Inspector General

Office of the Inspector General for the District of Columbia; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the Inspector General for the District of Columbia seeks an executive-level leader to serve as Inspector General, the chief integrity and accountability officer for District government. The role directs audits, investigations, and compliance, promoting efficiency and preventing fraud across the District.

The successful candidate will oversee complex audit programs, manage staff, and coordinate with federal and local oversight bodies while maintaining independence in a politically

Qualifications

• Experience leading governmental auditing, investigations, or compliance programs.
• Ability to interpret complex statutes and regulatory guidance.
• Proven track record in managing audit and investigative staff.
• Strong independence and integrity in politically sensitive environments.

Responsibilities

• Direct audits and investigations across District government operations.
• Ensure fiscal propriety of District transactions.
• Coordinate with federal and local oversight bodies.
• Maintain access to agency records and coordinate external audits.
• Develop long- and short-range strategic plans for the office.
• Oversee procurement audits and grant compliance.

Skills

Executive leadership

Auditing expertise

Investigations

Public sector oversight

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

MPA

MBA

Job description

The District of Columbia is seeking a strategic, independent, and highly accomplished executive to serve as Inspector General — the chief integrity and accountability officer for District government.

This is a high-impact, six-year executive appointment with responsibility for safeguarding public trust, strengthening fiscal accountability, improving government performance, and preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse across the District.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Inspector General provides independent leadership and oversight of audit, investigative, and compliance functions across District government. The Inspector General serves as the focal point for reviewing the integrity of District operations and leads a comprehensive program to promote economy, efficiency, and the prevention and detection of fraud, waste, and abuse.

The Inspector General's core responsibilities include:

• Directing and coordinating audits and investigations across all District government operations
• Ensuring fiscal and financial propriety of District transactions
• Implementing audit requirements applicable to federal grants and single audits
• Conducting management audits, financial audits, and compliance audits
• Maintaining full access to agency records, accounts, reports, and property necessary to execute oversight responsibilities
• Serving as liaison for external audits of the District government
• Establishing office-wide goals and developing long- and short-range strategic plans
• Allocating resources to meet operational and emergency needs
• Setting audit and investigation priorities, policies, and procedures
• Maintaining quality control systems consistent with government audit standards
• Coordinating with federal agencies, GAO staff, the D.C. Auditor, IPA firms, and other oversight bodies
• Issuing subpoenas and carrying out investigations, including referrals for prosecution where appropriate
• Overseeing audits of procurement activities pursuant to D.C. Code and the Procurement Practices Act
• Conducting comprehensive organization-wide audits to meet federal grant requirements

This role requires substantial independent judgment, discretion, and the ability to interpret and adapt complex statutes, regulations, and evolving legal guidance.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The District seeks a leader with:

• Executive-level experience in governmental auditing, investigations, compliance, or public-sector oversight
• Deep knowledge of federal and local government statutes and regulatory frameworks
• Demonstrated success leading complex audit and investigative functions
• Experience managing professional audit and investigative staff
• Proven ability to operate with independence and integrity in politically sensitive environments
• Strategic planning and resource management expertise
• Strong executive presence and ability to engage effectively with senior elected officials, agency leadership, and federal oversight bodies
• Experience with federal grant compliance and OMB audit requirements
• A record of promoting operational efficiency and strengthening internal controls

The successful candidate will be unquestionably ethical, independent, courageous, objective, strategically disciplined, and committed to strengthening government while maintaining rigorous accountability.

The Inspector General must be equally comfortable issuing subpoenas, briefing senior policymakers, coordinating with federal oversight entities, and building a professional culture of excellence within the Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD), MPA, MBA, or advanced degree in Public Administration, Law, Accounting, Finance, or Criminal Justice
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, CFE, or CIG are also desirable

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

There is a legal requirement that each new appointee to the Excepted Service either:

• Be a District of Columbia resident at the time of appointment; or
• Become a District resident within one hundred eighty (180) days of appointment.

The law also requires that Excepted Service employees remain District residents during the duration of the individual’s appointment. Failure to remain a District resident for the duration of the appointment will result in forfeiture of employment.