Chief Deputy Workers' Compensation Commissioner

Salary : $98,009.60 - $139,568.00 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-03127
Agency: 427 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
Closing Date: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact: Bill Grell, View email address on click.appcast.io


Job Description
Chief Deputy Workers' Compensation Commissioner | Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) | Des Moines, Iowa
Shape the Future of Iowa's Workers' Compensation System

This role is an opportunity to help define the future of how Iowa delivers fair, timely, and consistent workers' compensation decisions.

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) is seeking a Chief Deputy Workers' Compensation Commissioner (Public Service Manager 2) to serve as a key partner to the Commissioner in leading one of the state's most critical adjudicative systems.

This position offers a rare opportunity to:

• Influence how a division operates and evolves
• Lead a highly skilled judicial team
• Help shape policy, process, and long-term direction
• Play a central role in ensuring due process for Iowans

If you are an experienced attorney looking to expand your impact beyond individual cases, and into leadership, systems, and public service, this role offers that next step.

About DIAL

DIAL protects the health, safety, and well-being of Iowans through education, regulation, and due process. The Workers' Compensation Division plays a vital role in ensuring fair and efficient resolution of claims that impact workers, employers, and communities across the state.

Why This Role Stands Out

Unlike many leadership roles, this position is not confined to a fixed structure.

• This is a newly defined role, offering the ability to help shape responsibilities, priorities, and team direction
• You will serve as a trusted advisor and operational leader, working closely with the Commissioner
• You will have meaningful influence on process improvement, policy development, and system performance
• Your leadership will directly impact timeliness, consistency, and quality of decisions statewide

This is an opportunity for someone who wants to build, lead, and leave a lasting mark.

What You'll Do

Lead the Division's Adjudicative Work

• Oversee hearing operations and ensure timely, high-quality case resolution
• Conduct hearings, rule on motions, evaluate evidence, and issue decisions
• Ensure consistency, clarity, and legal soundness across all decisions

Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team

• Supervise and support a team of Deputy Commissioners, professional staff, and support staff
• Provide coaching, guidance, and quality oversight
• Establish clear expectations and promote consistency in legal reasoning and decision-making

Drive Operational Excellence

• Manage case flow, workload distribution, and performance metrics
• Identify process improvements and implement more efficient systems
• Help modernize and enhance case management and hearing processes

Shape Policy and Strategic Direction

• Partner with the Commissioner to evaluate division performance and future needs
• Contribute to policy development, procedural updates, and training initiatives
• Provide insight based on legal trends, case data, and operational outcomes

Serve as a Key Representative

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including legal professionals and state partners
• Represent the division in workgroups, committees, and public-facing settings
• Provide expertise on administrative law and adjudicative practices

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a leader who brings:

• Licensed attorney in the State of Iowa
• Experience in administrative law, litigation, or adjudication (workers' compensation experience is a plus, not a requirement)
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, or influence others
• Strong legal analysis, writing, and decision-making skills
• Ability to navigate complexity, ambiguity, and evolving priorities
• A mindset focused on public service, fairness, and continuous improvement

Who This Role May Be Perfect For

• An attorney ready to move from individual practice to system-level impact
• A legal professional interested in leadership, policy, and operational strategy
• Someone motivated by public service and shaping how decisions affect real people
• A leader who is energized by building and improving systems, not just maintaining them

What to Know

• This is a non-merit position, serving in a leadership capacity within state government
• The role offers the opportunity to gain high-level leadership experience and influence statewide operations
• You will work closely with executive leadership and play a visible role in the agency's success

Why Join the State of Iowa

• Work That Matters - Impact decisions that affect workers and employers across the state
• Leadership Opportunity - Shape a division and influence long-term direction
• Professional Growth - Expand into executive-level leadership and strategy
• Stability & Purpose - Serve Iowans through meaningful public service

Location: Des Moines, Iowa (Central Office near Valley Junction)

Background check required

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
This is a non-merit position with the Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
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

Additional Qualification Requirements


Licensed to practice law in the State of Iowa.
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-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

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 for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!