1

Public Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Iowa Department of Revenue's Lottery Division is currently seeking a Public Service Manager 1 to serve as the External Relations Manager. The Lottery Division provides responsible entertainment ...

Public Policy Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$70.72 - $106.60/hr

Public Policy ManagerSkip to main content# Avera CareersPublic Policy Manager page is loaded## Public Policy ManagerApplylocations: Des Moines, IA: Spirit Lake, IA: Spencer, IA: Le Mars, IA: Sioux ...

New

Public Policy Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$70.72 - $106.60/hr

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 state and federal ...

New

Public Policy Manager

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

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

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 · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

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

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

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

$70.72 - $106.60/hr

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 state and federal ...

New

Public Policy Manager

Rock Rapids, IA · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

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

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 · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

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 · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

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

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

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Public Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$20K

$64.2K

$130.1K

How much do public manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for public manager in Iowa is $64,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,581.00 and $80,527.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public manager?

Public Managers are professionals who oversee operations and services within government agencies or public sector organizations. Their responsibilities include managing staff, developing policies, allocating budgets, and ensuring that public services are delivered efficiently and ethically. They often work to balance the needs of the community with available resources, and may handle projects related to health, education, transportation, or other public interests. Public Managers play a crucial role in implementing government programs and making sure agencies comply with laws and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public manager?

To thrive as a Public Manager, you need a background in public administration or a related field, strong leadership abilities, and experience with policy development and organizational management. Familiarity with government regulations, budgeting software, and performance management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively managing public resources, ensuring compliance, and delivering quality services to communities.

What are some common challenges faced by public managers when leading teams in government agencies?

Public Managers often navigate complex challenges, such as balancing limited resources with high public expectations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing diverse teams. They must also adapt to rapidly changing policy environments and maintain transparency and accountability to the public. Building effective communication channels and fostering collaboration across different departments are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and achieving organizational goals.

What is the difference between Public Manager vs Public Administrator?

AspectPublic ManagerPublic Administrator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Administration, Management, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Public Administration, Political Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, community organizationsGovernment agencies, public sector institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across local, state, and federal government, non-profitsPrimarily in government agencies and public sector roles
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Public Managers and Public Administrators often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments within government and non-profit sectors. While Public Managers focus on overseeing programs, teams, and operational strategies, Public Administrators tend to handle policy implementation, compliance, and administrative functions. Both roles are essential for effective public service delivery and are frequently compared by job seekers and employers in the public sector.

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

The most popular types of Public jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Public Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,237 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Public Service Manager 2 - Office Manager

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA

$99K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee daily administrative and operational functions of the office.

  • Supervise administrative staff and ensure workflow, policy adherence, and support for medicolegal operations.

  • Manage billing, assist with budget preparation, develop office policies, and support legislative and HR activities.


State Of Iowa rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

The Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner is seeking an Office Manager to oversee daily administrative and operational functions of the office. This position supervises administrative assistants, autopsy technicians, and morgue attendants while ensuring consistent workflow, adherence to policies, and high-quality support for medicolegal operations. The Office Manager manages billing for autopsy and testimony services, assists with budget preparation and office policy development, and provides administrative support for legislative proposals, constituent concerns, hiring processes, and HR matters.

The role also oversees compliance with State and HHS policies, manages subpoenaed record fulfillment, and coordinates accreditation activities with the National Association of Medical Examiners. Additional responsibilities include supporting IOSME-sponsored educational programs and managing the approval process for County Medical Examiner Investigators. 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. Click here to 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 federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov. All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa. Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: 1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to six years of full-time management-level work in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation

2) Ten years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation. 3) All of the following (a and b): a. Six years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and b.

A combination of 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. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education. 4) All of the following (a, b, and c): a.

Four years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and b. A combination of 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 combination of 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 a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience

Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education. 5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Public Service Manager 1 or comparable specific management-level position. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.


What State Of Iowa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


State of Iowa logo

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