CDBG Director

Job Description

Lead programs that strengthen communities and improve lives across Iowa. The Iowa Economic Development Authority is seeking a collaborative, mission-driven leader to serve as CDBG Director, overseeing the administration of Iowa’s federally funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CDBG–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) programs.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact team, guide millions of dollars in federal investments, and make a lasting difference in the lives of Iowans by supporting strong, resilient communities, especially those facing economic or disaster-related challenges.

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 start up, 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.

Key Responsibilities

As CDBG Director, this position leads programs that fund housing, infrastructure, downtown revitalization, community facilities, and disaster recovery while ensuring federal resources are distributed responsibly and in alignment with community needs. Key duties include:

Provide People-Centered Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and coach a team administering CDBG and CDBG-DR programs
• Build strong working relationships grounded in trust, consistency and accountability
• Delegate work, monitor progress, and support professional growth through performance management
  
  

Oversee High-Impact Federal Programs

• Direct the coordination, execution, and oversight of HUD-funded programs in compliance with federal regulations and state law
• Establish and improve systems that enhance customer service, consistency, and program effectiveness
• Make informed, data-driven decisions regarding program design, policy, and delivery
• Oversee reporting, monitoring, and documentation to meet HUD and public transparency requirements
  
  

Strengthen Partnerships and Public Trust

• Serve as a primary point of contact for communities, stakeholders, legislators, and federal partners
• Communicate complex regulatory requirements clearly and effectively
• Represent Iowa’s programs at conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings
  
  

Ideal Candidates Bring

• Proven experience leading teams through change and managing complex programs
• Strong knowledge of or the ability to learn federal grant programs and regulatory frameworks. Experience with community development, housing, infrastructure, disaster recovery or federally funded programs is highly valued.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, demonstrated through the ability to navigate difficult conversations and practice attentive listening.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex regulations clearly.
• Commitment 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.

Apply now and help translate federal investment into real outcomes: safe housing, economic opportunity, and stronger Iowa communities

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 .

Benefits

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 Director is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as a Public Service Manager 1 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 .

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to four years of full-time work in program administration, development, management, or operations.
• Eight years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.
• All of the following (a and b):
• Four years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and
• A combination of 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. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
• All of the following (a, b, and c):
• Two years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and
• A combination of 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 equals one year of full-time experience; and
• A combination of 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, 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.

• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Public Service Supervisor or comparable specific management-level position.
  
  

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