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Planning Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Athene is seeking a strategic and collaborative FP&A Director to lead statutory financial forecasting, legal entity planning, capital planning support, and tax forecasting coordination. This leader ...

Athene is seeking a strategic and collaborative FP&A Director to lead statutory financial forecasting, legal entity planning, capital planning support, and tax forecasting coordination. This leader ...

Director, Financial Planning and Analysis (Fpa) We are driven to do more. More for our customers and the financial professionals who offer our products. If you are driven to do more and love the ...

Director, Actuarial FP&A

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

Summary As a key member of Transamerica's Financial Planning and Analysis team, this role involves assessing regulatory capital impacts related to the addition of new asset classes, as well as ...

Summary As a key member of Transamerica's Financial Planning and Analysis team, this role involves assessing regulatory capital impacts related to the addition of new asset classes, as well as ...

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Showing results 1-20

Planning Director information

See Iowa salary details

$59.2K

$107.2K

$177.1K

How much do planning director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for planning director in Iowa is $107,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a planning director do?

A Planning Director oversees the development and implementation of plans and policies related to land use, urban development, and community growth. They manage planning departments, coordinate with government officials, developers, and the public, and guide comprehensive planning efforts. Additionally, they ensure that development projects comply with zoning laws and environmental regulations, and often lead public meetings to gather community input. Their role is essential in shaping the way cities and communities evolve over time.

How does a planning director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Planning Director, you will work closely with departments such as design, engineering, marketing, and finance to ensure projects align with both strategic goals and operational constraints. Regular meetings, clear communication, and strong leadership are essential, as you will often mediate between competing priorities and facilitate consensus. Building strong relationships and understanding each team's needs allows you to create realistic timelines and allocate resources effectively, which is critical for delivering successful outcomes. This collaborative environment also offers opportunities to mentor team members and influence organizational strategy.

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

To thrive as a Planning Director, you need extensive experience in urban or regional planning, a relevant degree (such as urban planning or public administration), and often AICP certification. Proficiency with GIS software, data analysis tools, and project management systems is typically required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and strategic communication skills help you manage teams and engage diverse stakeholders effectively. These competencies are crucial to successfully guide complex planning initiatives and ensure sustainable, community-focused development.

What is the difference between Planning Director vs Urban Planner?

AspectPlanning DirectorUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related field; often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related field; entry to mid-level roles
Work EnvironmentSenior management in government agencies, consulting firms, or large organizations overseeing planning projectsPublic agencies, private firms, or non-profits involved in community development and land use
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government, consulting, and large organizations for strategic planning leadershipCommon in municipal, regional, and private sector planning projects

The Planning Director typically holds a leadership role overseeing planning initiatives and teams, requiring extensive experience and advanced credentials. Urban Planners focus on developing and analyzing land use plans, often at a more operational level. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, the Planning Director's role is more strategic and managerial.

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

The most popular types of Planning jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Planning Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Planning Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Planning Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,176 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Director, Strategic Business Planning

Transamerica

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Family
Corporate Development, Strategy and Sustainability
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
Provides overall business and strategic guidance in alignment with company-wide objectives.
Job Description
Responsibilities
  • Champion organizational change and promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and customer service excellence.
  • Coordinate strategic business initiatives across functional groups and teams.
  • Facilitate the project portfolio management process in partnership with the PMO and IT teams, including project prioritization, business case development, resource planning and benefits realization analysis.
  • Manage interdependencies and common critical path milestones across initiatives, facilitating risk management, issue escalation/resolution, scope change and implementation planning.
  • Manage dashboard of strategic initiatives and process improvements.
  • Continually seek program process improvements.
  • Define and direct formal communication methods and establish open and consistent communication with all levels within the organization. Provide portfolio reporting and facilitate inter-program communication.
  • Provide direction and define, catalog and implement program management methodologies, tools and governance.
  • Direct and oversee activities of process improvement initiatives within the program; hold teams accountable for meeting goals and objectives.
  • Direct problem resolution, decision making, communications and other associated activities during all phases of large and complex projects using a pro-active and constructive approach.
  • Drive and manage project intake, prioritization, discovery, demand capacity modeling, budget and benefits realization

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a business related field or equivalent experience.
  • Ten years of strategic planning experience, including five years managing complex multisystem and/or multiple department projects.
  • Experience utilizing interviewing/negotiation skills; coordinating and facilitating small and large group meetings; utilizing planning/organization skills and techniques; managing multiple priorities and project staff; and utilizing analysis and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to communicate with all levels of the organization to guide in strategic planning fundamentals and plan execution.
  • Proficiency using MS Office and project development/management tools.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Expert level skills relating to project management theory, tools and practice.
  • Change management experience.

Working Conditions
  • Hybrid office environment (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
  • Locations: Denver, Cedar Rapids, Philadelphia, Baltimore
  • Travel to attend strategic planning sessions.
  • 10% Travel

The Salary for this position generally ranges between $130,000.00 - 145,000.00 annually. Please note that the salary range is a good faith estimate for this position and actual starting pay is determined by several factors including qualifications, 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.
Applicants must possess legal authorization to work for our company in the U.S. without the need for immigration, sponsorship or otherwise serving as an employer of record for immigration employment purposes. At this time, this role is not eligible for immigration-related employment authorization sponsorship.
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