Executive Director

## The Opportunity

Under the direction of the President and Board of Directors, the **EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR** will lead the nation’s premier organization dedicated exclusively to advocacy for veterans, shaping the legal and legislative strategy that determines how disabled veterans, survivors, family members, and caregivers are treated under federal law.

This is a rare opportunity to bring deep command of veterans benefits law to NOVA’s highest levels of practice, serving as its primary voice before Congress, the VA, and the courts, while guiding the staff, research, and training that advance the field nationally. The Executive Director must move confidently between the courts, stakeholder meetings, Capitol Hill, and boardroom as a credible, apolitical leader trusted across a broad and diverse membership, carrying out the Board’s policies and guiding NOVA’s next chapter.

**Responsibilities include:**

### Legislative and Outreach

– **Original research** — Conducts original research and prepares reports and analysis that inform NOVA’s strategy and strengthen its advocacy positions.
– **Primary liaison role** — Represents NOVA across the veterans benefits community, engaging and testifying with Congress, the VA, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), Veterans Service Organizations, and Bar Associations.
– **Registered lobbyist duties** — Serves as NOVA’s primary registered lobbyist, driving its presence on Capitol Hill while ensuring full compliance with federal reporting requirements.
– **Legislative strategy execution** — Leads development and Board‑approved execution of NOVA’s legislative strategy, supervising and coordinating with any outside lobbyists.
– **Training delivery** — Delivers training on veterans law and serves as a sought‑after speaker for organizations seeking expertise in the field.

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## The Opportunity (Continued)

### Legal

– **Interpretation of laws** — Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations on behalf of NOVA, reviewing proposed laws and regulations and shaping the challenges or changes needed to meet mission objectives, in collaboration with Congressional Testimony and Regulation Comment Committees, and drafting legislative and regulatory comments for committee and Board review and filing.
– **Drafting legal documents** — Drafts pleadings, legal correspondence, and other documents essential to the development of a NOVA matter or cause, coordinating closely with NOVA retained legal counsel.
– **Amicus and litigation support** — Staffs NOVA’s Amicus and Litigation Committee, developing strategy and arguments, serving as liaison to pro bono counsel, and reviewing legal briefs drafted by retained amici in furtherance of NOVA’s mission.
– **Court filings** — Files pleadings and other documents with courts, administrative bodies, and government agencies relative to NOVA’s business and interests.

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## Administrative / Managerial

– **Team leadership** — Builds and leads NOVA’s administrative team, overseeing hiring, performance management, and salary decisions, and developing higher levels of expertise in staff members through professional development.
– **Advisor to Board** — Serves as a trusted advisor to the President and Board, participating in Board meetings and providing timely updates on operations, events, NOVA’s operational and program reports, strategic direction, and any other information the Board needs to govern effectively.
– **Policy enforcement** — Upholds and enforces the policies and procedures established by NOVA’s President and Board.
– **Operational improvements** — Continuously reviews NOVA’s practices and methods, introducing new approaches as necessary to reduce costs, encourage growth, and improve efficiency.
– **Meeting participation** — Organizes and participates in meetings, conferences, and cross‑functional project team activities.
– **Oversight of assets** — Selects, reviews, and monitors insurance policies, inventory, intellectual property, and contracts relative to NOVA’s interests.
– **Financial support** — Provides direct support and cooperation to NOVA’s accountants for the filing of tax forms and end‑of‑year financial reports.
– **Financial viability** — Consults with NOVA’s Treasurer, President, and appropriate committees to ensure proper accounting of NOVA resources and long‑term financial viability.

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## The Candidate

### Required Qualifications

– **Veterans issues expertise** — Extensive and substantive knowledge of issues affecting veterans, survivors, family members, caregivers, and accredited representatives
– **Legal writing skills** — Strong legal research, writing, and drafting skills, including pleadings, legislative/regulatory comments, and litigation briefs
– **Adaptability** — Adaptability and sound judgment in a fast‑changing regulatory and legislative environment
– **Apolitical orientation** — Ability to demonstrate an apolitical/nonpartisan orientation
– **Communication skills** — Strong, clear, and diplomatic written and verbal communication skills
– **Management experience** — Minimum 3 years of management/supervisory experience
– **Education** — Minimum Master’s degree required; J.D. strongly preferred

### Preferred Qualifications

– **Veterans benefits law experience** — Minimum 7 years practicing veterans’ benefits law, with working knowledge of legacy and AMA claims systems
– **Accreditation** — VA accreditation and/or admission to practice before the CAVC and/or U.S. Court of Appeals
– **Relationship building** — Experience building and managing relationships with Congress, VA, CAVC, veteran service organizations, and bar associations
– **Lobbying experience** — Experience as a registered lobbyist or navigating federal lobbying and reporting compliance
– **Technology guidance** — Aptitude and knowledge to guide NOVA’s membership through emerging technologies, including AI
– **Legal education** — J.D. degree preferred in law, government relations, legislative affairs, policy, or business
– **Nonprofit management** — Prior experience managing a nonprofit or member‑based organization of comparable size
– **Military background** — Military service/military spouse background
– **Financial/contract management** — Experience managing financial or contractual business relationships, including vendor and membership management systems

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## Submit Your Application

[https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/ed-nova/]

### Salary Range
$150,000 – $180,000 (salary commensurate with experience)

### Location
Washington, DC (Hybrid role)

### Travel
Conferences twice yearly, plus additional conventions/presentations upon request

DRiWaterstone has been exclusively retained for this engagement. All first‑round interviews for this position will take place via video conference with DRiWaterstone.