Program Planner 3 (Procurement & Application Specialist)

Program Planner 3 (Procurement & Application Specialist)

Salary

$61,755.20 - $94,036.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00736

Agency

282 Iowa Department of Education

Opening Date

09/10/2026

Closing Date

9/24/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

idoe.hr@iowa.gov

To Apply

To ensure full consideration for this position, all requested materials must be completed and uploaded through the NEOGov online application process.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Iowa Department of Education's mission is ensuring all students experience a world-class education. To accomplish our mission, we need talented, passionate people working together to build an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential.

The Program Planner 3 (Procurement & Application Specialist) will be an integral member of the Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services, providing technical assistance, monitoring and support to operators of the USDA Child Nutrition Programs.

Your Responsibilities:

• Perform statewide monitoring of organizations participating in the USDA Child Nutrition Programs to ensure compliance with federal regulations including procurement, resource management and general administration. Draft and complete reports of programmatic monitoring results, including recommendations for corrective action. Review and approve organization corrective action responses.
• Serve as the application coordinator for the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Track, review and approve submitted documents to advance organizations through the pre-approval process. Ensure organization application documents meet all federal requirements. Review and approval annual program applications.
• Assist with organizational administration of all Child Nutrition Programs.
• Gather and analyze supporting data from spreadsheets, surveys and other data sources.
• Develop and update procedures, forms and flow charts.

Candidates are encouraged to include detailed information about their relevant experience in their application, or submit a cover letter and resume in addition to their application.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to keep multiple projects moving forward at the same time and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work in an environment where the individual may be receiving guidance and direction from multiple individuals.
• Experience being detail-oriented with ability to apply established procedures and requirements into practice with speed and accuracy.
• Willing to travel and willingness to remain out of home location overnight on occasion as the job requires (primarily in-state travel).
• Proficiency with office software applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, and ability to learn other custom software applications including web-based systems.
• Experience in government regulation implementation.
• Ability to convey required corrective action while maintaining a positive working relationship.
• Experience working with USDA Child Nutrition Programs preferred.

If you wish to review a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire, please contact idoe.hr@iowa.gov.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday; some nights and weekends, occasional in-state and out-of-state travel

A successful candidate will bring or have the ability and desire to learn:

• Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public service
• Strong technical skills
• Strategic and analytical mindset
• Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines while leading teams as a non-traditional leader (no supervisory authority)
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators
• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical or regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner
• Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities
• Collaborative, positive work environment
• Talented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and grow
• Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country
• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors
• Competitive salary and benefits package:

https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/employment/Benefits_Beyond_the_Paycheck.pdf

(Download PDF reader)

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 visit www.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) 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 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

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 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

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 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

08

Which best describes your education and experience? (If multiple responses apply for you, please choose the one option that best describes your experience)

• Bachelor's Degree (or higher) OR 4+ years of work experience with a major/emphasis in a Human Services related field (e.g., social work, counseling, public administration, human resources, communications, criminal justice, paralegal)
• Associate's Degree OR 2 to less than 4 years of work experience with a major/emphasis in a Human Services related field (e.g., social work, counseling, public administration, human resources, communications, criminal justice, paralegal)
• Less than 2 years of work experience with a major/emphasis in a Human Services related field (e.g., social work, counseling, public administration, human resources, communications, criminal justice, paralegal)
• NA

09

How many years of full-time work experience do you have communicating with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs?

• Five or more years
• Four to less than five years
• Three to less than four years
• Two to less than three years
• One year to less than two years
• Less than one year
• NA

10

How many years of full-time work experience do you have in determining eligibility, need and benefits (or similar experience) for a client?

• Five or more years
• Four to less than five years
• Three to less than four years
• Two to less than three years
• One to less than two years
• Less than one year
• NA

11

How many years of full-time work experience do you have utilizing independent judgement to make correct decisions based on information received?

• Five or more years
• Four to less than five years
• Three to less than four years
• Two to less than three years
• One to less than two years
• Less than one year
• NA

12

How many years of full-time work experience do you have interpreting information received and determining whether it meets criteria found in various policies or regulations?

• Five or more years
• Four to less than five years
• Three to less than four years
• Two to less than three years
• One to less than two years
• Less than one year
• NA

13

How many years of full-time work experience do you have utilizing computer systems to document information while simultaneously obtaining it from the caller?

• Five or more years
• Four to less than five years
• Three to less than four years
• Two to less than three years
• One to less than two years
• Less than one year
• NA

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 282 Iowa Department of Education Address Grimes State Office Building

400 E 14th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://www.educateiowa.gov/