Executive Director

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 courtroom, 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 Legislative and Outreach Conducts original research and prepares reports and analysis that inform NOVA’s strategy and strengthen its advocacy positions. Serves as NOVA’s primary liaison across the veteran benefits community, engaging and testifying with Congress, the VA, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), Veteran Service Organizations, and Bar Associations. Legal 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. Drafts pleadings, legal correspondence, and other documents essential to the development of a NOVA matter or cause, coordinating closely with NOVA retained legal counsel. Administrative/Managerial 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. Serves as a trusted advisor to the President and Board, participating in Board meetings and providing timely updates on operations, events, and NOVA’s operational and program reports, strategic direction, and any other information the Board needs to govern effectively. Ideal Candidate: Extensive and substantive knowledge of issues affecting veterans, survivors, family members, caregivers, and accredited representatives Strong legal research, writing, and drafting skills, including pleadings, legislative/regulatory comments, and litigation briefs Adaptability and sound judgment in a fast-changing regulatory and legislative environment Ability to demonstrate an apolitical/nonpartisan orientation Strong, clear, and diplomatic written and verbal communication skills Minimum 3 years of management/supervisory experience Minimum Master’s degree required #J-18808-Ljbffr National Organization of Veterans' Advocates