Strategic Initiatives and Program Manager

Strategic Initiatives and Program Manager

Salary

$72,862.40 - $98,404.80 Annually

Location

City Services Center - 500 15th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Type

Full-Time

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Department

City Manager

Division

City Manager Administration

Opening Date

09/18/2026

Closing Date

10/2/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NON_BARGAINING

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City is seeking an accomplished Strategic Initiatives and Program Manager to lead high-priority, cross-functional initiatives that strengthen organizational performance, improve communication, and advance strategic priorities across Economic Development and Development Services.

The Strategic Initiatives and Program Manager will play a central role in helping the City turn strategy into action. By strengthening coordination between Economic Development and Development Services, improving organizational communication, and leading priority initiatives, this position will help create more efficient internal operations and a more cohesive experience for businesses, developers, community partners, and residents.

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds, and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

About the Position

The Strategic Initiatives & Program Manager is a high-level, cross-functional role designed to optimize operations, enhance communication, and drive strategic initiatives across Economic Development and Development Services. This position serves as a vital bridge between internal city departments, City leadership, and external community and business stakeholders.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Systems Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Cross-Departmental Workflows: Design, implement, and evaluate workflows to streamline communication and operational handoffs between Economic Development, Development Services, and other key City departments.
• Data Management Systems: Evaluate and improve internal data management and communication systems to ensure accurate tracking, transparency, and rapid information sharing.
• Performance Metrics & Surveys: Responsible for the comprehensive design, collection, analysis, and reporting of survey data to measure program effectiveness and understand private-sector business needs.

Project & Program Management

• Project Oversight: Assist with development and oversight of key projects and programs, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with city priorities.
• Quality Control & Partnerships: Partner with other City departments to oversee quality control measures on active projects; manage and evaluate programs implemented by third-party administrators.
• Strategic Input: Assist the department leadership team in strategic planning, long-term policy development, and the execution of high-priority special projects.

Operations, Administration & Fiscal Oversight

• Fiscal Coordination & Support: Coordinate and process department invoices, payments, purchase orders, and other financial transactions; maintain accurate records and provide administrative support for budget tracking and monitoring.
• Agenda & Materials Coordination: Coordinate, prepare, and review complex materials, memos, and resolutions for City Council, boards, and commissions, ensuring a smooth and timely pipeline to regular agendas.
• Executive Documentation & Reporting: Draft, review, and finalize high-level correspondence, briefings, technical reports, and documentation for internal leadership and external audiences.
• Administrative Strategy: Manage priority task tracking for major initiatives, ensuring critical deadlines, follow-ups, and key deliverables across the departments are met seamlessly.
• Perform related work and high-level administrative tasks as required to advance the departments mission.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; and
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience managing complex projects, budgets, or data-driven systems within a municipal or public-sector setting; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience, where one (1) year of relevant experience may substitute for one (1) year of required education.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants with Disabilities

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the Citys Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

• Multiple health insurance plans administered by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with low employee premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance (view our benefits summaries for more information: Choice Plan and Traditional Plan)
• Expansive Wellness Program and low cost onsite exercise facilities
• Dental Insurance with Delta Dental of Iowa
• 100% city paid basic life insurance
• Other voluntary benefits offered including vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• IPERS Retirement - Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, with contributions of 6.29% employee/ 9.44% City (IPERS)
• Deferred Compensation (IRS Section 457) retirement programs
• Generous paid time off AND 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave program with 4 weeks of paid time off
• Annual salary increases, AND an annual across-the-board increase (determined by available budget)
• Longevity Pay for years of service
• Educational assistance up to $3,000 per year
• A culture that is supportive and committed to professional development opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employees may qualify for the PSLF program which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more information here

01

Which of the following best indicates your highest level of education?

• I do not have a High School diploma or GED
• High School diploma or GED
• Some college (at least the equivalent of 1 year)
• Associates degree or vocational equivalent
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or higher

02

What was your major or primary field of study?

• public administration, business administration
• Other, related to public administration, business administration
• Other major
• no degree

03

How many years of experience do you have in managing complex projects, budgets, or data-driven systems within a municipal or public-sector setting?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience
• At least 3 years of experience
• At least 5 years of experience
• At least 7 years of experience
• At least 9 years of experience
• More than 10 years of experience

04

Which of the following best describes your proficiency with Microsoft Office?

• Beginner - Able to perform basic tasks such as creating simple documents, entering data, sending emails, and using basic formatting.
• Intermediate - Comfortable with day-to-day use, including formatting documents, using basic formulas in Excel (e.g., SUM, AVERAGE), managing calendars, and creating standard presentations.
• Proficient - Regularly uses Microsoft Office in a professional setting; able to create complex documents, use intermediate Excel functions (e.g., IF statements), and manage data efficiently.
• Advanced - Highly skilled; able to use advanced Excel functions (e.g., VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis tools), automate tasks, create polished reports/presentations, and troubleshoot issues.
• Expert - Deep expertise across multiple Office applications; designs complex spreadsheets and reporting tools, uses advanced automation (e.g., macros), and may train or support others.

05

Please select all that applies to the work experience you have:

• Project Management
• Process Improvement
• Municipal Government Work Experience
• Office Management
• Building Work Flows
• None of the above

06

How would you rate your written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills?

• Fair
• Satisfactory
• Good
• Excellent

07

Briefly describe your experience working collaboratively with diverse groups of people.

Required Question

Employer City of Cedar Rapids

Address 101 1st Street SE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401

Phone 319-286-5000

Website http://www.cedar-rapids.org/