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External Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Weitz

Marketing Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

The Marketing Director leads the execution of marketing, communications, and public relations ... Lead external communications and public relations, serving as the primary media contact ...

Manatt's

Director, Marketing

Ankeny, IA

Summary The Director of Marketing is responsible for leading the marketing, branding ... Enterprise marketing strategy Brand management Internal and external communications Enterprise ...

Manatt's

Director, Marketing

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Summary The Director of Marketing is responsible for leading the marketing, branding ... Enterprise marketing strategy Brand management Internal and external communications Enterprise ...

Legacy Healthcare

Maintenance Director

Lisbon, IA · On-site

As a Maintenance Director you are critical in maintaining all internal and external aspects of the facility and grounds. Your work will ensure our residents receive the high standard of care they ...

Lely North America

Director of Finance

Pella, IA

Lead and manage key external partnerships, including banking institutions, tax advisors, legal ... experience as a Director of Finance or in a similar leadership role. Master of Business ...

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External Director information

Does a director outrank a manager?

In most organizational structures, an External Director or simply Director typically holds a higher position than a Manager. Directors are responsible for overseeing multiple departments or strategic initiatives, while Managers focus on day-to-day operations within specific teams. The hierarchy can vary by company, but generally, Directors have broader authority and decision-making power than Managers.

How does an External Director typically collaborate with internal executives and board members to influence company strategy?

An External Director plays a crucial role in providing independent oversight and fresh perspectives to the company's board. They collaborate closely with internal executives and fellow board members through regular board meetings, committee assignments, and strategy sessions. By asking challenging questions and drawing on their outside experience, External Directors help guide strategic decisions and ensure governance best practices. This collaboration fosters a balanced approach to risk management and long-term planning, making open communication and strong relationship-building skills essential for success in the role.

What does a director of external relations do?

A director of external relations manages an organization's relationships with external stakeholders such as partners, government agencies, media, and the community. They develop communication strategies, represent the organization publicly, and often oversee public relations, advocacy, and partnership efforts to support organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an External Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an External Director, you need strong governance knowledge, strategic leadership, and business acumen, typically supported by executive experience and relevant board or industry qualifications. Familiarity with regulatory compliance systems, financial reporting tools, and governance frameworks such as the Corporate Governance Code is common. Excellent communication, independent judgment, and integrity are vital soft skills for providing objective oversight and building trust with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring effective board performance, ethical decision-making, and organizational success.

What is the difference between External Director vs Internal Director?

AspectExternal DirectorInternal Director
CredentialsMay require corporate governance experience, board certificationsOften has company-specific experience, internal knowledge
Work EnvironmentBoard meetings, strategic oversight, external perspectiveOperational management, internal decision-making
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporate boards across industriesCompany executives, internal management teams
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for governance roles, board compositionCompared for leadership, management roles

External Directors are members of a company's board who provide independent oversight and strategic guidance without being involved in daily operations. Internal Directors are typically company executives or managers involved in daily management. Both roles are essential for corporate governance but differ mainly in their level of internal involvement and independence.

What are External Directors?

External Directors, also known as independent directors, are members of a company's board who are not part of the company's executive team and do not have any significant relationship with the company that could affect their judgment. Their primary role is to provide unbiased oversight, contribute independent perspectives to board decisions, and protect the interests of shareholders. By being separate from daily management, External Directors help ensure that the company adheres to good governance practices and ethical standards.

What is the role of an external director?

An external director is a member of a company's board of directors who is independent of the company's management. Their role involves providing unbiased oversight, strategic guidance, and ensuring compliance with governance standards, often leveraging experience from other organizations. External directors typically participate in board meetings, review company performance, and help mitigate conflicts of interest.

How much does a director of external affairs make?

A director of external affairs typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the industry, company size, and location. The role often requires strong communication skills, strategic planning, and experience in public relations or government affairs.
What job categories do people searching External Director jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for External Director jobs in Iowa are:
External Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various External Director job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Director, Finance (External Reporting)

Aegon

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Family

Finance - General

About Us

At Transamerica, hard work, innovative thinking, and personal accountability are qualities we honor and reward. We understand the potential of leveraging the talents of a diverse workforce. We embrace an environment where employees enjoy a balance between their careers, families, communities, and personal interests.

Ultimately, we appreciate the uniqueness of a company where talented professionals work collaboratively in a positive environment - one focused on helping people look forward and plan for the best life possible while providing tools and solutions that make it easier to get there.

Who We Are

We believe everyone deserves to live their best life. More than a century ago, we were among the first financial services companies in America to serve everyday people from all walks of life.

Today, we're part of an international holding company, with millions of customers and thousands of employees worldwide. Our insurance, retirement, and investment solutions help people make the most of what's important to them.

We're empowered by a vast agent network covering North America, with diversity to match. Together with our nonprofit research institute and foundation, we tune in, step up, and are a force for good - for our customers and the communities where we live, work, and play. United in our purpose, we help people create the financial freedom to live life on their terms.

What We Do

Transamerica is organized into three distinct businesses. These include 1) World Financial Group, including Transamerica Financial Advisors, 2) Protection Solutions and Savings & Investments, comprised of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits, retirement plans, and Transamerica Investment Solutions, and 3) Financial Assets, which includes legacy blocks of long term care, universal life, and variable and fixed annuities. These are supported by Transamerica Corporate, which includes Finance, People and Places, General Counsel, Risk, Internal Audit, Strategy and Development, and Corporate Affairs, which covers Communications, Brand, and Government and Policy Affairs.

Transamerica employs nearly 7,000 people. It's part of Aegon, an integrated, diversified, international financial services group serving approximately 23.9 million customers worldwide.* For more information, visit transamerica.com.

Job Description Summary

Provide financial leadership, expertise, and functional oversight of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting process within the Finance organization. Ensure timely SEC filings meet reporting, accounting and control requirements. Serve as a key influence on the mission and vision of the department.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Lead the preparation, review and timely filing of SEC submissions, including Forms 10-K. 10-Q, 8-K,11-K, and other required filings. Manage the quarterly disclosure committee process, including issue identification and status updates.

  • Ensure filings are accurate, complete, and compliant with SEC Regulation S-K, S-X, and U.S. GAAP. Oversee the drafting, XBRL tagging, quality checks, and cross-functional coordination for the disclosure material. Oversee treatment of reporting errors and control deficiencies.

  • Responsible for department deliverables in area of expertise; provide guidance to team members. Provide leadership and oversight over Management Discussion & Analysis process, financial statement footnotes, non-GAAP disclosures, and executive summaries.

  • Provide leadership to the External Reporting team regarding resource prioritization, allocation of resources, and performance assessment of employees. Provide five direct reports with career development insights and build a strong team environment.

  • Serve as a point person for ad hoc requests from other departments.

  • Direct major change initiatives related to regulatory reporting (SEC), enhancement of reporting tools, and data elements; ensure quality of work and delivery within timelines/budget.

  • Serve as SOX process owner; understand processes and controls to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment of reporting processes with SOX compliance requirements. Strengthen disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting.

  • Partner closely, regarding SEC reporting issues, with Investor Relations, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams.

  • Develop strong relationships with external auditors and lead the resolution of issues identified by the external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, or equivalent experience

  • 12 years of accounting/finance experience including eight years of management experience

  • Extensive knowledge of assigned business area (e.g. SEC Reporting and U.S. GAAP)

  • Strong leadership and people management skills

  • Ability to effectively communicate, orally and in writing, to diverse audiences

  • Organizational and prioritization skills

  • Advanced computer skills in MS Office, Excel and financial business systems

Preferred Qualifications

  • CPA/advanced degree

  • 10+ years in SEC reporting, U.S. GAAP, and SOX compliance; experience with public company financial reporting in the United States.

  • Proficient in U.S. GAAP, WBRL, ERP systems, and reporting tools; strong analytical skills.

  • Proven ability to lead teams, drive process improvements, and manage regulatory change.

  • Proven ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

  • Experience working with Workiva and other financial reporting software.


Working Conditions

  • Hybrid (In Office: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

The Salary for this position generally ranges between$159,000 - $200,000 annually.Please note that the salary range is a good faith estimate for this position and actual starting pay is determined by several factors includingqualifications, experience, geography, work location designation (in-office, hybrid, remote) and operational needs. Salary may vary above and below the stated amounts, as permitted by applicable law.

Additionally, this position is typically eligible for an Annual Bonus based on the Company Bonus Plan/Individual Performance and is at the Company's discretion.

Disclaimer:
Beware of fake job offers!

We've been alerted to scammers impersonating Transamerica recruiters, particularly for remote positions. Please note:

  • We willneverrequest personal information such as ID or payment for equipment upfront.

  • Official offers are sent viaDocuSignfollowing a verbal offer-not through text or email.


This job description is not a contract of employment nor for any specific job responsibilities. The Company may change, add to, remove, or revoke the terms of this job description at its discretion. Managers may assign other duties and responsibilities as needed. In the event an employee or applicant requests or requires an accommodation to perform job functions, the applicable HR Business Partner should be contacted to evaluate the accommodation request.

What We Offer

For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both the personal and financial well-being of our employees.

Compensation Benefits

  • Competitive Pay

  • Bonus for Eligible Employees

Benefits Package

  • Pension Plan

  • 401k Match

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Disability Insurance

  • Medical Insurance

  • Dental Insurance

  • Vision Insurance

  • Employee Discounts

  • Career Training & Development Opportunities

Health and Work/Life Balance Benefits

  • Paid Time Off starting at 160 hours annually for employees in their first year of service.

  • Ten (10) paid holidays per year (typically mirroring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) holidays).

  • Be Well Company holistic wellness program, which includes Wellness Coaching and Reward Dollars

  • Parental Leave - fifteen (15) days of paid parental leave per calendar year to eligible employees with at least one year of service at the time of birth, placement of an adopted child, or placement of a foster care child.

  • Adoption Assistance

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Back-Up Care Program

  • PTO for Volunteer Hours

  • Employee Matching Gifts Program

  • Employee Resource Groups

  • Inclusion and Diversity Programs

  • Employee Recognition Program

  • Referral Bonus Programs

Inclusion & Diversity

We believe our commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a work environment filled with exceptional individuals. We're thrilled to have been recognized for our efforts through the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, Dave Thomas Adoption Friendly Advocate, and several Seramount lists, including the Inclusion Index, 100 Best Companies for Working Parents, Best Companies for Dads, and Top 75 Companies for Executive Women.

To foster a culture of inclusivity throughout our workforce, workplace, and marketplace, Transamerica offers a wide range of diversity and inclusion programs. This includes our company-sponsored, employee-driven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are formed around a shared interest or a common characteristic of diversity. ERGs are open to all employees. They provide a supportive environment to help us better appreciate our similarities and differences and understand how they benefit us all.

Giving Back

We believe our responsibilities extend beyond our corporate walls. That's why we created the Aegon Transamerica Foundation in 1994. Through a mix of financial grants and the volunteer efforts of our employees, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations focused on the things that matter most to our people in the communities where we live and work.

Transamerica's Parent Company

Aegon acquired the Transamerica business in 1999. Since its start in 1844, Aegon has grown into an international company serving more than 23.9 million people across the globe.* It offers investment, protection, and retirement solutions, always with a clear purpose: Helping people live their best lives. As a leading global investor and employer, the company seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues, with a focus on climate change and inclusion and diversity.

* As of December 31, 2023

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