Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Salary

$73,673.60 - $113,464.00 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50315 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00824

Agency

269 Iowa Economic Development Authority

Opening Date

09/18/2026

Closing Date

9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

bethany.sawatzky@iowafinance.com

To Apply

Submit an application, resume, and cover letter at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Help shape Iowa's economic future. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), located in Des Moines, Iowa, is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Business Development Manager to join our Global Business team.

If you have experience in business development, economic development, financial or insurance services, and/or project management, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Iowa's economy.

About Us:

At the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), were dedicated to making Iowa the choice for people and businesses. We build powerful partnerships, leverage diverse resources, and drive economic and community vitality. From supporting startups and expanding enterprises to preserving the rich history and culture of rural communities, and aiding in disaster recovery, we create endless opportunities for Iowans to thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

In this role, you will develop and implement strategies to attract new businesses to Iowa, support the expansion and retention of existing companies, and position Iowa as a competitive destination for investment. You will also serve as IEDA's subject-matter expert for the financial and insurance services sector, building relationships with industry leaders and identifying opportunities for economic growth.

Drive Business Growth

• Attract, retain, and expand businesses in Iowa.
• Lead business recruitment and expansion projects.
• Promote Iowa's competitive advantages to business leaders and site selectors.

Lead Industry Strategy & Partnerships

• Serve as IEDA's subject-matter expert for the financial and insurance services industry.
• Build relationships with industry leaders, communities, and economic development partners.
• Represent Iowa at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.

Expand in Global Markets

• Analyze market trends and business opportunities to inform strategy.
• Provide insights and recommendations to agency leadership.
• Travel to and support domestic and international business development missions, trade shows, and promotional activities.

Ideal candidates have:

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn market information into actionable business development strategies.

• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.

• Experience managing complex projects with multiple internal and external stakeholders

• The ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout Iowa, domestically, and occasionally internationally

• Dedicated to 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.

To learn more about benefits available to State of Iowa employees visit the benefits web page.

The Business Development Manager position is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as an Economic Development Specialist 3 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer

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.

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.

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 research, planning, economics, public relations, business, corporate finance, journalism or marketing, and experience equal to four years of full-time work in interpreting laws, rules and regulations, and/or securing compliance with them; or compiling and evaluating statistical, historical, economic, business, financial, or technical related program data.

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 coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

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-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. 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.

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 to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

This position will be located at our Des Moines office location with the opportunity of occasionally work remotely. Relocation assistance will not be provided. Are you able to fulfill this requirement with or without a reasonable accommodation?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 269 Iowa Economic Development Authority Address 1963 Bell Ave

Suite 200

Des Moines, Iowa, 50315

Website iowaeda.com