Policy Director

  • State of Iowa
  • Des Moines, Iowa
  • 09/01/2025
Full time

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.


The Department of Revenue is looking for an Executive Officer 5 to serve as the Policy Director for pass-through entities and tax credits in the Policy Section of the Research and Policy Division. The Policy Director will work with senior management within the Department to set goals and develop plans for the administration of the relevant programs areas; the Policy Director will also collaborate closely with other members of the Policy team.

The Research and Policy Division prepares legislative fiscal notes that affect revenue and analyzes legislative proposals impacting the Department, department data, and tax compliance.

The Policy Section is responsible for:

  • Policy development and oversight
  • External communications and presentations
  • Legislative agenda development

The Research Bureau is responsible for:

  • Fiscal estimates
  • Statistical reporting
  • Tax credit evaluation and administration
  • Revenue and economic forecasting and briefings


Duties of this role include, but are not limited to:

  • Consult across divisions regarding related relevant program areas (tax credits and pass-through entities), compliance programs, audit standards, and issues leading to appeals.
  • Oversee development of Department website content, guidance documents, forms, correspondence, and other public communications related to those program areas.
  • Work across divisions to draft and direct the development of informal written and oral technical guidance and information to taxpayers, external stakeholders, and Department staff. Provide input to the Director on the substance of administrative orders.
  • Provide subject matter expertise through outreach and education for policymakers, stakeholders, other agencies, and customers.
  • Monitor and research federal, state, and local legislation and court rulings to promote proactive administration of relevant subject matters, and keep the Director, Department staff, other agencies, and policymakers informed about changes.
  • Work with the Legal Services Section attorneys to analyze relevant statutes and make recommendations to the Director to clarify laws and correct technical errors in existing statutes to reduce the burden of compliance and administration of state laws.
  • Oversee the development and review of administrative rules related to relevant subject matters (tax credits and pass-through entities) and work with Legal Services attorneys to draft proposed amendments and new rules as needed.
  • Work with the Legal Services attorneys to analyze the technical aspects and practical application of proposed legislation and provide feedback to the Tax Research Bureau regarding administrative concerns and potential revenue impacts.
  • Represent the Department on multi-state committees as needed. Make presentations at state, local, and national events.


Preference will be given to candidate with the following qualifications:

  • Certification as a public accountant with at least three years of full-time in one or more program areas (tax credits and pass-through entities); or
  • A Juris Doctor degree and at least three years of full-time experience in one or more relevant program areas (tax credits and pass-through entities);
  • Proven knowledge and skill providing guidance related to one or more of the program areas (tax credits and pass-through entities);
  • Substantial experience in legal writing and technical communication in Iowa one of more of relevant program areas (tax credits and pass-through entities);
  • Highly skilled at communicating technical concepts related to taxes to a broad audience;
  • Substantial experience interacting with high-level state or private sector leadership such as State-level Directors, Political Appointees, Legislators, or private sector executives.


Employer Highlights

The Iowa Department of Revenue is a well-respected employer. We are focused on providing excellent customer service, while offering a wonderful team atmosphere, work-life balance, free parking, and casual attire.

We offer a flexible working environment and opportunities to work from home with the ability to work from anywhere in the State of Iowa as long as it is your primary residence.

There is a requirement of coming into the Hoover State Office building/State Capitol for meetings or presentations as needed and on short notice. There may be occasional business travel as well, both in- and out-state.


We have a great total compensation package for all of our full-time employees, including:

  • Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)
  • Retirement Investors Club (RIC)
  • Flexible Working Environment- Work from Home Opportunities
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Vacation Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • Paid Holidays (9 days/year)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance

The mission of the Iowa Department of Revenue is to serve Iowans through the responsible collection and generation of revenue to support the public good. If you're looking for a career with an organization that values its employees and customers, you've come to the right place.


Applicants must live within the State of Iowa to qualify for this position.


A background check, including a criminal history check, fingerprint, and Iowa tax filing check, will be conducted on the final candidate.


Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit .


Effective July 1st, 2025, all Department of Revenue staff and their household will not be able to play any Iowa Lottery games.




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

2) A total of eleven 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. Five 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 eighteen months of full-time work as an Executive Officer 3 or thirty months of full-time work as an Executive Officer 2 or comparable specific management-level position.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.







Compensation details: 54.32-77.25 Hourly Wage



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