Director of Investigations

American Oversight • Washington, DC

146d • $130,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Vice President, Litigation and Investigations, American Oversight is seeking a Director of Investigations to join its team. The Director of Investigations will lead American Oversight’s Investigations Team — managing a team of investigators and senior investigators, advising executive leadership, and collaborating across departments to help develop and execute high-impact investigations that surface critical insights and inform the organization’s broader litigation strategy. The Director will play a central role in shaping investigative approaches — including methods that enhance and go beyond public records work — to uncover government misconduct, reveal behind-the-scenes influence and decision-making, and expose the disproportionate impact of policies and practices on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized communities.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience conducting and leading progressively complex investigations.
• 3+ years of experience overseeing teams and managing investigative work.
• Proven track record of leading high-impact investigations.
• Proficiency with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and/or state-level public records laws.
• Genuine interest in American Oversight’s mission of government accountability and transparency.
• Exceptionally strong skills in people management, project management, communication, and accountability.
• Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.
• Proven ability to think strategically and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong technology skills with an aptitude to learn quickly.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience working in a remote-first or hybrid nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated ability to use strategic communications to amplify investigative outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Set and drive the strategic direction of American Oversight’s Investigations Team.
• Oversee high-impact investigations from design to execution.
• Collaborate with the legal, communications, and partnerships departments to identify, design, and lead high-impact investigations.
• Ensure the quality, accuracy, and strategic alignment of all investigative work.
• Identify and implement tools, systems, and processes that improve the efficiency of investigative work.
• Provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and professional development to investigators.
• Set clear goals and expectations, develop metrics to assess team performance.
• Represent American Oversight in high-level external engagements.

Benefits

• 80% of health, dental, and vision premiums paid by the organization.
• Retirement plan with a matching contribution.
• Remote office reimbursements for personal devices and wireless connectivity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees