Iowa Office of Apprenticeship Project Manager

Iowa Office of Apprenticeship Project Manager

Salary

$70,075.20 - $108,388.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00367

Agency

309 Iowa Workforce Development

Opening Date

08/27/2026

Closing Date

9/10/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Dane Sulentic (dane.sulentic@iwd.iowa.gov)

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is seeking an Iowa Office of Apprenticeship (IOA) Project Manager to join our team in our Registered Apprentice Bureau in Des Moines, IA.

Position Details

• Location: 1000 E Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA
• Schedule: Full-time | Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Work Flexibility: Hybrid telework and alternate schedules available after six months of employment and training have been completed.

IOA Project Manager Job Description

The Iowa Office of Apprenticeship (IOA) is seeking a highly organized Project Manager to advance Iowa's work-based learning (WBL) system while supporting key Registered Apprenticeship (RA) initiatives. This role is central to expanding high-quality, sustainable WBL experiences such as pre-apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and other "earn and learn" pathways that connect students and adults directly to in-demand careers.

The Project Manager works closely with businesses, schools, and community organizations to help them design and implement strong WBL strategies. This includes providing technical assistance, advising on program structure, supporting goal development, and promoting new opportunities that strengthen local talent pipelines. The position also assists the State Apprenticeship Director by coordinating major RA projects, developing clear project plans, and creating the internal processes and data tracking tools needed to support effective implementation.

Collaboration is a key aspect of the role. The Project Manager works in partnership with IOA staff, Iowa Workforce Development teams, and leaders across the agency to ensure WBL and apprenticeship initiatives align with broader workforce priorities. Externally, the Project Manager serves as a primary point of contact for community colleges, high school administrators, school boards, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, employers, and other stakeholders engaged in expanding work-based learning across the state.

The Project Manager also contributes to ongoing IOA and IWD efforts and supports emerging projects as assigned. Candidates should demonstrate strong project management skills, clear communication, and the ability to work effectively with diverse partners to strengthen Iowa's apprenticeship and WBL ecosystem.

About Iowa Workforce Development

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency dedicated to providing exceptional employment services and connecting employers with skilled workers. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and aligning services with workforce demands, IWD offers comprehensive support to job seekers and employers through a statewide network of IowaWORKS Centers.

Benefits

Joining the IWD team and becoming a State of Iowa employee comes with a range of valuable benefits, including:

• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including nine paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with no cap on the sick leave accrual.
• Prepare for the future with the IPERS retirement package, as well as an additional optional deferred compensation retirement plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Free Life and Long-term Disability Insurance with the option to purchase additional coverage.
• Employee Assistance Programs and Discount Programs for support.

Click here to learn more about all of the amazing benefits the State of Iowa offers.

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.

No applicant for employment with the Iowa Department of Workforce Development can have a current, ongoing overpayment balance with Iowa Workforce Development without a payment plan in place. Selected positions will be subject to a criminal background check.

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 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 (as described in number one), 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, b, and c):

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

b. 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; and

c. 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, public health, 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.

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.

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

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!

01

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

02

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

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university? IF YES- How many years do you have of full-time professional level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management?

• I have not graduated from an accredited four year college or university
• Less than two years of the identified experience
• Two years to less than four years of the identified experience
• Four years or more of the identified experience

04

How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education AND/OR experience in full-time professional level work such as program administration, program development, program operations, or management? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Less than four years of the combined education and/or experience
• Four years to less than eight years of the combined education and/or experience
• Eight years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

Have you graduated from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program? IF YES- How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education AND/OR experience in full-time professional level work such as program administration, program development, program operations, or management? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I have not graduated from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program
• Less than four years of the combined education and/or experience
• Four years to less than seven years of the combined education and/or experience
• Seven years or more of the combined education and/or experience

06

Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university? IF YES - How many years do you have of COMBINED GRADUATE level (post bachelors degree) course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, law, education, engineering) AND/OR full-time professional level work such as program administration, program development, program operations, or management? Twenty-four hours of the identified graduate level course work equals one year of experience. A MAXIMUM of 48 semester hours of graduate course work may be counted.

• I have not graduated from an accredited four year college or university
• Less than four years of the combined graduate education AND/OR experience
• Four years or more of the combined graduate education AND/OR experience

07

Are you a current State of Iowa employee? IF YES - How many months do you have of continuous experience in the state executive branch as an Executive Officer 1 or a comparable management level position?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• Less than 12 months of experience as an Executive Officer 1 or a comparable management level position
• 12 months or more of experience as an Executive Officer 1 or a comparable management level position

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 309 Iowa Workforce Development Address 1000 E Grand Ave

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/