Innovator in Residence ( {{city}}) Job at Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Chicago, IL

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  • Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
  • Chicago, IL

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 Labs 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 Youll Do

Strategic Leadership

  • Design and execute the Labs 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 GFOAs institutional neutrality

Organizational Development

  • Establish governance, legal, and operational frameworks
  • Collaborate with a Board of Advisors and legal counsel
  • Help recruit the Labs 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 dont 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 Labs first CEO role
  • High-Level Network: Collaborate with top public finance professionals and investors

Job Tags

Permanent employment, For contractors, Ongoing contract, Job sharing, Local area,

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