The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Legislative Affairs Director will report directly to the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Government & Community Relations and will oversee the day-to-day legislative and advocacy operations, which may include supervision of the legislative affairs team and prioritization process, as well as planning, executing, and ensuring the effectiveness of WWP’s high priority legislative and policy initiatives. This position will serve to amplify the work of WWP in the National Capital Region by bolstering relationships with members of Congress and like-minded non-profits and for-profit organizations, enhancing organizational awareness, and identifying new, and timely opportunities to communicate the impact of WWP programs and services.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Assist the SVP of Government and Community Relations to develop a comprehensive plan for engaging the legislative branch in WWP legislative and policy priorities
- Support SVP of Government and Community Relations to vet, foster, maintain, and improve relationships with federal and local lawmakers and their staffs to further WWP’s effectiveness and collective impact; and further inform key stakeholders of WWP’s programming, partnerships, legislative and policy work
- Lead and develop the legislative affairs team, which may include coaching, mentoring and managing of teammates
- Design and manage a process through which WWP can adopt policy positions, fostering buy-in from internal stakeholders
- Support SVP of Government and Community Relations as subject matter expert on WWP legislative priorities and positions; provide recommendations regarding policy based on in-depth research and analysis
- Execute Hill engagements, working groups, roundtables, and other meetings at the national and grassroots levels
- For high priority policy initiatives, develop and execute strong, well-designed advocacy campaigns at the federal and state levels that are specifically tailored to the particular issue to maximize success. Campaigns may seek legislative/regulatory changes, cultural shifts within VA or other agencies, or guidance/policy shifts
- Work closely with Government & Community Relations team, including Communications Director, Government & Community Relations to ensure that campaigns are properly coordinated among WWP teams
- Work closely with Director of Government & Community Relations to ensure coordinated and consistent articulation of WWP’s brand and policy positions
- Lead cross-organizational project management for advocacy initiatives
- Ensure internal and external stakeholders, including WWP staff, are informed about initiatives
- Forge relationships and strategic collaborations with external groups and influencers including government officials, lobbyists, fundraising professionals, and non-profit stakeholders
- Effectively deploy and manage localized external resources to effectively represent WWP advocacy priorities
- Provide support to SVP of Government and Community Relations to ensure he/she is effectively positioned to advocate on WWP priorities in external forums
- Represent WWP whenever necessary at key events, meetings, discussions, hearings, conferences, or on the Hill as directed by the SVP of Government and Community Relations
- Other related duties and special projects as requested
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree required; law or master’s degree preferred
Skills/Experience:
- Highly motivated, passionate and creative team player with demonstrated commitment to the organization’s mission and ability to communicate with diverse personalities in a tactful, mature and flexible manner
- Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to motivate, coach, and/or educate staff members while fostering a strong team mentality
- Must possess advanced knowledge and understanding regarding policy, advocacy and legislative affairs
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills, must be able to build personal relationships with VSO/MSO legislative affairs counterparts and with lawmakers and their staffs
- Public speaking and community outreach experienced highly encouraged
- Prior advocacy experience with a thorough understanding of issue faced by military and veteran’s population to include the military family required
- Willingness to learn and/or enhance knowledge in relevant subject areas to better support the organization
- Ability to effectively delegate, monitor workload, and analyze work processes and metrics
- Demonstrated ability to remain flexible and work within a collaborative and team-oriented environment
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with a strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize and effectively handle multiple priorities within tight deadlines
- Demonstrated proficiency Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills and highly effective interpersonal skills
- Ability to build networks with diverse partners in pursuit of common goals
- Ability to think strategically, to analyze complex information and offer creative, practical and high-impact solutions
- Ability to take initiative, display sound judgment, and effectively troubleshoot, problem-solve and prioritize
Education & Experience Requirements
- Five (5) years of legislative, advocacy and policy experience required preferably in a government or non-profit setting
- Two (2) years management experience preferred
Certifications & Licensure
- Bar admission in any state preferred
- Must be willing to register as a lobbyist for WWP
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Sep 2 2017
Active Until:
Oct 2 2017
Hiring Organization:
Wounded Warrior Project, Inc.
industry:
Nonprofit