Lead the Launch of a National Innovation Lab for Public Finance

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