Transportation Development Division Director

Full Job Description

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department of Transportation. 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.

Job Title: Transportation Development Division Director

Reports To: Iowa DOT Chief Operating Officer

Position Type: Confidential, At-Will

Location: Ames, IA

Shift Requirements: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm with a flexible schedule available and some travel

Job Summary

The Division Director of the Transportation Development Division (TDD) provides strategic leadership and direction for statewide transportation planning, project development, and the delivery of the agency’s Transportation Improvement Program.

The Transportation Development Division administers state and federal grant funding programs and supports planning and programming activities at the city, county, regional, and metropolitan levels.

Reporting to the Transportation Chief Operating Officer and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this confidential, at-will position ensures the division’s work aligns with the DOT’s mission, business plan, and core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

This position oversees the division’s workforce, programs, and budget; directs statewide transportation planning efforts; partners closely with the Transportation Commission; and leads initiatives that support an innovative, customer-driven, and effective organizational culture.

The division coordinates the department’s Geographic Information System, leads pavement management analysis and activities, and ensures effective use of state and federal funds by the department for all modes of transportation.

Responsibilities include strategic human resources leadership, operational oversight, and coordination across all bureaus within the TDD to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality transportation outcomes for Iowa.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for 11 bureaus within the Transportation Development Division (TDD), aligning all programs and activities with the Iowa DOT’s vision, mission, business plan, and core values.

•Guide development of Iowa’s long-range transportation plan and five-year Transportation Improvement Program, ensuring projects and programs are delivered on time, within budget, and responsive to customer and stakeholder needs.

• Directs department activities to ensure the Transportation Commission is able to effectively carry out their duties under Iowa Code, coordinating statutory meeting requirements, and providing timely communication.

• Oversee division operations and budget, ensuring effective use of resources, and maintain a strong commitment to high-quality delivery of statewide transportation planning and project development.

• Lead and develop division staff, including organizational planning, hiring, performance management, workforce engagement, and professional development.

• Collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team and other divisions to achieve agency goals, support statewide initiatives, and maintain consistent and coordinated operations.

• Foster an innovative, customer-focused, and accountable culture, emphasizing safety, integrity, open communication, and continuous improvement.

Core Values:

• Safety First: Prioritize the safety of the transportation system and its users in all activities and decisions.
• People Matter: Foster a supportive and inclusive work environment that values the contributions and well-being of all employees.
• Customer Focused: Ensure that the needs and expectations of the public and other stakeholders are met with high-quality service and responsiveness.
• Servant Leadership: Lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to serving others and empowering team members to achieve their best.
• Integrity Without Exception: Uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability in all actions and decisions.

Preferred Experience:

• Proven experience in a leadership role relating to large-scale organizational operations, such as budget oversight, human resources, equipment management, procurement, or other related administration.
• Strong understanding of workforce support needs, including strategies for employee engagement, retention, development, and well-being.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, understand and comply with complex regulations, and oversee multifaceted, high-visibility projects.

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa – Apply now!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal-opportunity employer.

If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: aa-eeo@iowadot.us

Reasonable accommodation such as interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

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