Junior Associate, Government Affairs

WHO WE ARE 

Veterans Guardian VA Claims Consulting LLC (Veterans Guardian or VG) is the premier veteran-owned-and-operated disability claims consulting company helping 30,000+ veterans annually navigate the VA disability system. VG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Headquartered in Pinehurst, NC, VG employs more than 200 people, most of whom are veterans, spouses of veterans, or spouses of active-duty military. As an industry leader, over 90% of our veteran clients achieve a higher monthly disability benefit with our consult. In order to better serve our veteran clients, VG is engaged in shaping the federal and state legislative landscape around veteran issues to ensure access to services. VG is an active participant in the industry trade association and a national leader in philanthropic giving. 

VG has received the HIRE Vets Platinum or Gold award from the U.S. Department of Labor four years in a row. We have received the BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in 2020, 2021, and 2022. We were most recently recognized for hiring veterans and spouses and named a Military Friendly Company of the Year. We are the national presenting sponsor for Irreverent Warriors and support more than 60 national and local charities, including support to local chapters of Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). 

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

The Junior Associate, Government Affairs, will help represent VG before government officials (legislative and executive branches) at the federal and state levels, support the company’s engagement in trade associations, and support VGs involvement in membership in additional coalitions and other external groups. The role will require significant work on cross-functional teams to support the development and execution of U.S. public policy initiatives on a variety of issues including but not limited to those of federal Veterans Affairs and Judiciary Committee jurisdictions, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and executive office engagement, state legislators, attorney generals, Governors, and legislative issues impacting the lives of veterans and their families. 

This position will report to the Vice President of Government & Public Affairs and will work internally with Marketing, Communications, and other departments as needed. 

This position is based in the Washington, D.C. area and will be largely remote/telework. This position will require travel (~20%) to support Veterans Guardian's strategic and operational objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares memos, educational materials, and presentations regarding the potential impact of federal policies on VG’s business for Government Affairs and company leadership.
• Prepares regular updates and tracks metrics on the company’s policy objectives for internal presentation.
• Helps develop and maintain relationships at the federal and state levels to help achieve VG’s public policy and political objectives.
• Assists with and drives the development and implementation of VG’s government affairs engagement plan.
• Works with external consultants, lobbyists, contractors, and public affairs teams in participating on meetings/calls.
• Educates internal stakeholders, such as Directors and managers, on legislative and administrative policy proposals that could impact VG.
• Helps manage federal consultants to achieve the company’s goals in accordance with the government affairs engagement plan.
• Schedules and attends meetings with US Congressional staff. 
• Supports internal government affairs executives as needed.
• Other assignments as specified.

EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree required.

1+ years of experience working on Capitol Hill or the executive branch of government and/or at a relevant government affairs firm or trade association.

Familiarity with veterans issues/policies and key Congressional staff encouraged but not required.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strategic thinker.
• Analytical thinking and ability to synthesize complex or diverse information.
• Ability to manage projects on time and within budget.
• Required knowledge of the legislative process and the administrative rulemaking process.
• Understanding of federal programs, including but not limited to VA policy, accreditation policy, HVAC/SVAC jurisdictional issues.
• Familiarity with the Lobbying Disclosure Act and the formation and management of PACs.
• Proficient with common digital applications, including Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and demonstration of accuracy and thoroughness.

SALARY + BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with education and experience – competitive with comparable positions

The Veterans Guardian benefits package includes the following options:  

• Eligibility for health, dental, and vision coverage, and flexible spending accounts, subject to plan terms. 
• 401(k) plan eligibility after a year of employment.
• Eligibility for company-paid benefits such as life insurance and long-term disability subject to applicable waiting periods. 
• 80 hours of paid time off (PTO) earned on an accrual basis. (3.08 hours every pay period). 
• Eight Company-paid holidays and three paid floating holidays