Bureau Chief, Refugee Services

Bureau Chief, Refugee Services

Salary: $98,009.60 - $139,568.00 Annually

Location: Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 26-00368

Agency: 400 Health and Human Services - Community Access Eligibility Division

Opening Date: 08/14/2025

Closing Date: 9/4/2025 11:59 PM Central

Point of Contact: Monica Stone - monica.stone@hhs.iowa.gov

This is a non-merit position. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Community Access, Bureau of Refugee Services is seeking a Bureau Chief and State Refugee Coordinator to join our team! The successful candidate will lead a person-centered transformation of Iowa's refugee services with a fundamental focus on supporting the success of people who come to Iowa as refugees. This position will define and facilitate the work of a high-functioning team, working in coalition and collaboration with external partners, to achieve the goal of creating the foundations refugees need to be thriving members of our communities and to achieve economic mobility. As the leader of the Bureau of Refugee Services, you will supervise Bureau staff to ensure the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of programs, policies and operational procedures achieve our most important goals. These goals are all connected to ensuring the availability and delivery of social, medical and other supportive services for refugees and other ORR-eligible individuals and populations. As the State Refugee Coordinator, you will set the strategic direction for Iowa's refugee resettlement processes and overall efforts to ensure refugee success in Iowa, including providing guidance on strategic direction to the Governor's Office and HHS Director regarding refugee issues in Iowa. You will also establish the framework for delivering refugee services and facilitate both its creation and sustainability. Critically, you will serve as Iowa's liaison for state and federal stakeholders including the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), the US Department of State, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and resettlement agencies.

Key skills and experience that are needed for this position are the ability to:

• Collaborate with national, state and local government, as well as community partners, to maximize resources for the resettlement and successful integration of refugees in Iowa.
• Lead regular consultations to provide Federal, State and local stakeholders with an opportunity for enhanced information exchange, coordination and collaboration on behalf of refugees and for the Bureau.
• Negotiate and lead cross-departmental and cross-state government agency service delivery initiatives to maximize state resources and to increase availability of services to individuals who are in ORR eligible populations.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), and Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

Background Checks: Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

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 www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

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.

Why Choose the State of Iowa? At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise. Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator.
• Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.
• Retirement Planning: We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.
• Paid Time Off: Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need