Benefits Director Congressional and Legislative Affairs

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs • Washington, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as Director of the Benefits Legislative Affairs Service in the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA). The Director leads and manages a team of Congressional Relations Officers and serves as a liaison between senior officials in VA administrations, field facilities, and staff offices and OCLA. The role communicates information about VA programs, policies, and legislation and develops and maintains relationships with Congress.

The Director establishes operational guidelines and manages the service’s daily activities. The position monitors and analyzes congressional inquiries and correspondence, tracks congressional interests that could affect VA, and represents OCLA and the Assistant Secretary in meetings concerning legislation, policy, programs, and upcoming hearings. The role also provides witnesses with guidance on testimony and protocol.

This is an onsite position at 810 Vermont Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20420, within a 50-mile commuting area. Ad hoc telework may be available under agency policy, but the position is not virtual and employees must report in person unless they have an approved exemption. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. The work is primarily sedentary, although slight physical effort may be required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• For current Federal employees subject to time-in-grade requirements, 52 weeks at GS-14 for a GS-15 position by the announcement closing date.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-14 in the normal line of progression, including relevant congressional liaison work, hearing preparation and witness support, managerial authority over staff and operations, and establishing operational goals and long-range work plans.
• Experience must be documented in the resume with job title, employer, duties, hours per week, employment dates, and Federal grade when applicable.
• Complete the required application steps, including the online assessment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete onboarding requirements.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period or a two-year trial period.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within the 50-mile local commuting area of Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Benefits Legislative Affairs Service team within OCLA.
• Act as liaison between senior officials in VA administrations, field facilities, and staff offices and OCLA regarding VA programs, policies, and legislation; develop and maintain good relations with Congress.
• Establish operational guidelines and manage the day-to-day activities of the Benefits Legislative Affairs Service staff.
• Monitor and analyze congressional inquiries, correspondence, and requests for the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and other VA officials.
• Monitor and track congressional interests that could affect VA through contacts with Members of Congress and congressional staff, inquiries and correspondence, legislative calendars, the Congressional Record, other documentary sources, professional staff, federal officials, and the White House.
• Represent OCLA and the Assistant Secretary at meetings with Under Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and other entities to review planned and pending legislation and policy and program issues related to upcoming hearings.
• Provide guidance to witnesses on testimony and protocol.
• Lead long-range operational and strategic planning, set organizational objectives, align resources, and resolve cross-functional challenges.
• Direct assessments of legislative initiatives, evaluate implementation effectiveness and outcomes, and recommend strategic improvements.
• Direct workforce planning, evaluate staff performance and work products, resolve personnel challenges, and ensure equitable and compliant employment practices.
• Represent senior Department officials in high-level engagements with congressional leaders and external stakeholders on legislative and policy matters.
• Prepare or oversee executive summaries, decision-support analyses, and strategic options for complex legislative and policy issues.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Annual leave accrual based on Federal service, with possible credit for qualifying prior non-Federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed