Legislative Associate

An exciting opportunity exists for an exceptional individual to join the Legislative Department of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America's (IAVA) Policy Division.

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 the Vow to Hire Heroes Act.

Reporting to the Legislative Director, the Legislative Associate will support the organization's efforts to advocate for our nation's veterans in Washington, DC while bringing veterans' issues out of the beltway and into the consciousness of the American public.

The ideal candidate will be ambitious, energetic and passionate about veterans issues, as well as:

Possess strong interpersonal skills; able to build and maintain effective working relationships;
Able to work both independently, but also as a team player who will engage others both within and outside of IAVA;
Have exceptional attention to detail;
Have a positive attitude and great sense of humor;
Committed to and enthusiastic about the mission of IAVA.

Key Responsibilities

Working closely with the Legislative Director and Legislative team, the Legislative Associate will:
- Be responsible for becoming an expert in a variety of assigned veterans issues and with proven success and performance;
- Track and report on federal and state legislation, and government policies pertaining to the veterans' community and IAVA's policy goals;
- Support the organization's efforts to bring veterans' issues out of the beltway and into the consciousness of the American public;
- Represent IAVA effectively with the Administration and with Congress, as well as in the national and local media and at public events.

Ideal Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a creative and analytical leader with the following characteristics and experience:
- At least one of the following:
  - One or more tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and/or Operation New Dawn (OND);
  - Two years of experience working within the Federal Government on veteran related programs or agencies;
  - Two years of experience in State or Municipal government dealing with veterans' affairs or related issues;
  - Two years of experience in advocacy, on Capitol Hill, or with/within the federal government, or in a related field;
  - Extensive experience working on National or State campaigns;
  - Experience writing memorandum and briefing materials for principles;
  - Working knowledge of the legislative process to include legislative analysis, political acumen, and the procedures of Congress;
  - Clear, thoughtful, precise, and quick writing skills;
  - Basic facility with public speaking and media;
  - High energy and passion for IAVA's mission;
  - Bachelor's degree required.

Start Date: Immediate

Application Deadline: Rolling

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience. IAVA provides comprehensive health and dental coverage, access to vision benefits, a Flexible Spending Account, Transportation Savings Account and a 403(b) retirement plan, in addition to thirty Paid Time Off days per year.

Job Description