Innovator in Residence, GFOA Innovation Lab -Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

​The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) is hiring an Innovator-in-Residence (Contract role) to lead the launch of the new GFOA Innovation Lab—a national platform to transform innovation in local government finance. This unique opportunity is ideal for a mission-driven entrepreneur with experience in startups, innovation leadership, and public sector finance. The role involves shaping strategy, building partnerships, fundraising, and piloting early-stage solutions. Flexible arrangements are welcome, and the position may evolve into the Lab’s first permanent CEO role.

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Organization Name:
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

Role Title:
Innovator in Residence, GFOA Innovation Lab

Employment Type:
Contract

Compensation:
Not Specified

Location:
Fully Remote

Link to Apply:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3517645/Government-Finance-Officers-Assn/Innovator-in-Residence-GFOA-Innovation-Lab

Position Overview:
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 initiative aimed at transforming innovation in local government finance across the U.S.

This unique, time-limited contract offers a mission-driven entrepreneur the chance to shape the Lab’s strategy, structure, and early-stage solutions while engaging with top-tier partners, funders, and public sector leaders. Non-traditional arrangements such as job sharing, sabbaticals, or fractional roles are welcome. Successful execution may lead to an ongoing leadership position within the Lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership
  • Design and execute the Lab’s business model, capital structure, and go-to-market strategy
  • Develop compelling pitch materials and lead fundraising efforts
  • Shape a portfolio of practical, 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 while maintaining GFOA’s institutional neutrality
• Organizational Development
  • Establish governance, legal, and operational frameworks
  • Collaborate with a Board of Advisors and legal counsel
  • Support recruitment of the Lab’s first permanent CEO
• 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
    
    

Requirements / Qualifications:

• 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 Qualifications:

• 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 organizations

Candidates with diverse experiences are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet all preferred qualifications.
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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