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Legislative Director

10:32:00 AM ,

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation's first and largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Founded in 2004 by an Iraq veteran, IAVA is a young, dynamic, nonprofit focused on awareness, advocacy and assistance for the 2.4 million men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, with over 200,000 veteran members and grassroots supporters in 50 states.

Over the last 6 years, IAVA has become the leading voice for new veterans in Washington, DC – on the Hill, in the Administration, and in the media. We’ve lead and been a part of major legislative victories for new veterans including the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill, Advance Appropriations, the New GI Bill 2.0, repeal of “Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell,” and most recently the Vow to Hire Heroes Act.

Will you lead the next major legislative victory as IAVA’s Legislative Director?

IAVA is seeking a highly effective strategic thinker to lead our legislative team and advocacy efforts. The Legislative Director needs to be able to move quickly, draft plans that reflect the best practices of advocacy campaigns, innovate new best practices, execute plans under dynamic conditions, and lead a smart, committed team in an exceptionally fast-paced environment.

The Legislative Director will represent Iraq and Afghanistan veterans on Capitol Hill and is open only to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

The Legislative Director will report to IAVA’s Chief Policy Officer.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with IAVA’s Chief Policy Officer to plan advocacy strategies for multiple issues simultaneously
  • Oversee initial and long-term implementation of advocacy strategies
  • Effectively manage the legislative team
  • Direct IAVA’s person-to-person advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and with the Administration
  • Represent IAVA effectively with the Administration and with Congress, as well as in the national and local media and at public events
  • Oversee and execute legislative negotiations
  • Coordinate relationship development
  • Draft and deliver Congressional testimonies
  • Draft and support timely completion of the annual Policy Agenda in collaboration with the Chief Policy Officer and Research Director
  • Assist in directing IAVA’s Storm the Hill Program from designing the advocacy campaign, to training members and managing relationships with representatives


Qualifications

Recommended Experience:

  • One or more tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and/or Operation New Dawn (OND).
  • Extensive leadership, organizational, and strategic-planning experience. An ideal candidate has worked as a manager or director in a policy advocacy, or campaign environment, overseeing a talented and hard-working staff under significant time constraints.
  • Impeccable writing skills and a strong facility with public speaking. The LD must be able to develop a deep understanding of a policy issue and translate that understanding into a concise message for wide public consumption.
  • 2-3 years of experience overseeing a team in an advocacy environment or on Capitol Hill.
  • Expertise in military and veterans’ issues or a military fellowship on Capitol Hill a plus.
  • Media experience a plus.

Skills Required:

  • Strong analytical thinking.
  • Impeccable writing and editing for audiences both internal and external to the organization.
  • Comfortable with frequent public speaking
  • Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage tight timelines, simultaneous projects, team responsibilities, and external expectations.
  • Teaching and mentorship skills.
  • Organizational and management skills.
  • A dedication to quality – perfectionists welcome.
  • A commitment to IAVA’s mission and core values.
  • A sense of humor.

Contact Details

Contact:
Michael Houston
Telephone:
212-982-9699
Email:
hiring@iava.org

Application Instructions

To Apply: Send your resume and cover letter to hiring@iava.org, with your name and “Legislative Director” in the subject line.

IAVA is an equal opportunity employer; VETERANS OF THE CONFLICTS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

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