Director of Investigations

Summary

Join American Oversight, a nonpartisan nonprofit watchdog, as the Director of Investigations. Reporting to the VP of Litigation and Investigations, you will lead the Investigations Team, managing investigators, advising leadership, and collaborating across departments. This role is central to shaping investigative approaches to uncover government misconduct and expose its impact on marginalized communities. You will set the strategic direction of the team, oversee investigations, collaborate with other departments, and ensure the quality of investigative work. You will also mentor investigators, set team goals, and represent American Oversight externally. The position is remote with occasional travel to Washington, D.C.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience conducting and leading progressively complex investigations — including in fields such as, but not limited to, investigative research, investigative journalism, congressional oversight, or a related field — with 3+ years of experience overseeing teams, managing and directing the investigative work of others, and mentoring early-career investigators in a formal leadership capacity
• Proven track record of leading high-impact or high-profile investigations that have advanced public accountability, informed litigation, or driven policy or institutional change
• Proficiency with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and/or state-level public records laws, as well as experience using open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools and techniques to support or lead investigations
• Genuine interest in American Oversight’s mission of government accountability and transparency, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy
• Exceptionally strong skills in the following areas: People Management : Leads a high-performing team through clear direction, mentorship, and support. Fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture and aligns individual growth with organizational goals
• Project Management : Leads multiple investigative projects with varying scopes and timelines. Balances long-term planning with rapid response, ensuring timely, high-quality execution
• Communication : Communicates complex ideas, information, and findings clearly and confidently — both orally and in writing — tailoring language to suit diverse audiences and contexts. Produces well-organized, error-free work that reflects strong subject-matter expertise and professionalism
• Accountability : Takes ownership of team performance and deliverables. Sets clear expectations, addresses challenges proactively, and upholds high standards of integrity and professionalism
• Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment where priorities can shift quickly
• Proven ability to think strategically, exercise sound judgment, and act with entrepreneurial initiative in fast-paced, evolving environments
• Experience working in and/or desire to contribute to workplaces with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Strong technology skills with an aptitude to learn quickly, ramp up on, or test new platforms or technology (e.g., AirTable). Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and file-sharing platforms (Dropbox)

Responsibilities

• Set and drive the strategic direction of American Oversight’s Investigations Team — ensuring the organization is positioned to respond to current events and emerging threats to government accountability, and to proactively advance its mission through innovative investigative strategies
• Oversee high-impact investigations from design to execution, guiding the team in turning complex information into actionable insights and making strategic decisions about when to launch, adjust, or close investigations
• Collaborate with the legal, communications (editorial and media relations), and partnerships departments to identify, design, and lead high-impact investigations that align with American Oversight’s strategic priorities and help inform litigation efforts
• Ensure the quality, accuracy, and strategic alignment of all investigative work by reviewing and approving internal and external outputs, including content supporting litigation and public education
• Identify and implement tools, systems, and processes that improve the efficiency, coordination, and impact of investigative work across the team
• Provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and professional development to investigators and senior investigators, ensuring they have the resources and direction needed to excel
• Set clear goals and expectations, develop metrics to assess team performance, and cultivate a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and high-impact investigative work
• Represent American Oversight in high-level external engagements — including briefings, convenings, and coalition meetings — to elevate the visibility and credibility of the organization’s investigative work
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Experience working in a remote-first or hybrid nonprofit or mission-driven organization, particularly one focused on government accountability or civil rights, where investigations inform litigation, advocacy, or public education efforts
• Demonstrated ability to use strategic communications to amplify investigative outcomes and increase public awareness and impact

Benefits

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