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Program Planner Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Career Planner

Decorah, IA · On-site

$21.65 - $23.23/hr

Career Planner Reports to: Operations Manager Position Classification: Non-exempt Primary ... Implements prescribed program-related procedures and accurate case management. * Provides ongoing ...

Career Planner

Decorah, IA · On-site

$21.65 - $23.23/hr

Career Planner Reports to: Operations Manager Position Classification: Non-exempt Primary ... Implements prescribed program-related procedures and accurate case management. * Provides ongoing ...

Manage the implementation of program planning; monitor delivery of services and supports; ensure services are consistent, engaging, and relevant to the individuals served. * Must be available on-call ...

Integrate risk management and sound decision-making practices into all aspects of program planning and implementation. Minimum Qualifications * High school diploma or equivalent * Five years of ...

Maintain and continuously improve Preventive Maintenance (PM) programs and supporting documentation. * Lead planning activities for assigned shutdown and turnaround work scopes including development ...

Exercise Planner

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

Description Client Solution Architects (CSA) is currently seeking an Exercise Planner to support our program at Fort Dodge, Iowa. For nearly 50 years, CSA has delivered integrated technology and ...

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Program Planner information

See Iowa salary details

$36.6K

$79.3K

$154.5K

How much do program planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for program planner in Iowa is $79,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,100.00 and $94,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by program planners when coordinating multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Planners often manage several projects at once, which can present challenges such as balancing competing priorities, ensuring clear communication among diverse teams, and adapting to shifting deadlines. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential to keep projects on track and aligned with overall organizational goals. Additionally, Program Planners regularly collaborate with project managers, stakeholders, and team members, requiring a proactive approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution.

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

To thrive as a Program Planner, you need strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills, typically backed by a relevant degree such as business administration or project management. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, ERP systems, and certification such as PMP or CAPM is often required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and adaptability are essential soft skills for coordinating teams and managing shifting priorities. These skills are crucial for ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet organizational objectives.

What is a program planner?

A program planner’s job entails obtaining knowledge about the company’s overall goals and using that information to develop or manage specific programs or projects that further those goals. As a program planner, your duties are to provide support to various team members who carry out daily, weekly, or monthly tasks to streamline their workflows. To succeed in improving the quality and efficacy of programs, you provide support when it comes to operating budgets, overseeing the schedule for projects, and identifying areas for improvement. This job requires excellent communication, multitasking, and organizational skills. Qualifications for this career typically include a bachelor’s degree in business administration and prior experience in a relevant role.

What is the difference between Program Planner vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram PlannerProject Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in planning, management, or related field; certifications like PMP are commonUsually needs a bachelor's degree; certifications like CAPM can be beneficial
Work EnvironmentWorks in government agencies, non-profits, or large organizations focusing on long-term program developmentWorks across various industries managing specific projects within larger programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in public sector, healthcare, education, and large corporate programsCommon in construction, IT, marketing, and event planning

Program Planners focus on designing and managing comprehensive programs with multiple projects, emphasizing strategic planning and long-term goals. Project Coordinators handle specific projects, ensuring tasks are completed on time and within scope. While both roles require organizational skills and certifications like PMP or CAPM, Program Planners have a broader scope involving program-level oversight, whereas Project Coordinators focus on individual project execution.

What are popular job titles related to Program Planner jobs in Iowa? For Program Planner jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Planner jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Program Planner jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Planner jobs in IA? For Program Planner jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Program Planner job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,329 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Communications Program Specialist - Program Planner 3

State of Iowa

Windsor Heights, IA • On-site, Remote

$61K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list. Job Description Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is seeking an individual that is resourceful, detail oriented, organized, and contributes positively to the team. The successful candidate will serve the citizens of Iowa by working in statewide 911 Program, Alert Iowa Program, and on the Communications and Technology team.

The candidate will work with a variety of public and private partners. Must be able to work a minimum of 40 hours a week. Overtime may be required during times of disaster response and recovery operations.

Who We Are: The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management's Mission Statement is Enhancing the quality of life for Iowans by preparing our State and building resilient communities. The person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the HSEMD's four core values: MISSION ORIENTED - We are resolute in our service to Iowans INTEGRITY - We conduct ourselves with honesty and are transparent in our actions DISTINGUISHED - We are leaders in our field ONE TEAM - We collaborate, connect, and share The successful candidate for this complex position will be organized, motivated, and innovative in problem solving. The position reports to the Communications and Technology Bureau Chief, but also works closely with a variety of team members in the department to ensure program objectives are being met.

The position's primary work location is in Johnston, IA. Desired skills and abilities include: Possess a high degree of organizational skills Process driven and willing to learn Communication skills to include writing, speaking, listening and negotiating Effective time management skills Professional with a strong work ethic Reliable and self-discipline Resilient and agile What you will do You will be an integral member of the HSEM team working primarily in the statewide 911 and Alert Iowa Programs. This position will support the department's mission by: Provide program support to the statewide 911 Program.

Provide program support to the Alert Iowa Program (statewide emergency notification system). Provide assistance and guidance to our 911 and Alert Iowa partners. Maintain and create necessary planning and guidance documents.

Provide training to our partners. Test and support various communications technologies. Be available to staff a position during activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), during or outside of normal working hours.

Activation may be for a real event or exercise participation. This position will also perform other duties as assigned. What We Offer You: Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance.

Opportunities for professional growth and development. Paid time off effective immediately (biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year). Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match Retirement Investors Club (RIC) (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).

Optional 401A plan with employer contributions: The State makes match contributions into the employee's selection of investments in a 401(a)-employer match account. The match is $1 for every $1 contributed up to a $75 monthly maximum. Employee Discount Programs from variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

For additional information on benefits, please visit the Iowa Department of Administrative Services website at https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/employee-and-retiree-benefits. Travel: Some travel required. Working Hours: 7:00 a.m

- 3:30 p.m. or 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

or 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This position will require a presence in the office on a regular basis

There will be a potential option for some remote work once on-boarding and training have been completed, but this is not a full time remote work position. HSEM is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, consistent with applicable state and federal policies and regulations.

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 federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Selectives 204 Emergency Planning (State and Local): 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the entire emergency planning process from meeting and working with partners to developing and writing the plan to working back through an approval process with the partners. Knowledge of emergency management and the systems and processes employed in Response, Recovery, Mitigation and Preparedness are essential

AND 206 Homeland Security or Emergency Management Operations: 6 months experience in disaster operations which required knowledge of Homeland Security or Emergency Management activities related to terrorism or natural disaster response, recovery, protection (physical security), detection (intelligence), prevention (protective action recommendations), and deterrence (critical asset assessments). Experience would have also provided the ability to operationalize plans, guidebooks, and procedures in response to Homeland Security threats and natural disasters. OR 12 semester hours in the areas below or in a combination of the areas below: Law enforcement Health Emergency medical Fire Hazardous materials Military Emergency management Other related disciplines which focus on how to effectively manage resources (personnel and equipment), recommend an emergency response course of action, and protective action recommendations Looking for disaster operations field experience or knowledge dealing with multi-agency coordination of the Incident Command Structure.

AND 208 Financial: 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of the following areas: accounting, auditing, budgeting, economics, or finance. 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

3) Graduation from an accredited school of law. 4) 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 this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements Some positions in this class may require an applicant to have the ability to pass a background investigation.


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About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939