Director, Public Sector Consulting – Regulatory Compliance & Grants

Locations: Chicago, IL | Irvine, CA | San Francisco Bay Area, CA (Hybrid)Remote: 100% Remote Option Available if not near an MGO office

Position Summary:

MGO is seeking a Director to lead and grow our Public Sector Consulting practice with a focus on regulatory compliance, grants management, and operational advisory services. This leadership role serves state and local governments, public agencies, higher education institutions, nonprofits, and other organizations receiving public funding.

The Director will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leaders, providing strategic guidance on regulatory compliance, federal and state funding requirements, governance, risk management, internal controls, and grants administration. This individual will oversee complex consulting engagements, cultivate key client relationships, drive business development, and support the growth of a high-performing consulting team.

Essential Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Service Delivery

• Lead complex public sector consulting engagements from planning through completion.
• Serve as the primary advisor to agency executives, department leaders, and governing bodies.
• Deliver high-quality advisory services related to regulatory compliance, grants management, risk assessments, and operational improvement.
• Ensure engagements are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with firm quality standards.
• Review reports, analyses, and client deliverables while providing strategic and technical guidance.

Regulatory Compliance & Grants Advisory

• Advise clients on federal and state regulatory requirements and compliance programs.
• Lead grant compliance reviews, monitoring programs, and funding readiness assessments.
• Evaluate internal controls, governance structures, and operational risks.
• Support corrective action planning, performance improvement initiatives, and compliance remediation efforts.
• Provide expertise in Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), grant administration, and oversight best practices.

Business Development & Practice Growth

• Develop and expand client relationships across government and public sector markets.
• Lead proposal development, presentations, and pursuit activities.
• Identify opportunities to expand services within existing accounts.
• Represent MGO at industry conferences, government forums, and professional associations.
• Contribute to thought leadership and service innovation initiatives.

Talent Development

• Mentor, coach, and develop managers, consultants, and project teams.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and performance management processes.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with MGO's values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Accounting or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in public sector consulting, regulatory compliance, grants management, internal audit, or advisory services.
• Experience serving state and local government, public agencies, higher education institutions, or nonprofit organizations.
• Strong knowledge of federal grants, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and governance practices.
• Professional certification required (CPA, CIA, CFE, PMP, CISA, CGFM, or similar).
• Demonstrated success managing complex engagements, developing client relationships, and leading teams.
• Ability to travel 10-25% as needed.

Compensation:

• $175,000-$230,000 base salary plus performance and business development bonus opportunities.