Job Description

Posting number: 27-00567

Department: 269 Iowa Economic Development Authority

Job classification: Economic Development Specialist 2

Posting type: Open

Categories: Management, Project Management, Program Management

Make a difference in Iowa communities. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented CDBG Project Manager to support impactful community development across the state. In this role, you will guide cities and counties through the full lifecycle of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects including many focused on critical water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.

If you have experience with public sector grants, infrastructure or construction projects, or program compliance, this is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in Iowa communities.

About Us:

At the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), we're dedicated to making Iowa the choice for people and businesses. We build powerful partnerships, leverage diverse resources, and drive economic and community vitality. From supporting startups and expanding enterprises to preserving the rich history and culture of rural communities, and aiding in disaster recovery, we create endless opportunities for Iowans to thrive.

As the CDBG Project manager, you will serve as a primary project manager and subject-matter expert, responsible for ensuring projects comply with federal and state requirements while supporting communities throughout the process.

Key Responsibilities:

Grant & Project Management

• Manage CDBG projects from application through close-out.
• Review and score applications; support funding recommendations.
• Establish project budgets, milestones, and required documentation.
• Coordinate contracts, amendments, and construction progress

Ensure Compliance & Provide Expert Guidance

• Interpret and apply state and federal regulations and program requirements to ensure project compliance.
• Provide clear technical assistance to applicants, grantees, local governments, and grant administrators.
• Conduct on-site monitoring visits statewide to assess compliance, construction progress, and project performance.

Support Program Development

• Serve as a cross-program compliance resource for CDBG and related infrastructure programs.
• Develop guidance, training materials, and compliance resources to support communities and partners.
• Present program and compliance information to stakeholders, grant administrators, and community representatives.
• Collaborate with team members on program materials, presentations, and continuous process improvements

Ideal candidates have:

• Strong understanding of HUD programs and federal compliance & grant administration.
• Experience with public infrastructure or construction-related projects.
• Effective communication skills to build relationships with applicants and grant recipients
• 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.

To learn more about benefits available to State of Iowa employees visit the benefits web page

The CDBG Project 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

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.

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

Qualifications

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 major coursework in research, planning, economics, public relations, business, corporate finance, or marketing and experience equal to two years of full-time work that involved responsibility for interpreting laws, rules and regulations, and/or securing compliance with them; or developing, administering and/or deploying grants/projects/programs;

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