Director of Government Affairs

Volunteer Position: Government Affairs Director

United Soldiers and Sailors of America – USASOA

Term: 1‑Year Commitment

Location: Remote (Preferred: Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia)

About USASOA

United Soldiers and Sailors of America – USASOA is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of our service members, veterans, and their families through direct‑impact grassroots programs, advocacy, and community‑driven solutions. Our work is grounded in compassion, urgency, and a deep respect for those who have served.

Position Overview

USASOA is seeking a dynamic, mission‑driven Government Affairs Director to lead our legislative and policy initiatives for a one‑year volunteer term. This individual will guide and mentor a team of high‑performing undergraduate and graduate‑level interns as they research, analyze, and develop solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our military and veteran communities.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast‑paced advocacy environments, values meaningful output, and understands that policy work must be grounded in real‑world impact—not just data.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead USASOA’s government affairs strategy in alignment with the organization’s mission of direct impact.
• Supervise, mentor, and direct a team of top‑tier undergraduate and postgraduate interns working on policy research, legislative analysis, and advocacy initiatives.
• Oversee the development of policy proposals, legislative briefs, and advocacy campaigns addressing issues outlined in USASOA’s grassroots programs and services.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, legislative staff, agencies, and partner organizations.
• Monitor federal and state legislation affecting service members, veterans, and their families.
• Translate research into actionable, compassionate, and effective policy recommendations.
• Engage directly with service members, veterans, and their families to gain firsthand understanding of the challenges they face.
• Ensure that all government affairs efforts reflect the urgency, humanity, and lived experiences of the communities we serve.
• Represent USASOA in meetings, briefings, and advocacy events (virtual or in‑person when possible).

Required Qualifications

• A fully verifiable record of substantial experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative work, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage projects, and produce high‑quality policy outputs.
• Strong understanding of the legislative process at both federal and state levels.
• Exceptional communication, writing, and analytical skills.
• A leadership style that aligns with USASOA’s commitment to direct impact, compassion, and community engagement.
• Willingness to engage directly with the military and veteran communities to understand the real‑world implications of proposed policies.
• A proactive, energetic, “go‑getter” mindset with enthusiasm, creativity, and a passion for meaningful results.
• Ability to work remotely and independently while meeting deadlines and organizational goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with or within military, veteran, or human‑services organizations.
• Existing relationships with policymakers, legislative offices, or advocacy networks.
• Residency in Maryland, Washington, DC, or Northern Virginia (not required but preferred for occasional in‑person engagement).

What We Are Not Looking For

We are not seeking passive “data miners” who produce reports without understanding the human urgency behind them. This role requires heart, initiative, and a deep appreciation for the lives impacted by your work.

What You Will Gain

• The opportunity to shape meaningful policy that directly improves the lives of service members, veterans, and their families.
• Leadership experience managing a team of talented interns.
• High‑level exposure to legislative processes, advocacy networks, and nonprofit leadership.
• The fulfillment of contributing to a mission that truly matters.