Opportunities
Staff Director – Subcommittee on Disability Assistance & Memorial Affairs (DAMA), House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (Majority)
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
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Carry out robust congressional oversight of VBA C&P and NCA Programs.
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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.
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Advance initiatives related to veterans’ military toxic exposure, including policy reform related to compensation for toxic wounds.
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Support Committee efforts to prioritize issues affecting minority veterans.
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Assist and advise on legislative initiatives and activities of the Committee, including drafting of legislation.
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Develop and execute an oversight plan, including proposed hearings, oversight letters, site visits, etc. in consultation with Committee leadership.
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Supervise Subcommittee staff and manage all aspects of Subcommittee activities and work product.
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Prepare and manage all aspects of Subcommittee oversight hearings.
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Maintain professional relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate oversight activities.
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Monitor legislative needs and developments within congressional committees and on the House floor within the disability and burial benefit space.
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Draft hearing statements and floor speeches for the Committee Chair and Subcommittee chair.
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Coordinate policy oversight and investigative initiatives with other HVAC Subcommittees and relevant House Committees.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Working knowledge of VBA and NCA programs.
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Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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Knowledge of the legislative process.
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Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with others.
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Thoroughness and careful attention to detail.
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Availability to work non-traditional hours (on occasion).
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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.
Law Clerk, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (Majority)
SUMMARY: The Democratic staff of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs seeks a Law Clerk. The law clerk will report to the General Counsel and will assist the General Counsel and Chief Investigative Counsel with oversight, investigative, and legislative activities.
The Committee law clerk will conduct original and legal research and draft memoranda and other written materials. The law clerk will attend relevant briefings, Committee hearings, and legislative markups. Qualified candidates will have strong research, writing, and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.
This clerkship is remote and is open to current law students only. In an effort to build a diverse and more inclusive work environment, the committee strongly encourages veterans, minorities, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ candidates to apply. Compensation is available to students who meet House of Representatives paid internship requirements, to include being part of a demonstrated education program.
All candidates are required to complete an online application for consideration. Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, short writing sample, and diversity and inclusion statement. Applications will be accepted until July 30, 2021.
Diversity and inclusion statement: Please provide, in 250 words or less, a statement that explains: 1) How your past personal and/or professional experiences have contributed to your growth in understanding diversity, equity, and inclusion, and/or 2) How you would like to engage in diversity, equity and inclusion matters in this role.
Internships
The Democratic Staff of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs seeks legislative or press interns. Responsibilities include but are not limited to conducting legislative research, managing and responding to constituent correspondence, attending briefings and hearings for staff, compiling press clips, drafting communications materials, and other tasks depending on the needs of the Committee and the intern’s interests.
Qualified candidates will have strong oral and written communications skills, be detail-oriented, and have a desire to help veterans and learn about the House and legislative process. 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.
This is an unpaid, virtual internship that can be a full-time or part-time position. To apply, fill out the online form and submit a resume and cover letter at this link. Please include in your cover letter how many days a week you would be available to intern as well as your preferred start and end dates. Indicate in the subject line whether you are applying for a legislative or press internship. If applicants have additional questions about the internship, contact veterans.internships@mail.house.gov.