Systems & Project Management Director

Systems & Project Management Director

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Systems & Project Management Director

Salary

$112,985.60 - $160,680.00 Annually

Location

Ankeny - 50021 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-02318

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

02/27/2026

Closing Date

3/9/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Brooke Knudten - Brooke.Knudten@iowadot.us

To Apply

To apply for this position, send a resume, one-page cover letter including why this position appeals to you, and a work sample to Brooke Knudten at Brooke.Knudten@iowadot.us by March 9, 2026. Please put SPM Director in the subject line. Please submit a work sample (maximum two pages) that demonstrates your ability to evaluate competing priorities, assess risk and impact, and deliver clear, actionable recommendations. It may relate to project prioritization, vendor oversight, system implementation of a policy/legislative change, or portfolio decision-making. Your submission should reflect executive-level business analysis and governance, not technical system configuration. Confidential information may be removed or redacted.

• Description
• Benefits

Job Description

The Iowa DOT's Motor Vehicle Division is seeking an experienced, strategic, and business-focused leader to serve as theSystems & Project Management Bureau Director. This senior leadership role reports to the MVD Director and oversees a bureau of approximately 18 professionals responsible for business governance of the division's core operational systems, vendor partnerships, and project portfolio. While supporting the Iowa Department of Transportation's Mission ofMaking Lives Better Through Transportation, the person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by five CORE values:Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

This position serves as the business owner of MVD's mission-critical systems, responsible for the collection of over $1.5 billion in annual transportation revenue through conducting over 300,000 daily transactions, and supporting more than 15,000 authorized system users statewide.

Key ResponsibilitiesSystem Governance & Oversight

• Provide business oversight of MVD's core operational systems delivered through a long-term vendor partnership.
• Set system enhancement priorities to ensure statutory compliance, positive customer/employee experience, revenue integrity, and reliable service delivery.
• Oversee business-side testing, system issue triage, and production readiness processes.

Project Management & Portfolio Governance

• Lead division-wide project intake, prioritization, tracking, and reporting.
• Establishes and maintains standardized project management practices for all approved division projects.
• Evaluate competing initiatives using criteria such as compliance, risk, customer impact, and available resources.
• Provide clear recommendations on portfolio decisions and resource allocation.

Product & Vendor Management

• Serve as the business lead for MVD's primary system vendor and key product lines.
• Monitor vendor performance and contractual alignment.
• Plan for long-term sustainability of MVD products and services including alignment with emerging technology and national best practices.

Executive & Enterprise Collaboration

• Serve as MVD's primary business liaison with the Department of Management Division of IT.
• Communicate system priorities, portfolio decisions, and risks to leadership, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Serve as a member of the MVD leadership team, contributing to division-wide initiatives.

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start first of the month following 30 days of employment. 2025 health and dental insurance premiums can be foundhere (https://das.iowa.gov/media/4378/download?inline=) .
• 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
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).
• We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at theState of Iowa Employee Benefits Website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/employee-and-retiree-benefits/employees) !

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa ? Apply now!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at:aa-eeo@iowadot.us

Reasonable accommodation such as interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

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.

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department of Transportation. 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.

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 with a degree in any field, and experience equal to six and one-half years of full-time management-level work in finance, human resources, engineering, law, data processing, or program research or evaluation.

2) Ten and one-half years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, data processing, or program research or evaluation.

3) All of the following (a and b): a. Six and one-half years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, 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 and one-half years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, 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 two years of full-time work as a Public Service Manager 1.

For additional information, please click on thisJob Class Description - 04251 (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/TransportationDivisionDirector-04251.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!

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Address

800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website

https://iowadot.gov/careers/

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