The State of Iowa is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS). This leader will be responsible for fulfilling IPERS’ mission as the fiduciary responsible for administering the IPERS Trust Fund. IPERS exists for the exclusive benefit of its members and fulfills its obligations to cost-effectively pay benefits, maintain stable contribution rates, protect member information and provide outstanding service.
IPERS administers a defined-benefit retirement system for public employees of the State of Iowa and its political subdivisions. It is a cost-sharing, multiple-employer system that provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits to more than 423,000 members and manages $46.7 billion in trust fund assets.
As an independent agency within the executive branch of state government, IPERS is led by a CEO appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate, for a four-year term. The CEO works under the general direction of the Governor and is accountable to the Legislature, the IPERS Investment Board—statutorily designated as the trustee of the system and trust fund—and the Benefits Advisory Committee, which advises the Legislature on benefit administration and the adequacy of the plan. The CEO’s salary is set by the IPERS Investment Board.
The CEO is responsible for the strategic direction, planning and overall leadership of IPERS. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator with a proven ability to unite stakeholders around a shared mission of delivering outstanding, cost-effective service to members. This individual will possess strong decision-making skills, the ability to implement operational policies and strategic plans, and a talent for motivating and supporting employees. The successful candidate will lead organizational improvements and manage an administrative budget of $24 million, overseeing a staff of 104 employees.
Back to topMinimum Qualifications Requirements
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with an emphasis in business or public administration. Prefer a J.D., M.B.A., M.P.A. or other post- graduate degree related to pension plan administration. Five years of full-time progressively more responsible management work with a pension system, which includes demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of pension fund administration, including financial management, investment asset management, benefit design and delivery, legal administration, and operations administration.
While serving in office, the CEO is prohibited from holding any other public office; being a member of a partisan elective office; or contributing to a political campaign fund. However, the CEO may designate on the checkoff portion of the federal income tax return the party or parties to receive a contribution made through the checkoff.
Back to topSalary and Benefits
Annual salary of $202,425 to $287,892, depending on experience. As an employee of IPERS, you are eligible for the State of Iowa comprehensive benefits package that includes the following and more:
- Insurance – Health, Dental, Life and Long-Term Disability
- Paid time off – Nine paid holidays, plus vacation and sick leave which accrue on your first day of employment
- IPERS – A lifetime monthly benefit for vested employees. The State contributes a percentage on your behalf
- Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC) – A voluntary retirement savings program including a State match of up to $75/month
To find out more view the Department of Administrative Services' Benefits at a Glance
Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 12, 2026. The expected start date will follow shortly after the job posting period ends.
Application Process
Submit the following via email to Melinda McElroy:
- Resume
- Three business references
- Cover letter that summarizes how your experience is a good match for the position of IPERS’ CEO and that identifies what you see as several key issues facing IPERS.