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Policy Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

$75K - $89K/yr

Aligned with Audubon's overall conservation goals and strategies and in coordination with the Policy Director of Everglades, this person will oversee the continued strategic and measurable ...

Internship - Accounting Policy

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Intern position reports to the Accounting Policy Director and can be performed remotely or in a hybrid capacity from our Topeka or Overland Park, Kansas offices. We built this internship to work ...

Public Policy Manager

Sioux Center, IA

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Brief Overview The Public Policy Manager provides strategic oversight and guides the policy and advocacy strategy to advance the mission of Avera. This role monitors, analyzes, and responds to ...

Public Policy Manager

Rock Rapids, IA · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Brief Overview The Public Policy Manager provides strategic oversight and guides the policy and advocacy strategy to advance the mission of Avera. This role monitors, analyzes, and responds to ...

Public Policy Manager

Sibley, IA · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Brief Overview The Public Policy Manager provides strategic oversight and guides the policy and advocacy strategy to advance the mission of Avera. This role monitors, analyzes, and responds to ...

Public Policy Manager

Rock Valley, IA · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Brief Overview The Public Policy Manager provides strategic oversight and guides the policy and advocacy strategy to advance the mission of Avera. This role monitors, analyzes, and responds to ...

Public Policy Manager

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Brief Overview The Public Policy Manager provides strategic oversight and guides the policy and advocacy strategy to advance the mission of Avera. This role monitors, analyzes, and responds to ...

Public Policy Manager

Spencer, IA

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Brief Overview The Public Policy Manager provides strategic oversight and guides the policy and advocacy strategy to advance the mission of Avera. This role monitors, analyzes, and responds to ...

Public Policy Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Brief Overview The Public Policy Manager provides strategic oversight and guides the policy and advocacy strategy to advance the mission of Avera. This role monitors, analyzes, and responds to ...

Public Policy Manager

Des Moines, IA

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Brief Overview The Public Policy Manager provides strategic oversight and guides the policy and advocacy strategy to advance the mission of Avera. This role monitors, analyzes, and responds to ...

Public Policy Manager

Le Mars, IA

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Brief Overview The Public Policy Manager provides strategic oversight and guides the policy and advocacy strategy to advance the mission of Avera. This role monitors, analyzes, and responds to ...

Public Policy Manager

Cresco, IA

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Brief Overview The Public Policy Manager provides strategic oversight and guides the policy and advocacy strategy to advance the mission of Avera. This role monitors, analyzes, and responds to ...

Public Policy Manager

Estherville, IA · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Brief Overview The Public Policy Manager provides strategic oversight and guides the policy and advocacy strategy to advance the mission of Avera. This role monitors, analyzes, and responds to ...

CWMD Strategy & Policy Analyst

Peterson, IA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CWMD Strategy & Policy Analyst The Opportunity: As a defense mission professional, you ask questions others don't. You understand the nuances of complex environments, and you leverage your skills to ...

Privacy policy

Malcom, IA · On-site

  • Retirement

Promote operational discipline, ensuring departmental procedures are accurate and followed and that all direct reports have completed all necessary training and possess qualifications to perform the ...

S. The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with ... Property Tax policy experience is required, and multi-state property tax experience is strongly ...

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Showing results 1-20

Policy Director information

See Iowa salary details

$49.6K

$79.7K

$114.6K

How much do policy director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy director in Iowa is $79,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,054.00 and $97,361.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by policy directors when building consensus among stakeholders?

Policy Directors frequently encounter the challenge of balancing diverse perspectives from internal teams, external partners, and government entities. Building consensus often requires strong negotiation skills, the ability to communicate complex information clearly, and patience in navigating differing priorities or political interests. Successful Policy Directors develop collaborative relationships, facilitate open dialogue, and employ data-driven arguments to align stakeholders toward shared objectives while managing potential conflicts.

What is the difference between Policy Director vs Policy Manager?

AspectPolicy DirectorPolicy Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall policy strategy, leads policy teams, and interacts with executive leadershipDevelops, implements, and manages specific policy initiatives under strategic guidance
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in public policy, political science, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's degree, experience in policy development, and project management skills
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in corporate or government settingsOperational, detail-oriented, often in government agencies or advocacy organizations

The Policy Director typically holds a higher-level, strategic role overseeing policy initiatives and teams, while the Policy Manager focuses on executing specific policies within a broader strategy. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience, but the Policy Director's scope is broader and more leadership-oriented.

What is a policy director?

Policy Directors are senior professionals who oversee the development, analysis, and advocacy of organizational or governmental policies. They work to shape legislative and regulatory agendas, often leading teams that research issues, draft policy proposals, and engage stakeholders. Policy Directors serve as key advisors to leadership, ensuring that policies align with organizational goals and public interests. Their role often involves collaboration with government officials, advocacy groups, and the public to influence decision-making. They also monitor policy impacts and recommend adjustments as needed.

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

To thrive as a Policy Director, you generally need expertise in policy analysis, legislative processes, and strategic planning, often backed by an advanced degree in public policy, law, or a related field. Familiarity with policy research tools, legislative tracking software, and data analysis systems is typical, along with knowledge of relevant regulations. Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help you build coalitions, advocate effectively, and lead teams. These skills are crucial for shaping impactful policies, influencing decision-makers, and driving organizational goals in complex political environments.

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

The most popular types of Policy jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Policy Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Policy Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Policy Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,685 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Policy Specialist, Everglades

National Audubon Society

On-site, Remote

$75K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

About Audubon
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
Position Summary:
The National Audubon Society has identified the Everglades as a national conservation priority and a centerpiece of Audubon's hemispheric water strategy. The Greater Everglades Ecosystem supports 70 threatened and endangered species and is home to more than 8 million people. Everglades restoration is the world's largest ecosystem restoration program and ensuring effective implementation of this program is one of our key priorities. Restoration is complemented by efforts to reducing nutrient pollution and other threats to the Everglades through science-based water policy initiatives.
Aligned with Audubon's overall conservation goals and strategies and in coordination with the Policy Director of Everglades, this person will oversee the continued strategic and measurable implementation of conservation goals in the Greater Everglades that results in the organization's increased capacity to protect priority birds and their habitats.
This position is remote in Southeast Florida, and the successful candidate must live in Martin, Palm Beach, Broward or Miami-Dade counties. Remote work within the United States may be considered only for employees not within commuting distance (40 miles or less) of an Audubon office, in accordance with Audubon's "Where We Work" Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employees' choosing.
If the successful candidate lives within 40 miles of our Miami office, they will be hybrid and if they are outside of the 40 miles but in those counties, they will be remote.
Compensation:
$75,526 - $89,000 / year
Additional Job Description
Essential Functions
  • Play an essential role in advancing Audubon's Everglades policy goals and objectives by researching, analyzing, and providing guidance on Everglades issues.
  • Advise the Senior Policy Manager, Everglades on potential State and Federal legislative and administrative priorities, opportunities and risks.
  • Research and analyze existing water and agricultural Florida Statutes, rules, and regulations, and advise potential improvements that result in implementing Audubon's Everglades policy goals.
  • Prepare high quality analysis on restoration project Environmental Impact Statements and other on restoration programs related to the Everglades.
  • Draft fact sheets, comment letters, testimony, and other materials necessary to support Audubon's Everglades policy goals and priorities.
  • Lead in developing and implementing advocacy strategies for the Everglades.
  • Develop working relationships with leadership and key staff at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and South Florida Water Management District in order to communicate Audubon's Everglades priorities and influence policy outcomes.
  • Coordinate with Audubon's science team members across the Everglades.
  • Identify and recruit strategic allies to help spread Audubon's key Everglades policy goals.
  • Represent Audubon at Everglades-related public meetings and issued-based coalitions; monitor developments and contribute to coalition-based legislative positions that support Audubon's key policy priorities.
  • Maintain and foster culture of safety.
  • Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in policy, political science, biology or related field required.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience with a policy-oriented nonprofit organization, or with a relevant government agency working on water management, environmental regulations, or similar is required. An equivalent combination of education and work experience will also be considered.
  • Knowledge of Florida water statutes, rules, and regulations.
  • Excellent policy analysis and research skills.
  • Excellent communications skills with ability to write clearly and command of public speaking; must be comfortable representing Audubon's interests with a variety of stakeholders, including decision-makers at multiple agencies, NGO partners, and lay audiences.
  • Experience working with agencies such as the South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection preferred
  • Self-starter and results-oriented with a demonstrated ability to work independently and in coordination with multiple team players.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications required, familiarity with social media tools a plus.
  • Able to travel and attend occasional external functions occurring on weekends and evenings.
  • A valid driver's license.
  • Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
  • Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

This position will require tracking of lobbying time and ongoing compliance with all applicable federal, state, and organizational lobbying and ethics requirements. The position may require registration as a lobbyist. The selected candidate must be willing and able to complete any required registrations and adhere to all related reporting and conduct standards.
National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies:
Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving.
Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.
Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.
Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.
Accessibility Statement
The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.