ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Dod Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Biologist

Johnston, IA · On-site +1

$74K - $97K/yr

Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible * Veterans Employment ... Direct deposit of pay is required. * This position requires you to submit a Confidential Financial ...

Cape Fox Corporation

Junior Mission Planner

Nevada, IA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

... DoD organizations, and mission planning experts to remain current on LO ISR system capabilities, developments and initiatives in order to best advise unit leadership, tacticians, test directors ...

BGI (Ohio)

LVC Planner SME

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$66K - $79K/yr

S. citizen Current or active DoD Secret clearance (maintained throughout employment) Preferred ... Directed mission planning and post-mission analysis in high-tempo ops. Mentored junior instructors ...

Socket.dev

Sales Manager -Defense

Waverly, IA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Department of Defense (DoD) program offices, allied government end users, defense system ... Work in parallel with the Sales Representatives, Sale Managers and the National Sales Director ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDod JobsDirector Dod JobsDirector Dod Jobs in Iowa

Director Dod information

See Iowa salary details

$27.3K

$119.6K

$157.4K

How much do director dod jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for director dod in Iowa is $119,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,176.00 and $146,496.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director DoD do?

A Director DOD (Director, Department of Defense) typically oversees and manages key programs, operations, or initiatives within the Department of Defense or related agencies. They are responsible for setting strategic goals, ensuring compliance with government regulations, managing budgets, and leading teams to achieve organizational objectives. Directors DOD often serve as liaisons between military branches, government officials, and external stakeholders. Their work is crucial in maintaining national security, implementing defense policies, and ensuring effective resource management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director DoD?

To thrive as a Director in the Department of Defense, you need extensive leadership experience, a deep understanding of defense programs, and typically a relevant advanced degree such as in public administration, military studies, or engineering. Familiarity with defense-specific systems, classified information protocols, and project management tools is essential, along with relevant security clearances. Outstanding strategic thinking, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for guiding teams and collaborating with government and military stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring effective oversight, policy implementation, and the successful execution of complex defense initiatives.

What are some common challenges faced by a director DoD, and how can they be addressed?

A Director in the DoD often encounters challenges such as managing large, diverse teams, navigating complex organizational structures, and ensuring compliance with stringent security protocols. Balancing competing priorities—such as budget constraints, mission objectives, and stakeholder expectations—is also common. Success in this role typically involves strong leadership, effective communication, and adaptability, as well as a deep understanding of defense policies and procedures. Building strong relationships across departments and maintaining a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Director Dod vs Project Manager?

AspectDirector DodProject Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, often with advanced degrees or certifications in defense or military fieldsUsually requires a bachelor's degree, with PMP or similar project management certifications common
Work EnvironmentMilitary or defense agency settings, strategic planning, high-level decision makingCorporate or government projects, team coordination, project execution
Industry UsagePrimarily in defense, military, or government sectorsAcross various industries including IT, construction, and government

While both roles involve leadership and strategic planning, a Director Dod focuses on high-level defense or military operations, whereas a Project Manager handles specific projects within various industries. The Director Dod typically has a more specialized background in defense, with a focus on strategic oversight, while Project Managers concentrate on project delivery and team management.

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

The most popular types of Dod jobs in Iowa are:

Director Dod jobs near you

Executive Director- Partnership with RIADA & QCMI

Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce

Davenport, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute seek to hire a full-time Executive Director. The Executive Director will lead the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI) and the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA), leading initiatives to support and grow the Rock Island Arsenal and Quad Cities defense & manufacturing industry. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong background in manufacturing, defense, and academic collaboration. This role supports both the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR QCMI:
Partnerships and Business Development:

  • Lead efforts to expand QCMI’s partnerships with the United States Department of Defense (DoD), academic, industry, and government stakeholders to establish a leading advanced manufacturing and supply chain innovation ecosystem.
  • Identify and engage with industry, academic, research institutions, government, and other key stakeholders to drive technological advancements and nurture a highly skilled workforce for the Quad Cities region and beyond.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy to expand QCMI's reach and impact.
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities with government, DoD, and industry partners.
  • Lead customer discovery efforts to understand and address the needs of potential and existing partners.
  • Secure funding and resources from government agencies, DoD, and other sources, through grants, partnerships, and other revenue streams, to support QCMI's initiatives.

Leadership and Strategy:

  • Represent QCMI at regional and national forums and with state and federal funding agencies and key customers.
  • Identify and address key research and workforce development priorities to guide the development and modernization of the defense industrial base and to develop next-generation defense technologies and talent.
  • Develop and implement strategic plans to advance QCMI's mission and objectives.
  • Collaborate and coordinate with QCMI member institutions to design and implement research and workforce development projects.
  • Provide leadership and create alignment for effective collaboration in both Illinois and Iowa.

Operational Management:

  • Oversee the development and management of QCMI facilities, including but not limited to the new facility on Western Illinois University's riverfront campus in Moline and the future space at the Rock Island Arsenal. Coordinate with any other footprints that the QCMI member institutions have aggregated.
  • Oversee QCMI's day-to-day operations, including budget management, staffing, and resource allocation.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR RIADA:

  • Serves as lead point of contact to RIADA board members, including working with board chair to establish meeting dates, develop board agendas, and facilitate the meeting
  • Establishes an annual RIADA work plan and budget for approval
  • Conducts outreach to defense industry companies and RIA commands to understand key issues and growth opportunities
  • Collaborates with Chamber team, including business & economic growth and government affairs, to support and advance RIADA’s priorities
  • Synchronizes work with consultants (i.e. The Roosevelt Group) on a regular basis
    Prepares and communicates updates on RIADA priorities with stakeholders
    Creates and facilitates completion of an engagement strategy with Rock Island Arsenal and community leaders
  • Builds and maintains relationships with strategic partners within the defense industry and Rock Island Arsenal to gain awareness of related issues and opportunities
  • Acts as a liaison between Rock Island Arsenal and Quad Cities Chamber initiatives
  • Perform other related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, the individual in this position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skills and ability required.
Education/Experience:

  • Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration or related field
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in a leadership role within the manufacturing or defense sectors
  • Experience in business development, marketing, public relations, or related area
  • Proven track record of successful collaboration with DoD, academic institutions and industry partners
  • Strong understanding of DoD requirements and strategic priorities.

Equipment and Software Skills:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  • Must be able to operate standard office equipment, including telephone, calculator, computer, printer, typewriter, fax, and copier.
  • Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable

Language Skills:

  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public

Reasoning Ability:

  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions

Compensation: Annual base salary of $75,000

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR RESUME: Please send your resume to the Human Resources Department at: hr@quadcititeschamber.com
This posting will close on July 6th, 2026.


#hc173093