Tourism Partner Engagement Manager

Tourism Partner Engagement Manager

Salary

$63,585.60 - $98,633.60 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50021 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00895

Agency

269 Iowa Economic Development Authority

Opening Date

09/25/2026

Closing Date

10/5/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

bethany.sawatzky@iowafinance.com

To Apply

Submit an application, resume and cover letter at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.

• Description
• Benefits

Job Description

From welcoming communities to unforgettable attractions, Iowa's tourism industry thrives through strong relationships and shared ideas. The Tourism Partner Engagement Manager connects tourism partners across the state with the programs, resources, funding opportunities, and educational experiences that help Iowa remain a compelling destination.

This collaborative, outward-facing role builds relationships with tourism businesses, local governments, and industry organizations; administers tourism grant and partnership programs; coordinates educational events; and keeps partners informed and engaged. The position requires significant statewide travel and regular interaction with tourism stakeholders throughout Iowa.

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 startup, 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 Tourism Partner Engagement Manager supports IEDA's mission by serving as a primary connection between the Iowa Tourism Office and tourism partners across the state. This role develops and implements industry outreach and engagement efforts, communicates opportunities and resources, gathers stakeholder feedback, and helps tourism organizations successfully participate in programs and initiatives.

The position also coordinates the Iowa Tourism Marketing Grant Program, supports industry education and engagement events, and develops timely communications that keep tourism partners informed and connected.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building and strengthening tourism industry relationships by serving as a primary point of contact for tourism stakeholders, conducting partner meetings and presentations, responding to inquiries, and maintaining strong working relationships with tourism businesses, local governments, and industry organizations.
• Leading industry outreach and engagement by developing annual outreach plans, communicating Tourism Office programs and opportunities, and gathering stakeholder feedback and industry insights to help inform programs, strategic priorities, and marketing efforts.
• Administering tourism grant and funding programs by coordinating applicant outreach, technical assistance, application review, scoring, budget and reimbursement review, compliance monitoring, closeout reporting, and communication with grant recipients.
• Coordinating educational programs and partner events by developing topics and content for webinars, workshops, roundtables, Insider Meetings, and other industry programming based on partner and team input.
• Supporting the Iowa Tourism Conference through sponsor and exhibitor coordination, speaker support, attendee outreach, and partner engagement.
• Creating industry communications and resources by writing and editing e-newsletters, partner announcements, program updates, website content, presentation materials, and other resources.
• Maintaining accessible and timely partner information by managing the Iowa Tourism Office industry e-newsletter and updating the industry partners website with program information, events, funding opportunities, training resources, and deadlines.

Ideal candidates possess:

• Experience working with tourism, destination marketing, or economic development initiatives.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing marketing or media-focused content.
• 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 Tourism Partner Engagement 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.

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.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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;

OR

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.

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!

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 269 Iowa Economic Development Authority Address 1963 Bell Ave

Suite 200

Des Moines, Iowa, 50315

Website iowaeda.com