The client is seeking an Executive Director to lead national advocacy efforts on behalf of veterans, shaping legal and legislative strategy affecting disabled veterans, survivors, family members, and caregivers under federal law. Reporting to the President and Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as the organization’s primary voice before legislative and executive agencies and the courts, and will guide staff, research, and training activities that advance the field nationally. This role requires the ability to move effectively across courtroom, legislative, and board settings as a credible, apolitical leader.
Key responsibilities include conducting original research and producing reports and analysis to inform advocacy strategy, acting as a primary liaison across the veteran benefits community, and engaging in testimony and other advocacy efforts with relevant governmental bodies and courts. The Executive Director will interpret laws, rulings, and regulations, review proposed legislation and regulations, and collaborate with internal committees to draft legislative and regulatory comments for committee and Board review. The role also includes drafting pleadings, legal correspondence, and other documents essential to advocacy matters, in close coordination with retained legal counsel.
The Executive Director will build and lead the administrative team, overseeing hiring and performance management and supporting professional development to increase staff expertise. The Executive Director will serve as a trusted advisor to the President and Board, providing timely updates on operations, events, and program and strategic reports to support effective governance. Ideal candidates will have extensive knowledge of issues affecting veterans and related communities, strong legal research and drafting skills, adaptability and sound judgment in a fast-changing regulatory and legislative environment, and a clear apolitical orientation, along with strong written and verbal communication skills, including management or supervisory experience and a required master’s degree.