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Outdoor Recreation Program Manager

Iowa Finance Authority
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Lead the growth of Iowa’s outdoor recreation economy and help communities turn natural assets into vibrant destinations. Join the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and help shape the future of Iowa’s outdoor recreation economy as our Outdoor Recreation Program Manager.

In this position, you will lead initiatives that expand and strengthen outdoor recreation across the state by supporting communities, building partnerships, and driving projects that enhance Iowa’s natural assets as a destination.


About Us
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is dedicated to making Iowa the choice for people and business by building partnerships, leveraging resources, and strengthening economic and community vitality. IEDA administers several state and federal programs focused on business and community development to reach its goals of assisting individuals, communities, and businesses. Whether it is an enterprise or start up, a rural community seeking to preserve its history and highlight its arts and culture, or a community recovering from a disaster, IEDA creates opportunities for Iowans to thrive.


About this Opportunity
The Outdoor Recreation Program Manager supports IEDA’s mission to make Iowa the choice for people and business by advancing Iowa’s outdoor recreation sector as a driver of economic development - helping communities grow, attracting visitors, and enhancing quality of life across the state.

This role is responsible for managing and supporting programs that connect outdoor recreation with economic development and tourism. Key responsibilities include:

  • Support marketing and promotion efforts by collaborating with the Iowa Tourism Office on campaigns, storytelling and content that highlights Iowa’s outdoor recreation assets and experiences.
  • Coordinate stakeholder engagement and collaboration, including organizing meetings, facilitating partner communication, and supporting cross-sector alignment among public, private and nonprofit partners.
  • Support integration of outdoor recreation into economic development initiatives by working across IEDA programs and community efforts to align recreation assets with tourism growth and quality of life initiatives.
  • Provide project support and technical assistance to communities and partners by sharing resources, offering guidance and helping track progress and compliance of outdoor recreation initiatives.
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with communities, state agencies, nonprofits, and industry stakeholders, including coordination with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and tourism partners

Ideal candidates possess:

  • Experience managing programs, grants, or community development initiatives.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing marketing content.
  • Experience and interest working with tourism, outdoor recreation, or economic development initiatives.
  • Dedication to uphold our core values:

Accountability in Action - We take pride in our work and results.

Innovate Together - We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration with our teams and partners.

Mission Driven - We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do.


New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit ThisIsIowa.com to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to outdoor adventures.

As an employee of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, you are a State of Iowa employee, and you are eligible to enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

 

  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
  • Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
  • Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
  • Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
  • Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
  • Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

 

The Outdoor Recreation Program Manager position is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as an Economic Development Specialist 2 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.