Executive Director

Executive Director

Global Financial Integrity (GFI)

Location: Washington, DC

Position Type: Full-time, Hybrid (minimum 3 days/week in office)

Salary: $140,000 annually

Reporting: Incumbent reports to the Board of Directors

Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or hold a work permit valid for at least three years.

About Global Financial Integrity

Global Financial Integrity (GFI) is a Washington, DC–based think tank and advocacy organization committed to strengthening financial transparency, curbing illicit financial flows (IFFs), and promoting equitable global development. GFI conducts cutting-edge research, engages policymakers around the world, and partners with governments, civil society, and the private sector to improve oversight of global trade, finance, and supply chains.

Position Overview

GFI seeks a dynamic, strategic, and mission-driven Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization into its next phase of growth. The ED is responsible for securing multi-year institutional funding, executing organizational strategy, managing a high-performing team, and representing GFI at the highest levels of government, international institutions, philanthropy, and global civil society.

The ideal candidate is an inspiring leader with an exceptional ability to cultivate major donors, build partnerships, and drive organizational impact. Deep knowledge of the components of global development challenges, including capital flight, global debt, ODA and FDI is expected.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Resource Mobilization

· Develop and execute a robust fundraising strategy focused on securing six-figure and larger, multi-year grants from foundations, governments, multilaterals, and major donors.

· Oversee donor cultivation, relationship management, and proposal development.

· Ensure strong stewardship, reporting, and long-term donor retention.

Institutional Management & Operations

· Oversee organizational operations, budgeting, financial management, and compliance.

· Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of researchers, analysts, and program staff.

· Foster a collaborative, inclusive, high-performance organizational culture.

· Work closely with the Board of Directors, providing regular updates on programmatic, operational, and financial performance.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

· Lead the development and execution of GFI's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with its mission and global relevance.

· Position GFI as a thought leader on financial transparency, IFFs, trade-based money laundering, beneficial ownership transparency, and related global development issues.

· Serve as the chief spokesperson for the organization, representing GFI in public fora, media, and high-level policy spaces.

External Relations & Advocacy

· Engage effectively with senior officials in relevant U.S. government agencies, multilateral organizations (e.g., OECD, UN, World Bank, IMF), and international partners.

· Build and maintain strategic partnerships with civil society organizations, research institutions, and private-sector actors.

· Lead high-impact advocacy efforts consistent with GFI's mission and priorities.

Required Qualifications

· Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in international development, financial transparency, anti-corruption, illicit finance, public policy, or related fields.

· Demonstrated success in fundraising six-figure+ grants and cultivating relationships with major donors and philanthropic institutions.

· Proven track record of inspiring, effective, and empathetic leadership, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams.

· Strong understanding of global development challenges, including illicit financial flows (IFFs), debt sustainability, FDI, ODA, trade integrity, and financial sector reform.

· Exceptional ability to engage with high-level government and multilateral officials.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.

· Must be a U.S. citizen or possess a valid U.S. work permit for at least three years (GFI will not sponsor visas).

· Must live in Washington, DC or a close-in suburb in Maryland or Virginia.

· Ability and willingness to work in-person at least three days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience leading a think tank, policy organization, or international NGO.

· Background in research, economics, finance, development policy, or related technical fields.

· Experience working with multilateral institutions, U.S. government agencies, or global philanthropic foundations.

· Prior experience in strategic growth planning.

Compensation & Benefits

· Salary of $140,000 per year.

· Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan contributions and four week's paid vacation annually.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

1. Curriculum vitae/resumé

2. In lieu of a cover letter, answer the following three questions (350 words total):

· What is your experience in large-grant fundraising?

· What is your background in global development issues?

· What knowledge, skills and abilities do you possess that you believe make you an outstanding candidate?

1. Three references (these will only be contacted if the candidate is a finalist and with prior notice)

Send the above to: and include 'Executive Director position' in the Subject line.

Application deadline is January 31, 2026.

No phone calls please

Pay: $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20005