USO
Government Relations & External Affairs Manager
USO, Washington, District Of Columbia, United States, 20310
Why Join Our Team?
With a mission that spans the globe, the USO provides a rewarding and fulfilling work environment. Our team is exceptional, and we offer generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave. We have a remarkable 401k match, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and education reimbursement. Our team members are passionate about putting the mission first, and we have a lot of fun while doing it. Working for the USO isn't just a job
it's a calling, and we believe in doing what you love and loving what you do. Don't take our word for it. The external "Great Place To Work" survey found that: The USO is a Certified Great Place to Work 2023-2024 93% feel good about the ways we contribute to the community. 93% are proud to tell others they work here. 88% feel their work has special meaning: this is not "just a job." 89% feel that when you join the company, you are made to feel welcome. 91% feel people here are treated fairly regardless of their race. 87% feel people here are treated fairly regardless of their gender. The Government Relations and External Affairs Manager expands and creates the USO's relationships with government officials and organizations; assists the Government Relations and External Affairs Department with the following key functions: advance the public profile of the USO; lobby to promote legislative-related initiatives; develop outreach presentations; prepare lobbying materials; communicate with the Executive and Legislative branches to identify opportunities for events and meetings between Government Relations staff and/or other senior USO personnel; manage event coordination and execution with senior governmental officials; analyze evolving legislation and current events that may impact the USO's mission and operations; manage outreach to federal and state government officials and stakeholders; and support oversight and management of the USO Service Council. Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties) Develop, maintain and enhance relationships for USO leadership with the Congress, including the Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations Committees; the Executive Branch, including various federal agencies; and governors' offices to enhance the public profile of the USO's programs and services. Identify, craft and execute creative and effective lobbying campaigns to address organizational priorities through the legislative process. Develop strategies, narratives, and materials that align with the USO's goals. Develop communications materials, such as messaging, talking points, press releases, op-eds, reports, memos and presentations. Monitor emerging and new public policy issues, and brief relevant departments and regions. Schedule, register and host in-person and virtual meetings and webinars with external stakeholders. Manage the USO's lobbying efforts and activities with the Legislative and Executive Branches and state governments. Manage the development and execution of special events that afford USO leadership the opportunity to showcase the USO with targeted groups. Proactively identify opportunities to increase USO brand awareness among government relations stakeholders. Effectively manage teams of individuals at various levels from other USO departments and regions to achieve successful event outcomes. Serve as a primary liaison between USO staff and key stakeholders involved in planning, coordinating, implementing and managing assigned programs and events. Foster collaboration to maximize program and event reach and impact. Assist with the day-to-day management of the Government Relations and External Affairs portfolio, including managing consultants, tracking stakeholder outreach, responding to inquiries from federal and state officials and compiling congressional lobbying reports. Manage activities of the USO Service Council, including coordinating and executing monthly engagement opportunities, such as programs and external events. Collaborate with USO departments to keep USO Service Council members apprised of USO programs, services and activities. Identify opportunities for Service Council members to provide meaningful input regarding new USO programs and services to best serve the military community and opportunities to enhance existing USO offerings. Manage the USO Congressional Caucus activities, including renewing the Caucus at the beginning of each new Congress, communicating to new and potential members and coordinating and executing biannual service projects on Capitol Hill. Manage the full-cycle program/event management process for assigned projects, including but not limited to ensuring that goals are clearly established and documented, recruiting for program participants, defining success, tracking outcomes, coordinating program/event promotion and publicity, leading on-site and coordinating and financial and inventory tracking and reporting, procurement compliance and timely after-action reporting. Other duties as assigned. Job Specifications Bachelor's Degree required. Minimum of 5+ years of work experience in public policy, advocacy or related fields. Relevant experience in researching issues and opportunities that impact the USO's Office of Government Relations and External Affairs and the USO's mission. Experience with cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors preferred but not required. Work experience in an office with the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and/or a governor's office strongly preferred. Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively work with individuals at all levels of government. Proven knowledge of the federal legislative and appropriations process. Ability to skillfully draft, proofread and edit correspondence and reports to internal and external audiences. Conduct research and prepare briefing materials/memos on a variety of issues including legislative initiatives, USO activities, and initiatives of other organizations, Members of Congress, Administration officials and governors' offices. Expertise in working effectively with a diverse group of internal and external constituents and as part of a team. Strong interpersonal, customer service and problem-solving skills. Ability to interact with USO leadership, government officials, the general public and military audiences at a variety of levels with integrity and professionalism. Proficiency using computers and electronics equipment. General knowledge of various software, applications, and programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom and social media platforms, with ability to manage all aspects of scheduling, registration and hosting of Zoom and Teams meetings and webinars. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment related to controversial and/or culturally sensitive subjects. Ability to handle confidential information with tact and poise. Project and event management experience required; experience organizing and completing multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritizing tight deadlines. Must show initiative, self-motivation, and ability to quickly and easily adapt to changing organizational needs. Demonstrated ability to proactively identify issues/problems and recommend solutions. Ability to achieve desired results while working collaboratively in a team environment. Ability to perform basic math and business/accounting functions, including project management, and knowledge of budgeting. Ability to obtain and maintain proper credentials necessary to access USO Center locations and facilities including but not limited to security, credit and/or background screening, SOFA status, valid driver's license. Must be a strong advocate of the USO's mission. Details This position is located in Arlington, VA. Preference will be given to local candidates within commuting distance to the location. Resume and cover letter are required for full consideration. Background check
education, criminal and driving required. The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. If that's not enough to convince you, here are some
direct quotes from employees: The organization truly cares about the people who work here. I have been with the USO for 4 years and have consistently been able to grow in my knowledge and position. It is a fun place to work and my work/life balance is manageable. The way the organization has handled COVID has been top notch - I never felt fearful that I would lose my job or be put in a situation where I did not feel safe. The benefits are great - PTO and 401k matching are top level. There is great consideration given and extended in the following areas: organizational core values for all, work-life balance, impact we can actually see (and even experience as a staff member- the feeling of making an impact is priceless), autonomy with respect to current position within the organization. Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We collaborate well together and share ideas and interests to create fun activities for our overall goal in the community. I couldn't think of a better organization to work for.
With a mission that spans the globe, the USO provides a rewarding and fulfilling work environment. Our team is exceptional, and we offer generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave. We have a remarkable 401k match, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and education reimbursement. Our team members are passionate about putting the mission first, and we have a lot of fun while doing it. Working for the USO isn't just a job
it's a calling, and we believe in doing what you love and loving what you do. Don't take our word for it. The external "Great Place To Work" survey found that: The USO is a Certified Great Place to Work 2023-2024 93% feel good about the ways we contribute to the community. 93% are proud to tell others they work here. 88% feel their work has special meaning: this is not "just a job." 89% feel that when you join the company, you are made to feel welcome. 91% feel people here are treated fairly regardless of their race. 87% feel people here are treated fairly regardless of their gender. The Government Relations and External Affairs Manager expands and creates the USO's relationships with government officials and organizations; assists the Government Relations and External Affairs Department with the following key functions: advance the public profile of the USO; lobby to promote legislative-related initiatives; develop outreach presentations; prepare lobbying materials; communicate with the Executive and Legislative branches to identify opportunities for events and meetings between Government Relations staff and/or other senior USO personnel; manage event coordination and execution with senior governmental officials; analyze evolving legislation and current events that may impact the USO's mission and operations; manage outreach to federal and state government officials and stakeholders; and support oversight and management of the USO Service Council. Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties) Develop, maintain and enhance relationships for USO leadership with the Congress, including the Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations Committees; the Executive Branch, including various federal agencies; and governors' offices to enhance the public profile of the USO's programs and services. Identify, craft and execute creative and effective lobbying campaigns to address organizational priorities through the legislative process. Develop strategies, narratives, and materials that align with the USO's goals. Develop communications materials, such as messaging, talking points, press releases, op-eds, reports, memos and presentations. Monitor emerging and new public policy issues, and brief relevant departments and regions. Schedule, register and host in-person and virtual meetings and webinars with external stakeholders. Manage the USO's lobbying efforts and activities with the Legislative and Executive Branches and state governments. Manage the development and execution of special events that afford USO leadership the opportunity to showcase the USO with targeted groups. Proactively identify opportunities to increase USO brand awareness among government relations stakeholders. Effectively manage teams of individuals at various levels from other USO departments and regions to achieve successful event outcomes. Serve as a primary liaison between USO staff and key stakeholders involved in planning, coordinating, implementing and managing assigned programs and events. Foster collaboration to maximize program and event reach and impact. Assist with the day-to-day management of the Government Relations and External Affairs portfolio, including managing consultants, tracking stakeholder outreach, responding to inquiries from federal and state officials and compiling congressional lobbying reports. Manage activities of the USO Service Council, including coordinating and executing monthly engagement opportunities, such as programs and external events. Collaborate with USO departments to keep USO Service Council members apprised of USO programs, services and activities. Identify opportunities for Service Council members to provide meaningful input regarding new USO programs and services to best serve the military community and opportunities to enhance existing USO offerings. Manage the USO Congressional Caucus activities, including renewing the Caucus at the beginning of each new Congress, communicating to new and potential members and coordinating and executing biannual service projects on Capitol Hill. Manage the full-cycle program/event management process for assigned projects, including but not limited to ensuring that goals are clearly established and documented, recruiting for program participants, defining success, tracking outcomes, coordinating program/event promotion and publicity, leading on-site and coordinating and financial and inventory tracking and reporting, procurement compliance and timely after-action reporting. Other duties as assigned. Job Specifications Bachelor's Degree required. Minimum of 5+ years of work experience in public policy, advocacy or related fields. Relevant experience in researching issues and opportunities that impact the USO's Office of Government Relations and External Affairs and the USO's mission. Experience with cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors preferred but not required. Work experience in an office with the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and/or a governor's office strongly preferred. Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively work with individuals at all levels of government. Proven knowledge of the federal legislative and appropriations process. Ability to skillfully draft, proofread and edit correspondence and reports to internal and external audiences. Conduct research and prepare briefing materials/memos on a variety of issues including legislative initiatives, USO activities, and initiatives of other organizations, Members of Congress, Administration officials and governors' offices. Expertise in working effectively with a diverse group of internal and external constituents and as part of a team. Strong interpersonal, customer service and problem-solving skills. Ability to interact with USO leadership, government officials, the general public and military audiences at a variety of levels with integrity and professionalism. Proficiency using computers and electronics equipment. General knowledge of various software, applications, and programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom and social media platforms, with ability to manage all aspects of scheduling, registration and hosting of Zoom and Teams meetings and webinars. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment related to controversial and/or culturally sensitive subjects. Ability to handle confidential information with tact and poise. Project and event management experience required; experience organizing and completing multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritizing tight deadlines. Must show initiative, self-motivation, and ability to quickly and easily adapt to changing organizational needs. Demonstrated ability to proactively identify issues/problems and recommend solutions. Ability to achieve desired results while working collaboratively in a team environment. Ability to perform basic math and business/accounting functions, including project management, and knowledge of budgeting. Ability to obtain and maintain proper credentials necessary to access USO Center locations and facilities including but not limited to security, credit and/or background screening, SOFA status, valid driver's license. Must be a strong advocate of the USO's mission. Details This position is located in Arlington, VA. Preference will be given to local candidates within commuting distance to the location. Resume and cover letter are required for full consideration. Background check
education, criminal and driving required. The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. If that's not enough to convince you, here are some
direct quotes from employees: The organization truly cares about the people who work here. I have been with the USO for 4 years and have consistently been able to grow in my knowledge and position. It is a fun place to work and my work/life balance is manageable. The way the organization has handled COVID has been top notch - I never felt fearful that I would lose my job or be put in a situation where I did not feel safe. The benefits are great - PTO and 401k matching are top level. There is great consideration given and extended in the following areas: organizational core values for all, work-life balance, impact we can actually see (and even experience as a staff member- the feeling of making an impact is priceless), autonomy with respect to current position within the organization. Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We collaborate well together and share ideas and interests to create fun activities for our overall goal in the community. I couldn't think of a better organization to work for.