Opportunities
Staff Director – Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
SUMMARY: The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs seeks a Staff Director for the DAMA Subcommittee. The Staff Director will be responsible for directing and managing the activities of the Subcommittee, which includes oversight, policy development, and legislative efforts related to disability and pension, as well as burial and memorial benefits for veterans and their families. Specifically, the Staff Director will oversee the Compensation & Pension program of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Arlington National Cemetery, and the American Battlefield Monuments Commission.
The Subcommittee Staff Director develops and executes an oversight plan in consultation with Committee leadership, advises the Committee and Subcommittee chairs on DAMA issues, directs an oversight agenda, develops relevant legislation, plans Subcommittee hearings, and supports the Committee’s oversight and legislative activities.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Carry out robust congressional oversight of VBA C&P and NCA Programs.
-
Advise Committee Chair, Subcommittee Chair, and HVAC Staff Director on matters related to veterans’ disability and burial benefits, assist in development and implementation of strategy and policy goals.
-
Advance initiatives related to veterans’ military toxic exposure, including policy reform related to compensation for toxic wounds.
-
Support Committee efforts to prioritize issues affecting minority veterans.
-
Assist and advise on legislative initiatives and activities of the Committee, including drafting of legislation.
-
Develop and execute an oversight plan, including proposed hearings, oversight letters, site visits, etc. in consultation with Committee leadership.
-
Supervise Subcommittee staff and manage all aspects of Subcommittee activities and work product.
-
Prepare and manage all aspects of Subcommittee oversight hearings.
-
Maintain professional relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate oversight activities.
-
Monitor legislative needs and developments within congressional committees and on the House floor within the disability and burial benefit space.
-
Draft hearing statements and floor speeches for the Committee Chair and Subcommittee chair.
-
Coordinate policy oversight and investigative initiatives with other HVAC Subcommittees and relevant House Committees.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Working knowledge of VBA and NCA programs.
-
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
-
Knowledge of the legislative process.
-
Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with others.
-
Thoroughness and careful attention to detail.
-
Availability to work non-traditional hours (on occasion).
-
Ability to manage and oversee a team.
Candidates will be evaluated on experience, skills, character and fitness, and how well you meet the qualifications and requirements above. In an effort to build a diverse and more inclusive work environment, the committee strongly encourages veterans, minority, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ candidates to apply. Salary range $105-115k, commensurate with experience.
All candidates are required to complete an online application for consideration of this position. There you can upload your resume, cover letter, and writing sample.
Internships
The Committee is accepting applications for internships on a rolling basis.
Please note that all internships will be remote during the COVID-19 pandemic.