Iowa Office of Apprenticeship Project Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE The Iowa Office of Apprenticeship (IOA) within Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is seeking a highly organized Project Manager to advance Iowa’s work-based learning (WBL) system and support key Registered Apprenticeship (RA) initiatives. This role is central to expanding high-quality, sustainable WBL experiences, such as pre-apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships, that connect students and adults directly to in-demand careers. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Works closely with businesses, schools, and community organizations to design and implement strong WBL strategies. - Provides technical assistance, advises on program structure, supports goal development, and promotes new opportunities to strengthen local talent pipelines. - Assists the State Apprenticeship Director by coordinating major RA projects, developing clear project plans, and creating internal processes and data tracking tools. - Partners with IOA staff, IWD teams, and agency leaders to ensure WBL and apprenticeship initiatives align with broader workforce priorities. - Serves as a primary point of contact for community colleges, high school administrators, school boards, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, employers, and other stakeholders. - Contributes to ongoing IOA and IWD efforts and supports emerging projects as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements: 1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and four years of full-time professional-level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management. 2. A total of eight years of education and/or full-time experience, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience. 3. All of the following: a. Two years of full-time professional-level work experience in program administration, development, operations, or management; and b. A total of four years of education and full-time experience, where thirty semester hours equals one year of full-time experience; and c. A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience, where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate course work in a public-service-related area 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. 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. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must not have a current, ongoing overpayment balance with Iowa Workforce Development without a payment plan in place. - Subject to a criminal background check. - Must be verified through the federal E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be evaluated based on meeting the minimum qualification requirements. - Selected candidates will be subject to a criminal background check. - Employment is contingent upon successful E-Verify and Right to Work compliance. HOW TO APPLY - Apply through the official State of Iowa employment portal before the closing date. - For questions, contact the Point of Contact: Dane Sulentic at dane.sulentic@iwd.iowa.gov. - Closing Date: September 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM Central. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Agency: 309 Iowa Workforce Development - Employer: State of Iowa - Location: 1000 E Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50319 (Polk County) - Job Type: Full-time - Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM - Work Flexibility: Hybrid telework and alternate schedules available after six months of employment and training. - Opening Date: August 27, 2026 - Benefits: Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off (nine paid holidays, vacation, and uncapped sick leave accrual); IPERS retirement package with optional deferred compensation; Flexible Spending Accounts; free Life and Long-term Disability Insurance; and Employee Assistance and Discount Programs.