Description
The District of Columbia seeks a strategic, independent, and highly accomplished executive to serve as Inspector General — the chief integrity officer for District government operations.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Inspector General is a mission-critical leadership role responsible for safeguarding public trust, ensuring fiscal accountability, and strengthening operational performance across all agencies and departments of the District government. The Inspector General serves as the focal point for the review of 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 position is appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the D.C. Council (or pursuant to applicable control-year provisions under federal law).
This is a high-impact opportunity for a proven leader in government auditing, investigations, compliance, and public accountability.
THE POSITION
The Inspector General provides executive-level leadership, policy direction, and operational oversight for all audit and investigative functions within the District government.
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.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will bring:
- 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
This role requires a leader who is:
- Unquestionably ethical
- Independent and objective
- Strategically disciplined
- Courageous in oversight responsibilities
- Skilled at balancing accountability with constructive engagement
- Able to lead large-scale organizational audits while strengthening internal systems
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 (Certified Public Accountant)
- CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
- CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
- CIG (Certified Inspector General)
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.
TO APPLY
DC OIG has partnered with POLIHIRE to recruit the next Inspector General. To be considered for this position, attach 2 PDFs – a letter of interest and your resume – in an email to DC_IG@polihire.com. Please include only your name (Last, First) in the subject line of the email. The first review of applications will be in early April 2026.
