Grants & Finance Manager (Program Planner 3)

Grants & Finance Manager (Program Planner 3)

Salary

$60,548.80 - $92,185.60 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03107

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Opening Date

05/26/2026

Closing Date

6/9/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Susie Sher (sher@dps.state.ia.us)

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

This is not a remote position.

The Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) seeks to fill a vacant Program Planner 3 position.

Organization Background

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.

DPS is comprised of the following divisions:

• Iowa State Patrol
• Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
• Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
• Iowa State Fire Marshal
• Division of Professional Development and Support Services
• Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center
• Administrative Services Division

Job Description

The Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) seeks to fill a vacant Program Planner 3 position. This position will serve as one of two federal grants program administrators. As the Governor-appointed State Administering Agency (SAA) for federal criminal justice-related grants, DPS is responsible for securing and managing federal criminal justice funding. As a subject matter expert in federal grants administration processes, this position will develop, implement, administer, and evaluate all aspects of a department-wide federal grants program and serve as ODCPs financial manager.

The key responsibilities of this position include:

• Implementing all facets of the federal grant process including strategic planning and collaboration, mining for grants, writing and editing, implementation, administration, and evaluation.
• Ensuring financial integrity and programmatic efficacy while confirming with laws, rules and regulations set forth in 2 CFR Part 200, OMB cost principles, FMCSA policies, state procurement, and state accounting policies.
• Facilitating annual pass-through grant application processes, reviewing, scoring, and administering sub-grants.
• Providing technical assistance, guidance, and support to DPS staff, other state and local agencies, and funded programs.
• Completing Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting.

Financial Management and Claim Payments:

• Facilitates bill and claim payments.
• Prepares and requests draw-downs of federal grant funds.
• Manages financial activity of DPS grant recipients in electronic grants management system (IowaGrants.gov).
• Assists with desk reviews, audits and site visits.
• Submits quarterly, annual and other financial reports regarding federal grants.
• Monitors and reconciles state financial systems and federal grants management systems.
• Manages time tracking, administrative costs, indirect cost calculations, and administration.

Other Duties

• Assists in developing/updating ODCP policies and staff procedures.
• Develops DPS federal grant management policies and procedures.
• Some training and travel required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application.
• Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered.
• Some travel within the State of Iowa is required.
• This is not a remote position.
• The State of Iowa is an E-Verify Employer.

Benefits

At the State of Iowa, we value our employees' talents and backgrounds, and we are committed to your well-being beyond the paycheck. As a valued team member, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Paid Time Off:

• Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis
• Unlimited sick leave accrual
• Nine (9) paid holidays per year

Insurance Options:

• Health - Affordable plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums
• Dental - Dental - Free for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program
• Life - $20,000 in life insurance free, with an option to purchase additional coverage (depending upon Collective Bargaining Agreements)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance - Available at no cost

Retirement:

• IPERS Retirement package offering a lifetime monthly financial benefit for vested employees. For every $1 an employee contributes, the state matches with $1.50
• Retirement Investors' Club (RIC) offering a voluntary savings program including a State match of up to $75/month

Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care

Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage: Benefits at a Glance | Iowa Department of Administrative Service

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Seven years of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility).

2) All of the following (a, b, and c):

a. One year of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility); 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 any field equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Graduation from an accredited school of law.

4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes nine months of full-time work as a Program Planner 2 or twenty-seven months of full-time work as a Program Planner 1.

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 information provided on your application and resume must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your knowledge?

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

How many years do you have of full-time work experience performing the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility)?

• No experience
• Less than seven years in the specified areas
• Seven years or more in the specified areas

04

Do you have ALL of the following: A) One year of full-time work experience in the administration or operation/execution (i.e., providing consultation and/or technical assistance to stakeholders, research and analysis, or enforcement of program guidelines/policies/procedures) of a program (i.e., the provision of a service or an administrative oversight/enforcement responsibility); AND B) A total of four years of post high school/college education and full-time experience (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 (experience as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience? *The experience used to count for A, B and C must be separate and unique experience. The same experience CANNOT be counted for A, B and C.

• Yes
• No

05

Have you graduated from an accredited school of law?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa
• Less than six months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa
• Six months to less than nine months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa
• Nine months or more of experience in the classification of Program Planner 2 for the State of Iowa

07

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa
• Less than 24 months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa
• 24 to less than 27 months of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa
• 27 months or more of experience in the classification of Program Planner 1 for the State of Iowa

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 595 Iowa Department of Public Safety Address 215 E 7th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://dps.iowa.gov/