Executive Director and Executive Editor

Federal Funds Information for States (FFIS) is a small 501(c)3 organization that provides subscribing states and others with data and analysis focused on federal grant funds flowing to states. Approximately 4,800 individuals receive FFIS publications via email. Since its founding in the mid-1980s, FFIS has provided rigorous research and analysis of the impact on states of federal budget actions. The cornerstone of FFIS’ work is its grants database, which tracks more than 90% of federal funds flowing to state and local governments. FFIS publishes many reports that address emerging topics of interest to states and other interested parties. The executive director oversees a staff of four.

About the Role

The Executive Director serves as the lead executive officer of FFIS and is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, strategic direction, financial sustainability, and long-term success. The Executive Director provides thought leadership on federal funding issues, builds strong relationships with state and national partners, oversees a high-performing team, is a subject matter expert at the intersection of federal and state fiscal policy, and ensures FFIS remains the premier source of federal funds information for states. Working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and external stakeholders, the Executive Director drives innovation, operational excellence, and long-term organizational impact in a dynamic and evolving policy environment.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provides visionary leadership and establishes the long-term strategic direction of FFIS, ensuring the organization remains a resource for states navigating an increasingly complex and evolving federal policy and funding environment.
• Drives organizational sustainability and growth by maintaining a strong value proposition, fostering subscriber retention, and identifying opportunities to expand impact and engagement.
• Anticipates emerging trends, risks, and opportunities, including shifts in federal funding, public policy, and advances in technology.
• Serves as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors to advance organizational strategy, performance, fiduciary oversight, and governance.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement to ensure FFIS remains responsive to member needs and delivers exceptional value.
• Serves as primary ambassador for FFIS by cultivating and strengthening strategic partnerships with NCSL, NGA, NALFO, NASBO, and other partner organizations.
• Represents FFIS nationally before legislative organizations, federal agencies, associations, foundations, and partner organizations.

Administrative Leadership

• Establishes priorities and directs work agenda in alignment with the congressional calendar, federal budget cycle, and legislative activity.
• Supplies strategic oversight of all publications, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, relevance, quality, and timeliness, which includes the writing and editorial review of State Policy Reports and other FFIS publications, reports, analyses, and member communications.
• Leads the translation of complex federal budget and policy developments into practical, actionable information for state leaders and policymakers.
• Oversees the integrity and ongoing development of FFIS data resources including appropriations trackers, Budget Briefs, VIP Series, and related database.
• Develops future organizational leaders.
• Establishes clear performance expectations and organizational priorities.
• Evaluates emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve organizational effectiveness.
• Ensures data quality, security, and accessibility.

Financial Leadership

• Develops and oversees the annual operating budget.
• Ensures sound financial stewardship and organizational sustainability.
• Monitors investments, reserves, and financial performance.
• Recommends financial and overall organizational strategies to the Board.
• Ensures compliance with all nonprofit governance and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Finance, Government, Business Administration, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public policy, public finance, governmental affairs, budgetary analysis, intergovernmental relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational strategy and change.
• Ability to anticipate policy, political, and economic trends.
• Experience managing nonprofit or governmental budgets.
• Demonstrated success building coalitions and strategic partnerships.
• Experience leading high-performing professional teams.
• Experience leading a nonprofit or membership organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in federal and state budget processes, public finance, grants, appropriations, and fiscal policy, with preference for experience at the intersection of federal and state funding.
• Proven ability to provide objective leadership while earning the confidence and trust of a broad range of stakeholders through integrity, sound judgment, nonpartisanship, and collaborative engagement.
• Exceptional written, analytical, and verbal communication skills, including experience translating complex policy and fiscal issues for varied audiences.
• Demonstrated success managing organizational budgets, ensuring financial stewardship, and advancing long-term sustainability.
• Ability to travel as required to represent FFIS at meetings, conferences, and events.

Pay

$220,000 annually