Program Operations Director Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Death Registration Program Coordinator

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Death Registration Program Coordinator

Salary

$61,755.20 - $94,036.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00276

Agency

400 Health & Human Services - Public Health

Opening Date

07/30/2026

Closing Date

8/9/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Nichols, Sam [HHS] - sam.nichols@hhs.iowa.gov

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Public Health, Bureau of Health Statistics, is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, team player to join our team as a Death Registration Program Coordinator!

In this role, you will primarily focus on supporting Iowa’s vital records system by providing statewide administrative oversight of the death registration program. The Death Registration Program Coordinator, under the direction of the Issuance and Registration Section Supervisor, will collaborate with funeral directors, medical examiners, physicians, and other external partners to ensure the accurate and timely registration of death records in the Iowa Vital Events System (IVES).

About the Role

We’re looking for candidates who are collaborative and have top-tier verbal communication skills and the ability to comprehend and digest technical and complex written material, including state and federal regulations.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and enforce death registration regulations while supporting medical examiners, physicians, funeral directors, and other stakeholders involved in electronic death registration.

• Coordinate the development, implementation, and enforcement of policies and procedures related to the Iowa Vital Events System (IVES), ensuring compliance with Iowa Code and maintaining high data quality standards.

• Develop and implement processes to monitor and improve timeliness and accuracy in death registration.

• Provide training and ongoing support to more than 12,000 stakeholders statewide.

• Review and resolve escalated death registration quality assurance issues. Make independent decisions using established laws, rules, and procedures, and collaborate with clerical staff and supervisors on issues requiring higher-level intervention.

• Coordinate sole source agreements and contracts with the Iowa Donor Network to support the Anatomical Gift Transplantation Fund and Iowa Donor Registry.

• Work closely with the IVES development team to address system functionality issues, implement resolutions, and communicate updates or program changes to stakeholders.

Who Thrives Here:

Ideal Candidates often share these qualities:

• You enjoy interpreting rules and regulations and understanding how they relate to program operations.

• You’re comfortable talking with everyone from front-line staff to leadership.

• You value fairness, consistency, and clear communication.

• You have demonstrated the ability to make independent decisions within established policy frameworks.

• You’re organized, steady under pressure, and great at follow-through.

• You possess excellent communication skills and have experience developing and delivering in-person training to large groups of professionals.

• You have experience with compliance monitoring, data evaluation, or oversight of statewide programming.

  Why This Work Matters:

Every audit, training, and piece of technical assistance you provide has a direct impact on the quality of death data collection in our state. You’ll be part of a team that values learning, collaboration, and doing meaningful work that improves the lives of Iowans.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!

• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).

• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.

• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.

• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here (https://das.iowa.gov/media/5266/download?inline) .

Click hereto see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Seven years of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility).

2. All of the following (a, b, and c):

a. One year of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility); and

b. A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and

c. A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

1. Graduation from an accredited school of law.

2. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes nine months of full-time work as a Program Planner 2 or twenty-seven months of full-time work as a Program Planner 1.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class_and_pay/JobClassDescriptions/ProgramPlanner3-04023-94023.pdf) .

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.

• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

How many years do you have of full-time work experience performing the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility)?

• No experience

• Less than seven years' in the specified areas

• Seven years' or more in the specified areas

04

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee

• I do not have any experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa

• Less than 24 months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa

• 24 to less than 27 months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa

• 27 months or more of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa

05

Have you graduated from an accredited school of law?

• Yes

• No

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee

• I do not have any experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa

• Less than six months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa

• Six months to less than nine months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa