Director of Operations - State of Iowa : Job Details

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.

Director of Operations

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is seeking a Director of Operations to help lead and manage the organization while being an effective, efficient and approachable regulatory agency. The IRGC is the state agency that regulates the fast-paced world of casino gambling, sports wagering and horse racing.

The Director of Operations assists the Administrator and other members of senior staff in developing and administering IRGC's initiatives and programs at an operational level. Responsibilities include administration and oversight of daily operations, including horse racing and compliance with federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) rules and regulations.

The Director of Operations must consistently apply independent judgment, balance competing demands, prioritize resources, and manage and mitigate risk to the agency. Responsibilities will include the ability to be thoughtful and strategic while remaining composed under pressure. The Director of Operations will provide guidance on all operational matters to assigned program managers and other staff as necessary.

As a member of IRGC's leadership team, the Director of Operations provides analysis and recommendations to the Administrator. The Director of Operations will oversee day to day operation of the commission and be directly responsible for the strategic direction of the assigned programs and the overall direction of IRGC staff.

This position will be located at 6200 Park Avenue in Des Moines. The position is full time, 12 months per year. Occasional evenings and weekends are required. Extra hours during the week are common.

What We're Seeking:

The successful candidate for the position is a motivated, organized, and detail-oriented individual.

Desired Skills and Abilities

* Self-motivated, quick learner.

* Navigate multiple priorities proficiently.

* Develop and implement procedures, policies, and guidelines.

* Analyze and evaluate complex administrative issues and recommend effective solutions.

* Supervise and manage staff, including planning, organizing, directing, coaching and evaluating the work of others.

* Develop and manage budgets and oversee revenue audits.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

* Familiarity with state budgeting and HR procedures.

* Knowledge of casino gambling, sports wagering and/or horse racing.

What You'll Do:

* Implement and interpret statutes, administrative rules, and operating procedures to ensure that all operations are implemented in accordance with state guidelines.

* Recommend changes to organizational structure, functions, position classifications, and staffing levels to accomplish commission goals and objectives.

* Evaluate and resolve operational problems not addressed by precedent or established policies.

* Participate in policy level meetings with industry and interest groups.

* Oversee the horse racing program.

* Direct preparation of RFPs and oversee associated contracts

* Oversee budget to assure spending is within the legislatively authorized appropriation.

* Develop and implement personnel and related policies and procedures.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

* Must pass criminal records check/DCI background & fingerprints

* Must not gamble in any casino in the state or wager with any licensed sports book or daily fantasy sports operator in state

* Must not have a spouse, parent, or child that works for a licensed entity within the state

* Oversight of horseracing and other activities may require evening, weekend and holiday work.

Work-Related Travel Expectations

* This position will primarily be located at 6200 Park Avenue in Des Moines. However, frequent in-state travel to regulated casinos may be required. Additionally, the Director of Operations may be required to work at regulated facilities throughout the state and attend meetings in person which will require overnight travel. This may be required with little notice.

* Will occasionally be required to travel out of state to attend relevant events and conferences.

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 and experience equal to six years of full-time management-level work in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.

2) Ten years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.

3) All of the following (a and b):

a. Six years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and

b. A combination of 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. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

4) All of the following (a, b, and c):

a. Four years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and

b. A combination of 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 combination of 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, 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.

5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Public Service Manager 1 or comparable specific management-level position.

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