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County Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Woodbury County

Assistant County Attorney

Sioux City, IA

$68K - $94K/yr

... direct authority of the County Attorney. Duties An indictable misdemeanor prosecutor is responsible and accountable for the efficient and effective prosecution of indictable misdemeanor crimes ...

Dubuque County

Assistant County Engineer

Dubuque, IA

$102K - $117K/yr

Prepare documents as directed by the County Engineer. Handles confidential personnel information and reports. Ability to work within deadlines and remain positive and professional to both those ...

Scott County, IA

Assistant Attorney-Civil

Davenport, IA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

County Attorney Opening Date: 08/26/2026 Closing Date: 9/6/2026 4:30 PM Central Job Summary Under ... Setting priorities and developing and directing legal strategies and tactics. Reading ...

Dubuque County, IA

Assistant County Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$102K - $117K/yr

Prepare documents as directed by the County Engineer. * Handles confidential personnel information and reports. * Ability to work within deadlines and remain positive and professional to both those ...

Scott County, IA

Assistant Attorney

Davenport, IA · On-site

$88K - $102K/yr

County Attorney Opening Date: 08/18/2026 Job Summary Will be assigned to felony division. Under ... Setting priorities and developing and directing legal strategies and tactics. Reading ...

Scott County (IA)

Assistant Attorney

Davenport, IA

$88K - $102K/yr

Under general supervision, the Assistant Attorney represents and advises Scott County on legal ... Setting priorities and developing and directing legal strategies and tactics. Reading ...

Scott Count

Assistant Attorney-Civil

Davenport, IA · On-site

$88 - $122/hr

Scott County participates inthe federal E-Verify programto verify the identity and employment ... Setting priorities and developing and directing legal strategies and tactics. * Reading ...

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County Director information

What is a county director?

County Directors are senior administrative officials responsible for overseeing the operations and management of county government departments and services. They coordinate various programs, supervise department heads, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with county policies and regulations. County Directors play a key role in implementing county board decisions and serving as a liaison between the public, staff, and elected officials. Their leadership helps ensure that county services are delivered efficiently and effectively to residents.

What are some common challenges county directors face when managing diverse teams across multiple departments?

County Directors often oversee various departments, each with unique goals and operational styles. A frequent challenge is ensuring effective communication and collaboration between these teams while aligning them with county-wide objectives. Balancing resource allocation, addressing conflicting priorities, and fostering a unified culture across departments are key aspects of the role. Successful County Directors typically leverage strong leadership, adaptability, and conflict resolution skills to navigate these complexities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a County Director, you need leadership experience, strategic planning skills, and a background in public administration or a related field, often with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with government budgeting systems, policy analysis tools, and project management software is typically required. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills help build strong relationships with stakeholders and manage diverse teams effectively. These competencies ensure effective governance, efficient resource management, and the successful delivery of county services.

What is the difference between County Director vs County Manager?

AspectCounty DirectorCounty Manager
Required credentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Administration, Political Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Public Administration, Business, or related fields
Work environmentGovernment offices, public sector agenciesLocal government, public sector organizations
Employer and industry usageUsed in county government structures, especially in certain states

The County Director and County Manager roles often overlap in responsibilities related to county operations. However, the County Director typically focuses on overseeing specific programs or departments within the county, while the County Manager handles broader administrative functions and policy implementation. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in government settings, but their scope and focus can differ based on local government structures.

What are the most commonly searched types of County jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of County jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for County Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most County Director job openings:

County Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

County Director

Iowa State University Extension

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dubuque County
 
Are you a visionary leader passionate about community growth, education, and public service? Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach of Dubuque County is seeking a County Director to serve as the local face and voice of our land-grant mission.

In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic leadership, financial oversight, and personnel management for the Extension District office. You will champion stakeholder education, build powerful community partnerships, and lead a dedicated team to deliver impactful programming across Dubuque County.  This is your opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact on the Dubuque County community.

Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelors degree in a field related to Extension programming.
  • Experience: At least 3 years of experience managing, coaching, and supervising staff.
  • Financial Acumen: Proven experience developing budgets and interpreting financial reports.
  • Communication & Marketing: Strong written/oral communication skills with a background in community relations, social media, marketing, or public relations.
  • Core Knowledge: Content knowledge in at least one Extension field (Agriculture/Natural Resources, Human Sciences, Youth Development, or Community/Economic Development).
  • Logistics: A valid drivers license, reliable transportation, and proof of vehicle liability coverage.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Masters Degree in a related Extension programming field.
  • Additional years of management, supervisory, or public funds experience.
  • Proven track record in contract and grant writing.
  • Experience working alongside elected officials, diverse groups, and councils.
Responsibilities
  • Strategic Leadership & Community Relations: Serve as the primary representative for the Extension Council; build public relations, secure grants/funding, and expand community collaborations.
  • Team Management: Supervise, coach, and provide team leadership for county-paid staff, overseeing annual performance reviews and office operations.
  • Operations & Financial Oversight: Manage all aspects of the county budget, prepare financial reports, and maintain the facility in alignment with local and state policies.
  • Program Oversight: Collaborate with ISU faculty and specialists to plan, market, and implement educational programming in agriculture, youth development (4-H), human sciences, or economic development.
Additional Information
  • This position reports to the Regional Director (with input from the Dubuque County Extension Council).
  • This position is based onsite at the Dubuque County office with regular local travel .
  • Requires regular evening and occasional weekend hours & occasional overnight travel.
  • Documented mileage for work related travel is reimbursed.
Job Type
 
Full Time
Wages (type)
 
Salary
Wages (status)
 
exempt
Wages
 
commensurate with experience
Benefits
  • Competitive exempt salary
  • Comprehensive medical and dental employee benefits
  • Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS)
  • Professional development
Application Instructions

Please send resume, letter of interest, completed application and salary expectations to Marybeth Foster, Regional Director. No phone calls, please!

The Application for Employment-Dubuque County can be found HERE.

Application Deadline 09/16/2026
 

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status and will not be discriminated against.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.


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