Aviation Program Manager - Executive Officer 2

Join our team as the Aviation Program Manager (Executive Officer 2) , where you'll oversee statewide aviation funding programs, support airport sponsors, and help guide the future of Iowa's aviation system. This role blends program administration, technical guidance, federal coordination, and community outreach to ensure safe, efficient, and well-planned development across the state. Key Responsibilities

• Manage and administer the State Aviation Program, including the State Airport Improvement Program, Vertical Infrastructure Programs, and other programs; ensuring effective use of state funding through strong airport development knowledge and project oversight.
• Provide technical and administrative support to airport sponsors from project concept through completion, ensuring eligibility, compliance with program rules, and adherence to grant assurances.
• Oversee project applications, commission approvals, program presentations, agreement preparation, voucher payments, and conduct on-site inspections as needed.
• Lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pre-application process, coordinating annual applications, reviewing capital improvement plans, and prioritizing projects consistent with the Aviation Team's strategic plan.
• Support statewide aviation planning initiatives, including updates to the Iowa Aviation System Plan, and coordinate additional federal grant opportunities.
• Serve as a technical resource on State and FAA airport issues, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) compliance, airport grant eligibility and applications, and represent the Aviation Team at meetings, conferences, and public events.

The Aviation Team:

As part of the Modal Transportation Bureau, we are a dedicated team of four, focused on Aviation for the State of Iowa. In this position you will get to collaborate with the Aviation Director, Aviation Program Specialist, Airport Inspector, upper-level management, and other bureaus to ensure aviation safety and success. This role is a key member of the Iowa DOT's Aviation Team and plays a vital role in supporting the aviation system throughout

Iowa Location:

Ames, IA•

Modal Transportation Bureau Shift:

Days, Monday through Friday. Flex available. Occasional overnight travel. Iowa DOT's Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To accomplish our Mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the Iowa DOT's five CORE values:

Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception Desired Abilities:

• Knowledge of aviation, aircraft, and Iowa's airport system to understanding issues and creating effective solutions
• Reading and interpreting law
• Effective leadership and management
• Works collaboratively with diverse group of people, motivated to deliver results
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Displays high standards of ethical conduct
• Providing customer service that is accurate, professional, courteous, and responsive
• Commits to providing a high-quality product and service as a self-starter

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license What we offer

YOU:

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. Health and dental insurance premiums can be found here. 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 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 the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website! You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa
• Apply today!

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 an 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 visit www.e-verify.gov . 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 four years of full-time professional-level work in program administration, program development, program operations , or management. 2) A total of eight years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience. 3) All of the following (a, b, and c): a. Two years of full-time professional-level work experience in program administration, program development, program operations , or management; 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 a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, 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. 4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as an Executive Officer 1 or comparable specific management-level position. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description .