Chief Policy Officer

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is seeking a strategic leader to lead our cutting-edge policy shop. We punch above our weight, a David among Goliaths and -unlike much in DC – we get stuff done. Check outwww.IAVA.org/Advocacy to learn more about our ongoing impact.

The Chief Policy Officer (CPO) must be able to lead and the make the most of our three complementary policy teams in our Washington, DC office: legislative, research, and intergovernmental and coalitions. Over the last 10 years, IAVA has become one of Capitol Hill’s most respected advocacy and research organizations that has raised public awareness to key issues that veterans face. We’ve led fights to pass the New GI Bill, address suicide among troops and veterans, and end the backlog of disability claims once and for all.

The Chief Policy Officer (CPO) is responsible for the strategic direction and roadmap of IAVA’s Policy Division. The CPO leads the legislative, research, and intergovernmental and coalitions teams, establishes priorities and goals, and manages and mentors the staff to ensure high-quality performance. The CPO is responsible for ensuring that veterans’ issues remain a priority in the political landscape, and that IAVA remains the leading voice for new veterans in DC and in priority communities around the country.

The CPO is also a member of IAVA’s senior leadership team. Our advocacy work in DC is only effective when it’s part of a comprehensive campaign that includes communications and grassroots engagement. An effective CPO understands the importance of all the elements of a campaign and actively collaborates and coordinates efforts with the communications, development, programs, and operations divisions. The CPO also maintains high-level relationships in Washington, DC, serves as a public and “on-the- record” spokesperson for IAVA, guides our annual membership survey and annual Policy Agenda, and provides political guidance to the organization’s senior leadership and Board.

The CPO reports to IAVA’s Chief of Staff (COS).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and manage a dynamic, motivated and innovative DC office of 6-8 people.
• Shape the policy positions of IAVA and, in cooperation with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), COS and Chief Communications Officer, craft the messaging that guides IAVA press releases, opinion pieces, testimonies, etc.
• Represent IAVA effectively with the Administration and with Congress, as well as in national and local media and at public events.
• Working with IAVA’s Chief Officers, the CPO is responsible for planning, executing, and ensuring the effectiveness of IAVA’s advocacy strategy. Key projects include:
  • The development of the IAVA Policy Agenda.
  • Drafting, fielding, and analyzing IAVA’s surveys of our membership and supporters.
  • Guiding planning and implementation of the annual “Storm the Hill” advocacy week for IAVA members from across the country.
  • Oversee legislative campaigns on a broad range of issues facing new veterans.
  • Oversee and lead the research team in writing and editing IAVA’s issue reports and white papers.
• Coordinate efforts with IAVA’s other divisions, housed in IAVA’s New York City headquarters.
• Maintain the mission-driven culture and morale of the team and connect them to the IAVA HQ.
• Ensure that all personnel hired into the Policy department and that all products coming out of the DC office exceed IAVA’s high standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• 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 CPO must be able to develop a deep understanding of a policy issue and translate that understanding into a concise message.
• 10+ years of experience leading a team in the military, political or advocacy environment and/or on Capitol Hill.
• Expertise in military and veterans’ issues required.
• Media experience required.
• Survey design and analysis a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus.

TRAITS

• A commitment to IAVA’s mission.
• Exceptional analytical, political, and strategic thinking.
• Impeccable writing and editing for numerous audiences, both internal and external to the organization.
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage tight timelines, simultaneous projects, and internal and external colleagues and teams.
• Superior research design and implementation skills.
• Quantitative and qualitative survey design and analysis.
• Teaching and mentorship.
• Organizational and management skills.
• A sense of humor.
• A dedication to quality – perfectionists welcome.

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.

To Apply : Please apply here http://iava.org/careers/.Include a cover letter that concisely explains how your experience could be applied to IAVA. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No phone calls, please.

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

To learn more about IAVA’s history, mission and model, click here.