Public Programs and Museum Education Coordinator - Program Planner 2

Public Programs and Museum Education Coordinator - Program Planner 2

Salary

$53,851.20 - $81,806.40 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-01350

Agency

005 Department of Administrative Services

Opening Date

11/10/2026

Closing Date

11/19/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Andrew Klumpp (andrew.klumpp@das.iowa.gov)

To Apply

All applicants must include a cover letter and resume along with the application submitted through the State of Iowa hiring portal.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Program Planner 2 - Public Programs and Museum Education Coordinator

Help Iowans of all ages connect with their state's history.

How can a museum visit, a conversation with a historian, or a student research project change the way someone sees Iowa's history? The State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) is seeking a Public Programs and Museum Education Coordinator to create those opportunities at the State Historical Museum and in communities across Iowa.

About the Opportunity

As part of the Education and Outreach team, you'll lead educational programming at the State Historical Museum, coordinate group visits, and develop the museum's docent program. You'll also develop occasional public programs across Iowa and help deliver regional and state contests for National History Day in Iowa.

You'll work with colleagues in Museum Collections and Exhibitions, Historic Sites, Library and Archives, and Communications to create programs that connect students, families, and adults with Iowa's history.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver museum programs. Research, plan, present, and evaluate recurring and special programs for students, families, and adults. In-person and virtual offerings include school programs, family activities, youth day camps, commemorative events, documentary screenings, expert panels, exhibit and collections tours, and webinars.
• Coordinate group visits and program logistics. Book and schedule visits for schools, community groups, and other visitors. Serve as the main point of contact for visiting groups, share information before their visits, and manage day-to-day logistics for live programs and presentations.
• Lead the museum's docent program. Develop the program and recruit, train, and lead docents who help visitors engage with the museum's exhibits and collections.
• Extend educational programming across Iowa. Develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for students, families, and adults in communities across the state. Build partnerships with schools and statewide organizations to promote educational opportunities and share best practices. Give presentations about the Society's educational offerings at the museum and across Iowa.
• Support National History Day in Iowa. Work with the National History Day Coordinator to plan and carry out regional and state contests, including coordinating logistics for each contest.

Work Location and Schedule

This position is based on-site at the State Historical Building in Des Moines. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend hours and travel required to support programming.

Frequent in-state travel is required each March to support National History Day in Iowa, typically two to three days per week during the month.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, youll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

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) Six 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 and b):

a. A total of four years of education and 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; and

b. 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) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen 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 in 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 six years in the specified areas
• Six years or more in the specified areas

04

Do you have ALL of the following: A.) A total of four years of post high school/college education and full-time 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).)? Thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; AND B.) 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. The experience used for A and B must be separate and unique. The same experience CANNOT be counted for A and B.

• Yes
• No

05

Are you a current permanent state Iowa employee with experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months of full time work as a Program Planner 1?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 005 Department of Administrative Services Address Hoover State Office Building

1305 E Walnut St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://das.iowa.gov