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Program Operations Director Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Iowa State University

Program Specialist II

Ames, IA · On-site

Monitor project progress by communicating regularly with student team leaders and escalating concerns or resource needs to the program director. * Improve program operations by identifying ...

Integritymarketing

Programs Manager

Urbandale, IA

... direct leadership to a team of Workshop Coordinators. Beyond strategic oversight, the Programs ... program operations run seamlessly. The Programs Manager will develop a full understanding of all ...

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Program Operations Director information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$33.2K

$105.1K

$175.2K

How much do program operations director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for program operations director in Des Moines, IA is $105,088.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,700.00 and $132,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Program Operations Director do?

A Program Operations Director oversees the daily operations and strategic management of programs within an organization. They ensure that programs are executed efficiently, meet organizational goals, and comply with relevant regulations and standards. Their responsibilities often include coordinating between departments, managing budgets, supervising staff, and evaluating program effectiveness. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills to keep programs running smoothly and achieving desired outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Operations Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Operations Director, you need strong leadership abilities, program management experience, and a background in business administration or a related field. Proficiency with project management software, data analysis tools, and relevant certifications like PMP are often important. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help you motivate teams and navigate complex operational challenges. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring that programs run efficiently, achieve goals, and align with organizational strategy.

What are some common challenges a Program Operations Director faces in managing cross-functional teams?

A Program Operations Director often encounters challenges related to aligning priorities and communication across diverse departments such as finance, HR, and project management. Coordinating these groups requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills to ensure everyone is working towards shared objectives and deadlines. Additionally, adapting to shifting project scopes and managing resource constraints are frequent hurdles, making flexibility and problem-solving essential traits for success in this role.

What is the difference between Program Operations Director vs Program Manager?

AspectProgram Operations DirectorProgram Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple programs, strategic planning, and high-level operationsManages individual programs, project execution, and team coordination
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree, often a master’s, with experience in operations or managementUsually requires a bachelor’s degree, with project management experience
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level setting, strategic planning, cross-department collaborationProject teams, day-to-day program execution, stakeholder communication
Industry UsageCommon in nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors for overseeing multiple initiativesUsed across industries for managing specific projects within programs

The Program Operations Director focuses on strategic oversight and managing multiple programs at a high level, while the Program Manager handles the execution of individual programs. Both roles require relevant experience and credentials, but the Director operates at a broader, more strategic level.

What are popular job titles related to Program Operations Director jobs in Des Moines, IA? For Program Operations Director jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Operations Director jobs in Des Moines, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Program Operations Director jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
Program Operations Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Operations Director job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,088 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Program Specialist II

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Program Specialist II
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
Job Description:
The Iowa State Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is seeking a Program Specialist to support its CyBIZ Lab Student Consulting Program (Program Specialist II).
The Iowa State University CyBIZ Lab provides the opportunity for cross-functional teams of undergraduate and graduate students to work on business and organizational projects. Students gain hands-on experience working to solve real business problems, and companies and organizations receive potential solutions to business issues from a perspective outside the company.
CyBIZ Lab services are available to existing businesses and corporations, startups, university departments, and non-profit organizations. Consulting and startup projects are fee-based and priced according to complexity and timeframe.
The individual in this position will be a self-starter with business and industry project experience. The successful candidate will apply their business acumen to support the CyBIZ Lab program through student recruitment, working with and mentoring student teams, reviewing and editing student-created surveys and professional reports, analyzing data, and preparing students for executive-level board presentations. This individual will be comfortable in the business environment, speaking to industry leaders, interacting with clients, giving public presentations, networking with potential partners, and processing program metrics.
Examples of Duties
  • Support and mentor student consulting teams by providing project guidance, accountability, feedback, and resources throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Monitor project progress by communicating regularly with student team leaders and escalating concerns or resource needs to the program director.
  • Improve program operations by identifying opportunities to enhance student training, internal processes, and semester planning.
  • Prepare students for executive-level client presentations through coaching, mentoring, and review of professional reports and survey instruments.
  • Recruit, interview, evaluate, and onboard student consultants for multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Develop and deliver student training programs, workshops, and skill-building opportunities to enhance consulting competencies.
  • Coordinate student engagement initiatives, including case competitions and recruitment events.
  • Build and maintain relationships with businesses and community partners to generate consulting projects and expand the client pipeline.
  • Represent the program at business events, conferences, and university outreach activities to promote CyBIZ Lab and identify new partnership opportunities.
  • Assist with business development by scoping projects, managing client leads, and supporting sustainable program growth.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience preparing professional reports, project scope documents, marketing materials, and client-facing communications.
  • Experience analyzing complex business challenges and developing solutions across various industries, including education, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, software, retail, nonprofits, or startups.
  • Experience with project management, including overseeing multiple projects, managing timelines, and coordinating deliverables with multiple stakeholders.
  • Experience mentoring or guiding student teams, facilitating leadership experiences, reviewing and editing reports, and supporting student consulting projects from research through execution.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Qualtrics, market research databases, Workday, or similar business technology platforms; experience with CyBIZ Lab preferred.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS807
Original Posting Date:
July 24, 2026
Posting Close Date:
August 9, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19640
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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