

Do you meet a and b:
a. Five years of full-time work experience in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security; and
b. Either of the following:
i. Certification from an authorized educational institution/major computer or software producer in one or more of the specialty areas listed in part a; or
ii. Eighteen semester hours from an accredited college or university in one or more of the specialty areas listed in part a.

Yes - I meet a and b
I do not meet a and b

Are you a current permanent State of Iowa employee? If yes - Do you have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full-time work as an Information Technology Specialist 4?

I am a current permanent State of Iowa employee and have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full-time work as an Information Technology Specialist 4
I am a current permanent State of Iowa employee but do not have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full-time work as an Information Technology Specialist 4
I am not a current permanent State of Iowa employee

Are you a current permanent employee of Iowa Department of Management (DOM), Division of Information Technology (DoIT)?

Yes I am a current permanent employee.
No I am not a current permanent employee.

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: State of Iowa
Agency: 185 Iowa Department of Management, Division of Information Technology
Address: 200 East Grand Ave.

Des Moines, Iowa, 50309
Website: https://dom.iowa.gov/state-government/information-technology