Director of Currently Serving Affairs

General Role

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is the nation’s largest and most influential military association with a robust membership of current, former, and retired military officers and their families. MOAA is dedicated to preserving the earned benefits of all members of the uniformed services and their families and survivors, and to maintaining a strong national defense. Our promise to our members is simple. In fact, it is the same promise they made to their country: Never Stop Serving.

Federal relations position responsible for a complex portfolio of legislative issues pertinent to Congressional engagement in the areas of Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs (DoD/VA) for all issues relating to currently serving servicemembers. Serves all Active, Guard, and Reserve forces; retirees and non-retiree veterans; and military spouses and families. Advises MOAA’s President, Vice Presidents, Board of Directors, and other staff on all DoD policy matters affecting servicemembers’ and veterans’ benefits and entitlements. Coordinates with senior officials of the relevant departments and agencies (DoD, VA, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, Department of Health and Human Services), uniformed services, Congressional oversight committees, and other organizations and individuals in a position to influence servicemember and veteran compensation and benefits programs. Develops, for leadership review, MOAA’s position on current and proposed legislation, regulations, and other directives as they relate to the portfolio and the uniformed services community.

Responsibilities Include, but Are Not Limited To:

• The Association’s subject-matter representative to the executive and legislative branches of the Federal Government, and to other military and veteran-service associations on issues pertaining to military veterans and members of the Guard and Reserves.
• Conceives, coordinates, and executes MOAA’s agenda as it applies to current and proposed legislation and regulations relating to servicemembers. Coordinates with DoD/VA, National Guard Bureau, Reserve Forces Headquarters of the military services, headquarters for uniformed services, and extensive network of support in order to properly understand and address the challenges of service in the Reserve Components.
• Registered federal lobbyist. Constantly assesses legislative and political climate—prepares and refines plans to meet that changing environment and ensure optimum engagement opportunities.
• Collaborates across MOAA’s departments to ensure Government Relations remains supportive of broader goals and efforts to increase membership and revenues.
• Supports evolving communications needs in areas of content, social media engagements, and digital production methods and distribution.
• Writes and edits content for Military Officer magazine, the MOAA Newsletter, and legislative content on MOAA’s website. Facilitates member participation in legislative efforts via electronic mailing, MOAA’s print media, and website.
• Researches and studies objectives, requirements, and challenges; conducts in-depth issue analysis prior to preparing and presenting testimony before Congress, Presidential commissions, task forces, and special study groups.
• Co-chairs the Currently Serving Advisory Councils. Actively contributes to the recruitment and selection of council members. Coordinates with currently serving members on activities outside of council meetings.
• Speaks before MOAA’s Chapter and Council sessions, uniformed services retiree councils, and retiree meetings. Participates in seminars, discussions, and debates on servicemember benefits and other issues related to the portfolio.

Position Relationships

• Membership: A visible leader within the Association and among its membership. Integrity, credibility, and subject matter expertise are of utmost importance. Communication skills are paramount given the constant contact with membership through phone calls, letters, electronic media, and legislative alerts; visits Chapter and Council functions.
• Military and Veterans Organizations: Key MOAA representative at The Military Coalition (a consortium of 35 military and veterans’ service organizations). Holds leadership roles in committees for servicemembers. Plans, coordinates, and leads joint legislative initiatives with the Coalition. Ensures optimum support for MOAA’s legislative goals.
• Policy Formulation: Formulates and recommends policy for overall legislative program and individual issues.
• Planning: Develops plans relating to legislation and associated issues as they apply to MOAA’s goals; remains aware of departmental objectives across all portfolios. Determines feasibility and viability of plan enactment techniques, engagement, and follow-up actions. Maintains schedule of key legislation as to timing and status of support and opposition by members of Congress.
• Budgetary: Provides budgetary input to the Vice President and Finance regarding legislative programs.

Required Professional Qualifications

• Must be able to conceive and carry out complex plans.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, understanding of the written and spoken word, and well-developed negotiating skills are essential.
• Must understand the political and legislative process.
• Must have command of basic statistical techniques and be able to direct and interpret more sophisticated studies involving computational and actuarial methods.
• Must be able to work well with others, in both friendly and adversarial relationships.
• Must inspire trust and confidence—particularly important as relates to MOAA’s leadership and membership, other associations, and Congress.
• Committed to continued training and learning.
• Personal character and integrity are non-negotiable.

Professional Education and Experience

• Master’s degree desired, preferably with focus on Government, Personnel Management, Economics, Marketing, Law, or Political Science.
• Background/education in personnel management, government, law, or economics.
• Proven leadership required—preferably a retired or former member of a Uniformed Service with extensive experience in the Active or Reserve Components.

To Apply: Email resume to [email protected]. Specify “Director, Currently Serving Affairs” in the email subject line. This is an exempt, full-time position. MOAA is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.