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Ems Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... EMS Director. Functions as a team member as an EKG tech, Code 0 team member, Dr. Red (fire) team, Dr. Armstrong (security) team, Hazmat team, IV start team. Takes an assistant role in triage as ...

EMS Lead

Manchester, IA · On-site

$27.55 - $37.38/hr

... Director. This position is 40 hours+ each week. * Internal Applicants * Maintain 24 hour shifts ... Lead a skilled EMS crew * Will assist with policies and procedures under the direction of the ...

EMS Lead

Manchester, IA · On-site

$250/hr

... Director. This position is 40 hours+ each week. * Internal Applicants * Maintain 24 hour shifts ... Lead a skilled EMS crew * Will assist with policies and procedures under the direction of the ...

EMS Driver - PRN

Osage, IA · On-site

$15.94/hr

Osage, IA, USA | EMS | Hourly | 15.94 per hour , increases with experience. | PRN, as needed Who We ... This position reports to the Director of Emergency Medical Services. Primary duties are staffing a ...

Assists EMS Medical Directors with the review of quality data and the provision of education to EMS.Whereappropriate,obtainsCEHs for EMS * Attends EMS meetings as a representative of Mercy One ...

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Ems Director information

See Iowa salary details

$31.9K

$109.4K

$174.2K

How much do ems director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for ems director in Iowa is $109,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $127,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an EMS director?

EMS Directors are responsible for overseeing emergency medical services (EMS) operations within an organization or region. They manage personnel, budgets, training, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. EMS Directors also coordinate with hospitals, fire departments, and other emergency agencies to provide efficient and effective emergency care. Their leadership is crucial in maintaining high standards of patient care and operational readiness.

What do EMS directors do?

EMS directors provide administrative oversight to a large group of emergency services professionals. As an EMS director, your staff includes paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), doctors, nurses, and support staff. Your main duties are to handle budgetary and staffing matters, such as scheduling, instruction of new employees, finding volunteers, and managing your organization’s compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety codes. In addition to your work in the office, your responsibilities may include working closely with community partners, hospitals, and other entities to ensure that your program is providing the best services possible.

What skills and qualifications do EMS directors need?

To thrive as an EMS Director, you need a comprehensive background in emergency medical services, leadership experience, and typically a degree in EMS management or a related field, along with relevant state or national certifications. Familiarity with EMS software, incident command systems, and regulatory compliance tools is crucial. Strong decision-making, communication, and crisis management skills help you lead teams effectively and foster community trust. These competencies ensure efficient emergency response operations, regulatory adherence, and the safety of both patients and EMS personnel.

What are common challenges EMS directors face when managing emergency medical services teams?

EMS Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing limited resources with high service demand, ensuring staff are properly trained and equipped, and maintaining compliance with evolving regulations. They must also address staff burnout and foster effective communication across shifts and departments. Successful EMS Directors proactively develop protocols, provide ongoing training, and promote a positive workplace culture to meet these challenges and deliver high-quality emergency care.

What is the difference between Ems Director vs Ems Coordinator?

AspectEms DirectorEms Coordinator
CertificationsEMT-P, Paramedic, or EMS Management CertificationEMT-B or EMT-Paramedic
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple EMS teams, manages operations, and develops policiesCoordinates EMS responses, schedules, and patient care at the operational level
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, EMS agencies, and emergency services organizationsEMS agencies, hospitals, and emergency response teams

The Ems Director typically holds higher-level management responsibilities, overseeing entire EMS operations, while the Ems Coordinator focuses on coordinating daily EMS activities and logistics. Both roles require EMS certifications, but the Director's role involves strategic planning and leadership, whereas the Coordinator handles operational tasks.

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

The most popular types of Ems jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Ems Director jobs in Iowa?

For Ems Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Ems Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Ems Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Ems Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 73% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,425 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Executive Director - Emergency Services

UnityPoint Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership for Emergency Services, Nursing Operations, and assigned clinical/support departments

  • Lead departmental budgeting, resource allocation, operational planning, and performance management

  • Partner with physicians, clinical leaders, and service line stakeholders to advance organizational goals and strengthen care delivery


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 365 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
UnityPoint Health - Des Moines is seeking a dynamic and collaborative healthcare leader to serve as Executive Director, Emergency Services (ED & EMS). This executive leadership role provides strategic, operational, and clinical oversight across key patient care and support service areas spanning Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, and Methodist West Hospital.
Guided by the UnityPoint Health mission, vision, and values, the Executive Director is responsible for advancing operational excellence, quality and safety outcomes, employee engagement, patient experience, financial stewardship, and regulatory compliance across assigned service lines.
This leader will partner closely with physicians, nursing leaders, operational teams, and executive stakeholders to drive care coordination, strengthen organizational performance, and support innovation across a complex, multi-campus environment. The ideal candidate brings strong healthcare leadership experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a passion for developing high-performing teams and advancing exceptional patient care.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
As Executive Director, you will provide leadership and direction for designated service lines, partnering closely with physicians, operational leaders, and executive stakeholders to drive performance, quality, and strategic growth.
Key responsibilities include:
    • Provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership for Emergency Services, Nursing Operations, and assigned clinical/support departments
    • Lead departmental budgeting, resource allocation, operational planning, and performance management
    • Partner with physicians, clinical leaders, and service line stakeholders to advance organizational goals and strengthen care delivery
    • Develop and support high-performing leaders through coaching, mentorship, and succession planning
    • Align and standardize care delivery across multiple campuses while recognizing the unique needs of each patient population
    • Drive operational improvement initiatives using evidence, performance metrics, and outcomes data
    • Collaborate across service lines to enhance patient flow, care coordination, and organizational performance
    • Ensure compliance with specialty program standards and accreditation requirements, including Trauma, Stroke, Residency, and other regulatory distinctions
    • Foster a culture of safety, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
    • Support emergency preparedness and organizational response efforts as part of the hospital incident command structure

Qualifications
  • Master's degree required (MSN, MHA, MBA, or other healthcare, nursing, or business-related master's degree)
  • Minimum of 5 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience within a hospital, outpatient, or clinical environment, including responsibility for operational, financial, and people leadership
  • Demonstrated success improving operational, clinical, quality, and/or patient experience outcomes
  • Proven ability to lead leaders, develop high-performing teams, manage change, and build strong cross-functional partnerships
  • Strong communication, relationship-building, and executive leadership skills required
  • Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Iowa required (or ability to obtain prior to start date, if applicable)
  • Professional certification applicable to nursing or healthcare leadership preferred
  • Valid driver's license required if operating a vehicle for work-related responsibilities

What UnityPoint Health employees say

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995