Unemployment Insurance Manager

Unemployment Insurance Manager

Salary

$63,585.60 - $98,633.60 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-01224

Agency

309 Iowa Workforce Development

Opening Date

10/29/2026

Closing Date

11/8/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Kelley Hauschildt (kelley.hauschildt@iwd.iowa.gov)

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Do you have a heart for public service? Are you passionate about helping others succeed? If so, Iowa Workforce Development is seeking a dedicated Unemployment (UI) Insurance Manager serving within the UI Division, Benefits Bureau. We value professionals who bring a positive, solution focused attitude and thrive with community impacts. If you're driven by mission, collaboration, and making a real impact, we encourage you to apply.

Position Details

• Location: 1000 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50319
• Schedule: Full-time | Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Work Flexibility: current practice allows teleworking and alternate work schedules after successful completion of probation and training.

Position Overview

Provides strategic leadership for the UI Benefits Bureau by resolving operational challenges, improving program performance, developing strategic plans, and collaborating with department and division leadership to advance departmental goals and priorities.

Primary Responsibilities

Personnel Management and Staff Development

• Oversee personnel functions for the Unemployment Insurance Benefits Bureau, including establishing permanent and temporary positions, justifying hiring needs, interviewing and selecting staff, and preparing performance plans and evaluations.
• Manage employee grievances and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure staff receive the necessary training, equipment, and technical support to perform their duties effectively.
• Assign work to accomplish bureau objectives and regularly meets with team members to review performance.
• Provide ongoing coaching and guidance to support staff's skill development, improve performance, and reinforce expectations.
• Respond to staff questions and provide timely clarification on policies, procedures, and work requirements.
• Help develop and administer bureau policies and procedures and approve work methods to ensure staff understanding and implementation.
• Implement employee engagement activities aligned with agency goals to promote employee retention, morale, and organizational effectiveness.

UI Program Administration and Performance Oversight

• Plan, direct, and administer statewide U.S. Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Benefit programs, ensuring work is completed accurately and timely.
• Develop, implement, and interpret administrative procedures for Bureau staff.
• Review and evaluate activities, reports, and records to determine whether program goals, objectives, and responsibilities are being met.
• Monitor and review staff work products, including customer service and fact-finding calls, to ensure accurate information and compliance with established procedures.
• Develop internal policies and procedures to improve coordination among managers and key personnel.
• Keep staff informed of management goals and changes to policies and procedures.
• Develop policies and procedures to improve operational quality and meet federal Department of Labor requirements for benefit accuracy, quality, and timeliness.
• Analyze workload and quality reports to assess progress toward goals and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Prepare the State Quality Service Plan when performance measures do not meet established standards.
• Respond to constituent complaints and inquiries.
• Assists program staff with daily operations to support the achievement of performance goals.

Planning and Departmental Collaboration

• Collaborate with department and division management to evaluate and resolve operational problems within the UI program and make appropriate decisions to enhance program effectiveness.
• Work with the Department and Division leadership to develop strategic plans that maximize UI Benefits Bureau performance and align with the Department's mission, vision, and goals.
• Represent the UI Benefits Bureau in collaborating with department leadership on significant departmental projects and issues.

Other duties assigned

What You'll Bring

Strategic leadership, strong coaching, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with department and division leadership. Contribute to developing and implementing strategic plans that maximize UI Benefits Bureau performance and align with the Department's mission, vision, and goals. Additionally, strong communication and relationship-building skills to represent the Bureau in significant departmental projects and initiatives, identify opportunities for operational improvement, and ensure bureau priorities support broader departmental objectives.

About Iowa Workforce Development

Iowa Workforce Development is committed to supporting Iowans and employers through comprehensive workforce services. Our statewide network provides resources for employment, training, disability assistance, unemployment services, and more.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, youll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

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 work in unemployment insurance, program administration, management or development.

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 coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes four years of full-time work as a Workforce Advisor, Field Auditor, Job Insurance Quality Auditor, Investigator 2, or Employer Liability Specialist.

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

Additional Qualification Requirements

Travel may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

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 work in unemployment insurance, program administration, management or development?

• I have not graduated from an accredited four year college or university
• Less than four years of full-time professional work in unemployment insurance, program administration, management or development
• Four years or more of full-time professional work in unemployment insurance, program administration, management or development

04

How many years do you have of a combination of accredited college or university course work in any field AND/OR full-time professional level work in unemployment insurance, program administration, management or development? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I do not have any of the combined education and/or experience
• Less than five years of the combined education and/or experience
• Five to less than eight years of the combined education and/or experience
• Eights years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

Are you a current State of Iowa employee- executive branch? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have of full-time work in the classification of Workforce Advisor, Field Auditor, Job Insurance Quality Auditor, Investigator 2 or Employer Liability Specialist for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a current State of Iowa employee
• I do not have experience in the classifications identified
• Less than four years of experience in the classifications identified
• Four years or more of experience in the classifications identified

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/