Job Description

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) is seeking a visionary Innovator-in-Residence (Contractor) to lead the founding and launch of the GFOA Innovation Lab —a bold new initiative to transform how innovation happens in local government finance across the U.S.

This is a unique, time-limited contractual opportunity for a mission-driven entrepreneur to build something from the ground up: shaping the Lab’s strategy, structure, and early-stage solutions while engaging with top-tier partners, funders, and public sector leaders.

GFOA will entertain job sharing/fractional arrangements, those who are on sabbaticals from an employer and other non-traditional arrangements. This contractual opportunity has potential to result in an ongoing position with the Lab if this launch leads to a viable going concern.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Design and execute the Lab’s business model, capital structure, and go-to-market strategy
• Develop a compelling pitch deck and lead fundraising efforts
• Shape a portfolio of practical and transformative public finance innovations

Partnerships & Fundraising

• Engage catalytic grant makers and mission-aligned investors
• Build strategic partnerships with governments, tech firms, and civic innovators
• Represent the Lab to stakeholders while preserving GFOA’s institutional neutrality

Organizational Development

• Establish governance, legal, and operational frameworks
• Collaborate with a Board of Advisors and legal counsel
• Help recruit the Lab’s first permanent CEO and support leadership transition

Product Development & Market Validation

• Pilot and scale early-stage prototypes (e.g., ChatGFOA, risk-based reserves)
• Validate market demand through member engagement and case studies
• Document success metrics to support future growth and investment

What You Bring

The Ideal Innovator-in-Residence will possess the following attributes and competencies:

• 7+ years of experience in startups, innovation leadership, or venture building
• Proven ability to take ideas from concept to launch
• Deep understanding of local government operations, especially finance
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience with fundraising and partnership development

Preferred

• Background in civic tech, GovTech, or public sector innovation
• Familiarity with GFOA and the public finance community
• Experience with AI or emerging technologies in government
• Exposure to venture capital, social impact investing, or mission-driven orgs

*The above attributes and competencies are preferred, however, candidates with a variety of experiences and backgrounds are encouraged to apply, even if they don’t meet all requirements.

Why This Role Matters

• Founding Impact: Shape a national platform for public finance innovation
• Mission-Driven Work: Help governments better serve their communities
• Leadership Opportunity: Potential to transition into the Lab’s first CEO role
• High-Level Network: Collaborate with top public finance professionals and investors

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