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Associate Planning Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Child Care Director

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$39K - $54K/yr

Manages School staff by planning work schedules, evaluating staff performance, and developing ... CDA, Associate's or Bachelor's Degree preferred in Early Childhood Education or related field

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Showing results 1-20

Associate Planning Director information

See Iowa salary details

$28.6K

$96.5K

$162.5K

How much do associate planning director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate planning director in Iowa is $96,488.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,700.00 and $132,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate planning director?

An Associate Planning Director is a mid-to-senior level professional typically found in advertising, marketing, or media agencies. They are responsible for developing strategic plans to guide campaigns and initiatives, ensuring alignment with client objectives and market trends. This role involves overseeing a team of planners, collaborating with creative and account teams, and presenting insights to clients. They play a crucial part in shaping brand strategies and optimizing campaign effectiveness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate planning director?

To thrive as an Associate Planning Director, you need strong strategic thinking, data analysis, and communication skills, typically backed by a degree in marketing, business, or a related field. Proficiency with media planning tools (such as Comscore, Nielsen, or Google Analytics), presentation software, and often experience with project management platforms is essential. Leadership, collaboration, and creative problem-solving are standout soft skills for guiding teams and building client relationships. These capabilities are crucial for developing effective marketing strategies, ensuring campaign success, and fostering productive teamwork in a competitive environment.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate planning director and how can they be addressed?

As an Associate Planning Director, one of the main challenges is balancing strategic vision with day-to-day project management, ensuring that campaigns meet both client goals and internal timelines. Navigating complex stakeholder relationships and integrating feedback from multiple teams—such as creative, media, and account management—can also be demanding. To address these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication, prioritize tasks effectively, and foster a collaborative team culture. Regular check-ins and leveraging project management tools can help keep projects on track and stakeholders aligned.

What is the difference between Associate Planning Director vs Planning Manager?

AspectAssociate Planning DirectorPlanning Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, or related field; often advanced certificationsBachelor's degree; relevant certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, project oversight, collaboration with senior leadershipProject management, team coordination, client interaction
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large firms, government agencies, and consulting firmsCommon in architecture, urban planning, and development companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles with similar seniority and responsibilitiesRoles focused on project execution and team management

The Associate Planning Director typically holds a higher strategic role with more leadership responsibilities compared to a Planning Manager, who focuses more on project execution and team coordination. Both roles require relevant education and certifications, but the Associate Planning Director often engages in broader planning initiatives and interacts more with executive teams.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Planning Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Planning Director job openings:

Associate Director of Finance

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Scion Nonprofit Staffing has been engaged to conduct a search for an Associate Director of Finance - Nonprofit on behalf of a respected, mission-driven nonprofit organization in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This is a full-time, direct-hire opportunity reporting directly to the CEO and supporting the financial operations of a multi-entity nonprofit organization. This highly visible leadership role offers the opportunity to partner with executive leadership, oversee financial operations across multiple affiliated entities, and contribute to the long-term financial sustainability and success of an organization making a meaningful impact in its community. POSITION OVERVIEW The Associate Director of Finance will oversee the day-to-day accounting and financial operations for a nonprofit organization and its four affiliated entities. This hands-on leadership position is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, fund and grant accounting, audit administration, internal controls, and financial planning while partnering closely with executive leadership and department leaders to support strategic decision-making. This role is ideal for an emerging finance leader seeking increased responsibility and long-term career growth into senior finance leadership while remaining actively involved in day-to-day financial operations. PERKS Competitive salary of $75,000-$95,000, depending on experience Comprehensive benefits package Report directly to the CEO with executive-level visibility Opportunity to support a multi-entity nonprofit organization Career growth path toward Director of Finance and future executive leadership RESPONSIBILITIES Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes while ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. Prepare financial statements, management reports, forecasts, budgets, and cash flow projections for multiple affiliated nonprofit entities. Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, grant and fund accounting, and audit preparation. Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, internal controls, and regulatory reporting requirements. Partner with executive leadership and department leaders to provide financial analysis, budgeting support, and strategic recommendations. Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting, internal controls, and system efficiencies while supporting the organization's continued growth. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. 4-8 years of progressive accounting or finance experience. Experience with nonprofit accounting, including grant accounting and/or fund accounting. Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and GAAP. Experience supporting multiple departments, programs, or entities preferred. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience utilizing ERP or nonprofit accounting systems. CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred but not required. Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Annual salary of $75,000-$95,000, depending on experience Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits Retirement plan Paid holidays and paid time off Professional development and career advancement opportunities Stable, collaborative, mission-driven work environment   ABOUT OUR SEARCH FIRM Scion Nonprofit Staffing is an award-winning national nonprofit recruitment and staffing specialist for nonprofit organizations, foundations, associations, and educational institutions! Since 2006, we have had the pleasure of successfully placing thousands of talented professionals supporting incredible missions and programs. Through our innovative team building and recruiting solutions, we bridge the gap in executive leadership searches, direct hire nonprofit recruiting, interim leadership placement, and temporary professional staffing. We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online. Scion Nonprofit Staffing is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent. For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Nonprofit Staffing proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.