CDBG Project Manager

Full Job Description

Make a difference in Iowa communities.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented CDBG Project Manager to support impactful community development across the state.

In this role, you will guide cities and counties through the full lifecycle of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CDBG-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) projects—including many focused on critical water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.

If you have experience in infrastructure project management, public sector grants, or program compliance, we encourage you to apply.

About Us:

At the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), we're dedicated to making Iowa the choice for people and businesses.

We build powerful partnerships, leverage diverse resources, and drive economic and community vitality.

From supporting startups and expanding enterprises to preserving the rich history and culture of rural communities, and aiding in disaster recovery, we create endless opportunities for Iowans to thrive.

As the CDBG Project manager, you will oversee assigned projects, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and guiding communities through successful project execution. You will also provide technical assistance and conduct on-site monitoring to ensure regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Project & Grant Lifecycle

• Manage assigned CDBG, CDBG-DR, Water & Sewer, and Community Facilities projects from application to closeout.
• Review and score applications, make funding recommendations, and oversee project implementation and construction progress.
• Set up and track project budgets in the state’s grant management systems.

Ensure Compliance & Provide Expert Guidance

• Interpret and apply complex federal and state regulations, including HUD (Housing and Urban Development) program rules.
• Offer technical assistance to applicants, grantees, consultants, and local government staff.
• Conduct on-site project monitoring across Iowa to assess progress and compliance.
• Coordinate with federal and state auditors when needed.

Support Program Development

• Assist in developing program policies and crafting guidance for applicants.
• Participate in webinars, conferences, stakeholder meetings, and training sessions.

Federal Labor Standards Compliance

• Serve as the team technical resource on Davis-Bacon labor standards for grantees and project partners, communicating with HUD and the Department of Labor as needed.

Ideal candidates have:

• Strong understanding of HUD programs and federal compliance & grant administration.
• Experience in construction project administration and/or public works projects administration.
• Knowledge and experience administering Federal Labor Standards (i.e., Davis-Bacon Related Acts)
• Strong communication skills to build relationships with applicants and grant recipients.
• Dedication to our Core Values:

Accountability in Action - We take pride in our work and results.
Innovate Together - We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration with our teams and partners.
Mission Driven - We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do


New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit ThisIsIowa.com to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to outdoor adventures.
As an employee of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, you are a State of Iowa employee, and you are eligible to enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about benefits available to State of Iowa employees visit the benefits web page.

The CDBG Project Manager position is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as an Economic Development Specialist 2 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer

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.

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.

Qualifications

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 research, planning, economics, public relations, business, corporate finance, journalism, or marketing, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in interpreting laws, rules and regulations, and/or securing compliance with them; or compiling and evaluating statistical, historical, economic, business, financial, or technical related program data. 

2) A total of six years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Notes Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas. 

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

Additional Information

Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas