Communications and Change Officer

Communications and Change Officer

Salary

$70,075.20 - $108,388.80 Annually

Location

Ankeny - 50021 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00767

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

09/14/2026

Closing Date

9/24/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Brooke Knudten at Brooke.Knudten@iowadot.us

To Apply

Please submit your cover letter (1 page or less), resume, and writing sample as outlined in the job description to Brooke Knudten at Brooke.Knudten@iowadot.us by September 24, 2026.

• Description
• Benefits

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Communications and Change Officer to join our leadership team!

The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the Iowa DOT is a high-visibility agency that serves millions of customers each year, supported by more than 300 employees and 600 county partners. With major modernization efforts underway and frequent policy changes shaping our work, MVD needs a dedicated leader to drive consistent, strategic communication across stakeholders, customers, and staff. This role centralizes critical marketing, digital, and internal communication functions to strengthen public trust and support MVD's goal of becoming a role model in government service nationwide. This role is pivotal in driving organizational change, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and ensuring consistent, transparent communication across internal and external audiences all while fulfilling the Iowa DOT's Mission of Making Lives Better Through Transportation.

As a direct partner to the MVD Director, this role will lead the division's communications strategy, oversee change management initiatives, and manage MVD's digital presence, concurrently demonstrating actions and behaviors guided by the five CORE values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

This position will have occasional in-state and out-of-state travel required.

In this high-visibility, fast-paced environment, this role will work with the MVD Director on:

Organizational Change Management

• Lead change management efforts using frameworks like ADKAR and Prosci.
• Develop and implement change management tools, templates, and training.
• Conduct stakeholder analyses and readiness assessments.
• Measure and report on change adoption and effectiveness.
• Serve as the OCM lead for the MVD360 modernization project.

Strategic Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and execute communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage high-impact stakeholders as part of major change and policy initiatives.
• Create messaging for legislative, regulatory, and modernization initiatives.
• Draft speeches, talking points, and executive communications for the MVD Director.
• Facilitate division-wide webinars and stakeholder engagement sessions.

Website, Marketing, and Publication Management

• Oversee MVD's web content and digital strategy.
• Coordinate with the Iowa DOT External Communications Team.
• Manage internal and external publications, press releases, and outreach campaigns.
• Maintain a comprehensive communications and events calendar.

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 the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed 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 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 the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

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

Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the EEO & ADA Officer at 515-689-1009 or via email at amy.weerheim@iowadot.us.

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

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.

As part of the application, please submit a real-world writing sample that demonstrates your ability to communicate a change, project, or initiative to a large group of individuals or an external stakeholder audience. Along with the sample, please provide a brief explanation of the following:

• Context (=100 words): What organization or team the communication was for, the goal or organizational outcome you were supporting, and who the intended audience/stakeholders were.
• Purpose (=50 words): What you hoped the communication would accomplish, both in the moment and more broadly, and what the ultimate desired outcome was.
• Process (=150 words): How you developed the communication (audience analysis, key messages, review/collaboration steps, drafting/editing/revision tools/software or process, approvals, and how you anticipated impact).

Please note, responses will be screened for AI assistance.

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 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.

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!

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/