Program Associate Jobs in Iowa

Program Associate jobs in Iowa are actively posted across nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, and state-funded social services, with openings at every level from entry-level coordinators to senior program staff. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City anchor most of the hiring, where established employers such as United Way of Central Iowa, UnityPoint Health, and the University of Iowa regularly bring on program associates. The most in-demand specialties include grant administration, community health programming, and workforce development coordination. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.

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Overview

Open roles6
Top employerCollins Aerospace
Top cityDes Moines, IA
Cities hiring3
Work type67% On-site
Top credentialBachelor's degree

Showing 4 of 6+ Program Associate jobs

V
Project Engineering Associate - Seed Operations Development Program
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V
Added 1d ago
Project Engineering Associate - Seed Operations Development Program
Vylor
Des Moines, Iowa
Automation QA
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Software Engineering
Hybrid
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

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Principal Financial Group
Leadership Development Program Associate
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Principal Financial Group
Added 1w ago
Leadership Development Program Associate
Principal Financial Group
Des Moines, Iowa
Administrative & Office Support
Program Management
Project Management
$59k - $80k/yr
Bachelor's degree

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Collins Aerospace
Associate Director, Program Management - Soldier Communications (Onsite)
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Collins Aerospace
Added 1w ago
Associate Director, Program Management - Soldier Communications (Onsite)
Collins Aerospace
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Social Work & Counseling
$157k - $299k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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Collins Aerospace
Associate Director , Advanced System Tools - Program Chief (Onsite)
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Collins Aerospace
Added 2w ago
Associate Director , Advanced System Tools - Program Chief (Onsite)
Collins Aerospace
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
IT Support
Project Management
Technical Program Management
$157k - $299k/yr
On-Site
10,000+

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See All 6 Program Associate Jobs in Iowa

Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Program Associate Jobs by City in Iowa

Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Des Moines
3 jobs
Cedar Rapids
2 jobs
Altoona
1 job

Program Associate Job Market in Iowa

A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace2 open roles
V
Vylor1 open role
United Rentals
United Rentals1 open role

What Iowa Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in program associate jobs across Iowa.

  • Bachelor's degree in social work, public health, business, or a related field
  • Experience coordinating programs, managing timelines, or supporting grant-funded projects
  • Proficiency with data tracking, reporting tools, and program evaluation methods
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder and community engagement
  • Ability to work with diverse populations and community-based organizations across Iowa
  • Familiarity with nonprofit compliance, budgeting, or federally funded program requirements

Program Associate Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a program associate in Iowa?

Most program associate roles in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in a field aligned with the employer's mission, such as social work, public administration, public health, or business. Iowa does not require a state license specifically for program associates, but roles in behavioral health or social services may favor candidates with Iowa credentials from the Iowa Board of Social Work. Employers typically look for relevant internship experience, volunteer coordination, or academic project management alongside the degree.

Which companies hire program associates in Iowa?

Iowa program associate roles are posted by Collins Aerospace, Vylor, and United Rentals and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's strong nonprofit sector, anchor university systems, and federally funded health and human services programs make it a consistent market for this role year-round.

Which Iowa cities have the most program associate jobs?

Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Altoona have the most program associate openings in Iowa. Des Moines leads because it is home to the state government offices, major healthcare networks, and the largest concentration of nonprofits in Iowa, while Iowa City draws significant openings through the University of Iowa and its affiliated health and research programs, and Cedar Rapids supports hiring through regional nonprofits and corporate foundations.

Are there remote program associate jobs in Iowa?

Yes, though they are more selective than in fully desk-based fields, since many program associate roles involve community outreach, site visits, or in-person program delivery. About 33% of program associate openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting a mix of options across the market. Grant reporting, data coordination, and administrative support functions within program associate roles are the most likely to be offered remotely or on a hybrid schedule.

How can I get hired as a program associate in Iowa with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is applying for program coordinator assistant or case management aide roles at Iowa-based nonprofits and state agencies, which often hire candidates without direct program experience. Organizations such as United Way affiliates across Iowa, Polk County Health Services, and the Iowa Department of Human Services regularly post entry-level positions suited to recent graduates. AmeriCorps placements with Iowa-based host sites also provide a direct route in, as they are widely recognized by Iowa employers as equivalent to professional program experience. Completing a relevant practicum or capstone project during your degree gives an additional edge.

Where can I find and apply to program associate jobs in Iowa?

You can find and apply to program associate jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings in one place. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, background, and preferred location within the state, then apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 6 Program Associate Jobs in Iowa

Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Program Associate Jobs