Executive Director (InnovateNJ)

The New Jersey Innovation Authority The New Jersey Innovation Authority (NJIA) is looking for diverse and experienced team members to deploy world-class innovative and digital services that solve pressing public interest challenges for the people of New Jersey. Our work spans numerous issue and policy areas, and is focused on making an impact in the lives of the New Jerseyans that we serve. Our work has decreased the amount of time it takes to apply for Unemployment Insurance, made it easier to start, operate, and grow a business in the Garden State, and connected millions of New Jerseyans to government programs, services, and benefits. Our team members wear many hats, contributing to both the execution of core projects and the evolution of NJIA. We use data and modern research, design, and development methods to inform our decision making, and we collaborate with stakeholders within and outside of government to understand and solve challenges. To learn more about NJIA read our impact report and visit our About Us page. The Executive Director serves as a key strategic thought-partner, adviser, and operational collaborator to the New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer, and as the chief executive of New Jersey Innovation Authority’s (NJIA) fiscally-sponsored partner project, InnovateNJ. Core responsibilities include oversight of InnovateNJ’s personnel, budget, finance, procurement, compliance, and day-to-day operations, while also playing a central role in the strategic support of NJIA’s work. The executive director will operate with significant autonomy, yet in close coordination with the Chief Innovation Officer and NJIA’s senior staff, and work closely with team members across the organization. As a part of the team, your responsibilities may include: Organizational Outcomes and Alignment: Supporting and driving organizational planning, advancement, outcomes and achievement In close collaboration with the Chief Innovation Officer, work with initiative, project, and functional leads to set, communicate, measure, and reach organizational objectives and impact, and drive the implementation of approaches and tactics that ensure programmatic collaboration and coordination across programs, products, and practice areas. Identify, obtain, and, oversee the management of InnovateNJ’s financial resources to ensure that adequate funding is available to advance the organization’s core mission, projects, and outcomes, and that funding is expended effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with all applicable rules, regulations, and policies. Oversee and manage the design, implementation, and administration of InnovateNJ policies, processes, and activities that contribute to the continued advancement and evolution of the organization. Coordinate with NJIA’s leadership to ensure internal communication and information flows so that the right information is reaching the right team members at the right time. Represent InnovateNJ, as needed, with key organizational stakeholders across State government and externally. Partner Project Governance: Serving as Project Director and primary liaison with InnovateNJ’s fiscal sponsor Maintain effective coordination and communication between the InnovateNJ project and its fiscal sponsor, the National Center for Civic Innovation, to ensure seamless operations and compliance. Ensure all program financial activities are conducted through the fiscal sponsor in full compliance with tax-exempt requirements, with proper documentation, approvals, and controls in place for expenditures and contractual commitments. Establish and maintain a compliant workforce that adheres to fiscal sponsor personnel policies, ethical standards, and conflict of interest requirements, with appropriate approvals and documentation for all hiring decisions. Secure and maintain positive donor relationships through compliant contribution processing, timely acknowledgments, and accurate reporting that meets both IRS and donor requirements. Ensure ongoing alignment between InnovateNJ activities and fiscal sponsor policies, procedures, and mission requirements, obtaining necessary approvals for any programmatic changes. Compliance and Regulatory Affairs: Navigating government, regulatory, and compliance processes and procedures to advance the organization’s mission and work Ensure that all InnovateNJ activities are executed in a compliant manner, consistent with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and funding agreements. Provide programmatic support to project teams to ensure that product and project goals and objectives can be met in a manner consistent with requirements. In collaboration with NJIA leadership, guide project teams in navigating processes and requirements, and support the development of creative and sustainable solutions to challenges that inhibit the advancement of core initiatives and projects. Organizational Talent: Ensure organizational talent needs are met Oversee InnovateNJ’s efforts to identify talent needs, and attract and retain top-tier talent to advance the organization’s mission and objectives. Work with team members to develop and advance practices that promote and encourage the healthy evolution of organizational culture. Do what’s needed for the team Execute additional duties and responsibilities to advance the organization’s mission and work. Experience, Skills, and Abilities Applicants will be assessed based on a demonstrated ability to accomplish the above-discussed responsibilities. We are seeking individuals with the following experience, expertise, skills, and abilities: 10+ years of relevant experience required, as is a demonstrated and deep commitment to public service and impact. 5+ years of direct personnel oversight and management experience. 3+ years of senior executive leadership experience in the non-profit or digital service delivery field, overseeing an organization or division of similar size and scope ($20MM operating budget, 75+ staff members, etc.). Proven expertise in, and deep understanding of, government budgeting, policy and administration processes. Demonstrated ability to solve diverse problems in highly ambiguous settings, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. A demonstrable ability to rapidly context switch, re-prioritize tasks, and address in-demand team and stakeholder needs with speed and agility. Exceptional communication and people management skills with the ability to build, maintain, and grow professional relationships. Demonstrated success in navigating government bureaucracies and institutions, operating in a highly-regulated environment, and achieving desired outcomes. Experience with, and understanding of, innovation practices in government and/or large institutions, including the use of data to drive decision-making, and approaching problem-solving collaboratively and in an agile manner. Willingness to be available as needed during off hours for occasional rapid/crisis response. Ability to travel to Trenton, NJ with limited notice. Bachelor's degree or equivalent required; advanced degree such as a J.D., MBA, or master’s degree in public administration, public policy, public finance or another field related to job responsibilities and qualifications is preferred. Dedicated to advancing the mission of the NJ Innovation Authority and public service, with a strong commitment to accessibility and fostering a more inclusive society. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. If you have any questions, please contact heather@innovation.nj.gov. Compensation: Annual salary of $200,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid leave, and competitive retirement plan options, as well as other optional fringe benefits. Hiring Entity: This role will be hired by InnovateNJ - a fiscally-sponsored partner project of the National Center for Civic Innovation that exists to advance NJIA’s work and impact. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer We are deeply committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness and seek to create a pluralistic community for all. We strongly encourage people of color, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, women, LGBTQI+ people, those with disabilities, and Veterans to apply. We are committed to building a team that is reflective of New Jersey’s incredible diversity. We do not discriminate against any candidate because of color, race, age, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, membership in an employee organization, pregnancy, marital status, status as a parent, ancestry, national origin, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, retaliation, or other non-merit based factors. Eligibility You must be authorized to work in the United States. Candidates may be required to pass a background check and complete additional steps as part of the application and onboarding process. You will be considered an “at-will” employee, meaning both employer and employee have the right to terminate employment with or without cause or notice.