Deputy Director Government Affairs

Great Benefits. Competitive Pay.

We know these are some of the things people look for in a job.

If you’re the kind of person who believes that honoring and empowering our nation’s veterans is more than just a cause — that it’s a calling — then we’re ready to meet you.

When you join Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), you’re committing to making a difference. We make a commitment to you, too – helping you to find that spark, ignite your passion to serve, and embark on a career with meaning and purpose.

At WWP™, we recognize our mission cannot be accomplished without our talented teammates, which is why we’re proud to offer benefits such as:

• A flexible hybrid work schedule (three days in the office, two days working from home)
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for both teammates AND family members
• Competitive pay and performance incentives
• A fun, mission-focused, and collaborative team environment

A mission that matters is just the beginning, so if you’re ready to get started, we’re ready for you.

Government Affairs Deputy Director Role

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Government Affairs Deputy Director assists in the development and implementation of WWP’s public policy strategy to advance its legislative, regulatory, and advocacy priorities. The Government Affairs Deputy Director communicates WWP’s public policy positions, identifies new and timely opportunities to share the impact of WWP programs and services, and strengthens relationships with congressional staff and members, federal agency staff and appointees, nonprofit organizations, as well as internal and external partners and stakeholders.

The Government Affairs Deputy Director leads and manages WWP’s lobbying team, oversees and guides legislative engagement and broader public policy strategies, and supports the Government Affairs Director in leading WWP’s Government Affairs program.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the Government Affairs team in building and enhancing collaborative relationships to advance WWP advocacy priorities and inform on WWP public policy positions.
• Support the Government Affairs Director in the development and implementation of advocacy campaigns for high-priority policy initiatives at the federal and state levels.
• Oversee WWP’s lobbying activity before Congress, including identifying priorities, establishing team goals, and developing operating procedures to ensure WWP effectively engages legislative policymakers on issues impacting wounded, ill, or injured warriors, family support members, and caregivers.
• Coordinate engagement with federal agencies, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, to ensure regular attendance at meetings and informed representation of WWP public policy priorities and key constituencies.
• Prepare internal and external communications, including emails, reports, memos, presentations, and coordinating cross-organizational communication with WWP program management to support policy initiatives.
• Collect and analyze data to assist the Government Affairs team in decision-making and reporting to leadership on activities and results. Identify and track trends.
• Prepare reports on federal, legislative, and regulatory matters of interest to WWP.
• Manage the development of congressional testimony, roundtable remarks, and talking points, including testifying before congressional audiences.
• Support the Government Affairs Director with team budgeting, strategic planning, KPIs, and interviewing candidates.
• Oversee external resources and vendors supporting WWP advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop messaging that raises awareness of Government Affairs activities with stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Community Partnerships and Investments team on advocacy-related grants and projects.
• Coordinate engagements, working groups, roundtables, and meetings.
• Represent WWP at events, meetings, discussions, hearings, and conferences, and provide written summaries and recommendations.
• Develop community support for WWP, effectively communicating WWP’s history, mission, vision, and benefits of its programs and services, inspiring involvement and support.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of the legislative process, public policy, and advocacy issues.
• Highly motivated, passionate, and creative team player with a deep understanding of Wounded Warrior Project and its mission, values, programs, and services.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to motivate, mentor, and educate staff members while fostering a strong team mentality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong research and writing capabilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to adapt to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to analyze information and recommend creative, practical solutions.
• Proven ability to establish relationships with WWP teammates to advance the mission and advocacy priorities and inform on WWP public policy positions.
• Effective relationship-building skills with a thorough understanding of relationship management and partnering.
• Ability to manage sensitive matters with diplomacy and confidentiality.
• Strong advocacy experience with a deep understanding of military service organization (MSO) and veteran service organization (VSO) community needs and concerns.
• Ability to think strategically, analyze complex information, and offer creative, high-impact solutions.
• Effective presentation skills, with the confidence to communicate information to large audiences, small groups, and individuals.
• Skilled in participating in and leading external advocacy efforts through collaboration with stakeholders, including MSO and VSO representatives, congressional staff, and federal agency staff.
• Professional presence and demeanor with the capacity to establish credibility, influence others, and drive change.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• High energy level, self-starter, willing to take initiative.
• Commitment to the highest standards of ethics and conduct.
• Mission-driven, guided by core values, and a pleasure to work with.

Experience

Requirements:

• Five years of experience in advocacy, policy, legislative affairs, or legislative research.
• Three years of staff management or leadership experience.

Preferences:

• Five years of military experience or work with veterans or military service organizations.
• Five years of experience working with a non-profit organization.
• Five years of experience working in a Congressional office, Executive branch office, or with a lobby firm.

Education

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, business, management, communication, or other relevant field of study. Equivalent combinations of education, experience, training, or certification may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Certifications/Licensures

Requirements:

• Valid state-issued driver’s license.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• General office environment; temperature controlled.
• Up to 30% travel required.

Benefits Package

We recognize the success of our mission depends on the efforts of our passionate, hard-working teammates. To help teammates remain focused on the warriors and families we serve, WWP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical/Prescription drug coverage
• Dental and Vision
• Life/AD&D
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k)-retirement plan
• Competitive PTO package, Sick Leave, Family Care Leave, Paid Holidays, Birthday Holiday
• Education Assistance
• Bereavement Leave

Salary Information for Washington, D.C. Applicants

The estimated hiring range for this position is between $109,670 – $137,088 annual base salary, subject to a candidate’s combination of experience, qualifications, and credentials. This position may also be eligible for an annual performance incentive.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Wounded Warrior Project® is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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