Policy & Advocacy Director

Remote - Washington, DC

VETS seeks an experienced policy leader to join our zealous, dedicated, and passionate team working to improve the health of United States military veterans.

Commitment

Flexible

Location

While this position will be performed primarily remote; residing in the Washington, D.C. area is preferred.

About the Policy & Advocacy Director role

The Policy & Advocacy Director is a new leadership role focused on solidifying the policy platform within VETS to drive the creation and refinement of a strategic policy agenda at the federal and state levels. This role is public-facing, requiring the forging of relationships and partnerships with veterans, policymakers, and partner organizations, and working in coalitions. We are seeking a self-starter with deep roots in and understanding of the movements for drug policy reform, veterans’ rights, and veteran health care inadequacies, with strong leadership and management experience, excellent writing and communication skills, flexibility, strong attention to detail, and the ability to successfully manage crises and rapid change with a positive mindset.

Roles and Responsibilities

Legislative Work

Develop and execute annual policy strategy and legislative agenda, in collaboration with VETS team members
Draft and support bills through the legislative cycle, including legislative sponsorship, outreach, and ongoing advocacy needed to pass bills
Draft and refine VETS model legislation with input from VETS leadership and veteran community members
Provide technical assistance to legislators and legislative staff seeking to introduce and pass relevant legislation
Build and nurture effective multi-organizational coalitions and alliances
Work with VETS leadership and staff to develop, track, and communicate project goals, timelines, and deliverables related to those initiatives and campaigns
Ensure the efficient flow of information and support among team members, especially communications and development personnel
Oversee information-sharing, briefings, and policy training for VETS team
Provide leadership for the intake and processing of new policy initiatives and/or partnership requests, and ensure that appropriate team members are included
Center the voices and experiences of impacted veterans

Implementation

Lead public education and implementation initiatives for relevant successful legislation in collaboration with other VETS team members
Support consistency and integration among the VETS team regarding public education and policy advocacy

Communications

Collect data, stories, and testimonies from veterans to support the policy agenda
Center the voices and experiences of impacted veterans
Track progress of legislation and policy agenda, and coordinate with communications personnel to promote policy developments to key stakeholders
Collaborate with development personnel to support the Executive Director and Program Director in funding and resource development efforts

Management and Leadership

Manage the policy efforts of other VETS team members
Create, develop, and coordinate a new Policy Team at VETS composed of staff and volunteers
Maintain effective communication among team members, keeping the Executive Director informed of all critical issues
Mentor and coach staff using a supportive, collaborative, and strengths-based approach to development and growth
Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign duties, set objectives, and establish priorities

Qualifications

At least 10 years of experience in government, law, drug policy, and/or veterans’ rights, with at least 5 years in leadership roles
Knowledge and experience in policy making, including existing state and federal laws and regulations regarding controlled substances
Deep understanding and experience navigating state legislative cycles, and the roles and functions of various committees in the state and federal legislatures
Proven track record of success leading and collaborating in high-impact and innovative policy advocacy campaigns
Demonstrated success working in and building coalitions, including partnering with and influencing policymakers, community members, and other advocacy groups or organizations
Experience navigating and resolving interpersonal and group conflict
A team player with an attitude of service wh- has the ability to motivate others
Professional attitude suitable for representing VETS in interactions with external stakeholders including legislators and veterans
Exceptional written, oral, and presentation skills
Experience effectively interfacing with Boards of Directors, senior management, staff, community members, and media
Demonstrated ability to strategically evaluate complex political, inter-organization, or policy problems, to develop and communicate options, and to implement solutions
Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and to plan and execute a strategy taking into account emergent opportunities

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive pay commensurate with experience.

Confidentiality

VETS will not contact an applicant’s current employer unless they are listed as a reference by the applicant.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to the form below.

VETS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.