Government Affairs Manager

Government Affairs Manager

Salary

$79,601.60 - $122,428.80 Annually

Location

Johnston - 50131 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03245

Agency

285 Iowa PBS

Opening Date

06/01/2026

Closing Date

6/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

humanresources@iowapbs.org

To Apply

Applicants are encouraged to attach a resume and cover letter to their completed NeoGov application

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

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.

Government Affairs Manager

Why Iowa PBS?

Iowa PBS is Iowas statewide public broadcasting network. Approximately 100 full and part-time employees work at Iowa PBS serving our audiences with local programs, broadcast services, and education and outreach initiatives that contribute to our mission. Our organization is made strong by highly-qualified, diverse and talented staff members who are vital to Iowa PBSs future. Working at Iowa PBS will provide you the opportunity for robust career development. We consider the employees at Iowa PBS to be our most valuable resource.

Position Overview

Iowa PBS seeks an experienced and strategic Government Affairs Manager to serve as the organization's lead advisor on governmental relations, legislative affairs, and public policy matters. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this Executive Officer 3 position provides leadership in monitoring, analyzing, and responding to legislative, regulatory, and governmental activities that affect Iowa PBS, public broadcasting, education, and communications policy.

The Government Affairs Manager serves as an Iowa PBS legislative liaison and works collaboratively with the Executive Director, leadership team, and staff across the organization to identify policy opportunities and risks, develop legislative strategies, coordinate governmental reporting and communications, and advance the organization's mission to educate, inform, enrich, and inspire Iowans.

The Government Affairs Manager contributes to strategic planning efforts, provides executive-level policy analysis and recommendations, and helps ensure Iowa PBS remains a trusted and effective public service organization serving communities across the state.

Key Responsibilities

Government Relations and Legislative Affairs

• Serve as an Iowa PBS legislative liaison, coordinating with and advising the Executive Director on legislative, governmental, and public policy matters affecting the organization.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with legislators, congressional staff, government officials, and external stakeholders.
• Represent Iowa PBS before legislative committees, government agencies, and other governmental bodies on behalf of the organization.
• Coordinate Iowa PBS engagement with Iowa's federal congressional delegation on issues affecting public broadcasting, education, telecommunications policy, and federal funding priorities.
• Develop and implement strategies that advance Iowa PBS's legislative, regulatory, and public policy objectives.

Policy Analysis and Executive Advising

• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and governmental developments and coordinate organizational review of issues that may affect Iowa PBS operations, funding, services, and strategic priorities.
• Advise the Executive Director and leadership team on emerging policy issues and recommend organizational responses and strategies.
• Collaborate with the Business Office and other divisions to evaluate fiscal, operational, and programmatic impacts of proposed legislation and policy initiatives.
• Participate in organizational strategic planning and leadership initiatives and help position Iowa PBS to effectively respond to emerging legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments.

Reporting, Compliance, and Organizational Communications

• Lead the coordination and submission of Iowa PBS state and federal governmental reporting responsibilities, ensuring the timely, accurate, and effective preparation of reports, filings, and official communications required by legislative, executive branch, regulatory, and oversight entities.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports, filings, compliance requirements, and related communications, working collaboratively with appropriate Iowa PBS divisions and subject matter experts.
• Develop executive briefings, policy analyses, testimony, and other materials that support decision-making and communicate Iowa PBS's public service impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a legislative liaison or leading governmental affairs, government relations, public policy, or intergovernmental relations activities for a public, nonprofit, educational, media, or governmental organization.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze legislation, regulatory actions, and public policy issues and develop strategic recommendations for organizational leadership.
• Experience coordinating governmental reporting, regulatory compliance activities, and official communications with state, federal, or oversight agencies, including preparation of reports, filings, testimony, or briefing materials.
• Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with legislators, congressional staff, government officials, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional initiatives, build consensus, and develop organizational responses to legislative, regulatory, or policy issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive briefings, policy analyses, reports, testimony, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with public broadcasting, education policy, telecommunications policy, governmental reporting requirements, or Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations is beneficial.

Benefits:

As a full-time employee, youll receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) participation

• Retirement Investors Club (RIC)

• Health, Dental, Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Vacation, Sick Leave & 9 Paid Holidays

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Opportunities for professional and career development

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.

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.

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 five years of full-time professional-level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management.

2) A total of nine 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. Three 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 2 or two years 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!

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

Have you graduated from a four-year college or university? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time professional-level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management?

• Not applicable
• No experience in the identified areas
• Less than one year experience in the identified areas
• One year to less than three years of experience in the identified areas
• Three years to less than five years of experience in the identified areas
• Five or more years of experience in the identified areas

04

How many years do you have of COMBINED full-time work experience (described in Number One) AND/OR undergraduate college education? 30 semester hours of undergraduate education equals one year of experience.

• No education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Less than three years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Three years to less than six years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Six years to less than nine years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Nine years or more of education and/or experience in the identified areas

05

Have you graduated from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program? IF YES - How many years do you have of COMBINED full-time work experience (described in Number One) AND/OR undergraduate college education? 30 semester hours of undergraduate education equals one year of experience.

• Not Applicable - I have not graduated from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program
• No education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Less than three years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Three years to less than six years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Six years to less than eight years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Eight years or more of education and/or experience in the identified areas

06

How many years do you have of combined GRADUATE level (post bachelors degree) course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, law, education, engineering) AND/OR full-time professional-level work experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management? 24 semester hours equals one year of experience. Applicants can only count up to 48 semester hours (two years) of post graduate level course work and must have a minimum of three years of the required experience.

• No experience and/or post graduate level course work in the identified areas
• Three years to less than five years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Five years or more of education and/or experience in the identified areas

07

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch) how many months of full-time experience in the classification of Executive Officer 2 do you have?

• Not applicable
• 12 months or less in the classification of Executive Officer 2
• 12 months or more in the classification of Executive Officer 2

08

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch) how many years of full-time experience in the classification of Executive Officer 1 do you have?

• Not applicable
• Six Months but less than one year in the classification of Executive Officer 1
• One year but less than two years in the classification of Executive Officer 1
• Two years or more in the identified in the classification of Executive Officer 1

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 285 Iowa PBS Address 6450 Corporate Dr

PO Box 6450

Johnston, Iowa, 50131

Website http://www.iowapbs.org/