About IAVA

Jobs and Internships

CURRENT OPENINGS:

• Development Director
• Deputy Communications Director
• Online Strategy Associate
• Field Manager
• Strategic Partnership Associate
• Executive Assistant to the Executive Director
• Junior Communications Associate

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation’s first and largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Founded in 2004 by Iraq veterans, IAVA is a young, dynamic nonprofit with over 125,000 veteran members and grassroots supporters in 50 states. We're winning major battles in Congress (like the GI Bill), helping thousands of veterans nationwide, and making national headlines daily (like CNN, New York Times, NPR). If you care about how America treats its returning troops, and want to play a powerful role in national politics, IAVA may be the right fit for you.

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR. New York. Full-time.

IAVA is seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Development Director. The ideal candidate has extensive experience and a proven record of success in either political or non- profit fundraising, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. He or she will play a critical role in IAVA's success, and will work closely with the Executive Director and other departments to set and meet all fundraising goals.

Responsibilities:

• Continue to build IAVA’s network of major donors
• Oversee donor management
• Seek new and creative sources of revenue
• Write and manage fundraising plans
• Coordinate direct mail and email campaigns
• Organize fundraising events throughout the year, including IAVA’s NYC Heroes Gala
• Produce IAVA’s annual report
• Oversee the research, writing and reporting of grant proposals
• Work with Board members who have pledged to write checks or raise money
• Stay knowledgeable on best practices in fundraising, both offline and online
• Manage at least one Development Associate; possibility for department growth

Qualifications:

• Experience in all levels of individual donor fundraising, including direct mail, online, grassroots fundraising techniques, and special events
• Proven track record soliciting major gifts
• Working knowledge of grant process, including research tools
• Proven track record of soliciting foundation grants
• Experience in developing and managing fundraising plans
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized with an attention to detail
• Commitment to supporting the nation’s newest generation of troops and veterans
• Strong facility with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

Start Date: Immediate Application deadline: Rolling Salary and Benefits: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience. IAVA provides a range of benefit packages and three weeks paid vacation per year. To Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to hiring@iava.org, with "Development Director" in the subject line. Include a cover letter that concisely explains how your experience in fundraising could be applied to IAVA. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No phone calls, please. IAVA is an equal opportunity employer. VETERANS OF THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN CONFLICTS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

IAVA Deputy Communications Director. New York. Full-time.

Background:

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation’s first and largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. IAVA is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization and has more than 150,000 active veteran members and grassroots supporters in all 50 states. Founded in 2004 by Iraq veteran Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA is staffed by both veterans and non-veterans. IAVA advocates on behalf of America’s newest generation of troops, veterans and their families. IAVA has high visibility in the media and is frequently featured in national media.

Job Summary:

Based in IAVA’s New York City headquarters, the Deputy Communications Director will work closely with the Communications Director and the Communications Associates on all communications efforts for the organization. This position offers an extraordinary opportunity to play a key role in the implementation of a nationwide communications campaign, especially in the writing and messaging process. IAVA is an exceptionally dynamic working environment that offers staff a unique opportunity to become involved with the most important issues facing the nation. Building on IAVA’s reputation as a leading source for first hand information about the issues facing U.S. troops and veterans, the Deputy Communications Director will be expected to inject the organization’s principles and spokespeople into the national conversation about the current conflicts and the issues facing this newest generation of veterans.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Working closely with Communications Director to draft strategic media plans for key organizational campaigns
• Writing press releases, media advisories, opinion pieces, blogs
• Helping to draft all external messaging
• Proactively pitching the media
• Managing a constant stream of incoming press requests
• Help with writing speeches and putting together press conferences/other high level media events

Qualifications:

This is a job of significant responsibility. The successful candidate will have a strong record of accomplishment in the communications field. This person must be an EXCELLENT writer and proficient in writing in several mediums. He or she must be quick-thinking, well-spoken, well-read, and a team-player. Familiarity with the structure and management of a nonprofit organization is preferred. A college degree is required. This position is full-time, and salary will be competitive, based on experience and qualifications. Along with the opportunity to do highly satisfying, worthwhile and dynamic work, IAVA provides excellent medical and dental benefits. Please review IAVA’s website (www.iava.org) thoroughly before applying. Interested parties should send a cover letter and resume to hiring@iava.org.

Online Strategy Associate. New York. Full-time.

As a member of our growing online team, the Online Strategy Associate will help create and implement web-based campaigns that support the entire organization's efforts. The perfect candidate will be an ambitious self-starter who's ready to cut his/her teeth in the fast-paced world of online organizing. Great writing, proofreading and communication skills are critical, along with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines. Enthusiasm for online technology is a must. Technical aptitude is strongly preferred, but this is not a technical position -- programming background not required.

IAVA is an equal opportunity employer. VETERANS OF THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN CONFLICTS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Job Responsibilities:

• Grow and maintain IAVA's presence on various social networks (e.g. MySpace, Facebook, Twitter)
• Manage and post website content, including copy and images
• Plan and execute smart online advocacy and donation campaigns
• Write and send emails to our membership base
• Manage information on our grassroots supporters and online campaigns
• Manage various other tech projects as they arise, including researching and implementing software and hardware solutions
• Manage some outside vendors, including web developers, designers and tech support consultants
• Occasionally, fix a CSS issue, or figure out why that menu on the homepage isn’t working, even though you don’t know anything about CSS or Flash

Required Skills:

• Some experience in online organizing, advocacy, fundraising, or a related field
• Exceptional attention to detail
• A strong sense of design
• Strong start-to-finish project management skills
• An understanding of and interest in all kinds of online social networks
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop or other photo editors
• Ability to meet deadlines and juggle several projects in a fast-paced environment
• A willingness to work long hours when necessary
• Some graphic design experience
• Ability to be a team player
• A sense of humor

Preferred Skills:

• Basic experience with HTML
• Experience with Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) systems and Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Experience with basic video editing

How to Apply:

Please send a resume and writing sample to hiring@iava.org, with "Online Strategy Associate" in the subject line. Include a cover letter that describes an online campaign that you found particularly effective or inspiring. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No phone calls, please.

 

Field Manager. New York. Full-time.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) seeks an experienced, highly motivated Field Manager to help us build and execute our innovative, 21st Century organizing model.

For a smart, passionate OIF/OEF veteran, this is a dream job. Almost 2 million Americans have come back from deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan, and thousands more return every week. IAVA gives them a voice when they come home, and a way to stay connected to service, community and leadership opportunities. The Field Manager will help IAVA build our already powerful national network, and ensure that OIF/OEF vets become America's next "Greatest Generation."

The Field Manager's most critical attribute will be a constant hunger to lead, experiment and innovate. If you love reading white papers about field campaigns and brainstorming new organizing tactics, you’re the ideal candidate. But even if you’ve never organized a field program, if you can show us concrete examples of your ability to think strategically, evaluate and reevaluate your plans, and execute a project with confidence, you may be a good fit. You'll also need great people and leadership skills, to inspire and train other veteran organizers around the country. IAVA highly values top talent, and sets salaries accordingly.

IAVA and its members are already winning critical legislative battles, making national news daily, and improving the lives of millions of military families. Our power is growing rapidly. Help us truly harness the promise of America's new veterans by taking IAVA's organizing to the next level.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the pilot, launch, and growth of IAVA’s 21st Century organizing model.
• Develop creative strategies and tactics for recruiting, engaging and serving IAVA members.
• Train and oversee field staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate with Advocacy, Online Strategy, Communications and other IAVA departments to mobilize our members around specific actions, events or goals.
• Increase the number of Veteran members, and the quality of their experience.
• Some travel will be required, though most work will be done from IAVA's New York headquarters.

Qualifications:

• Experience with high-level, strategic leadership; some business, political, advocacy, military or other grassroots organizing or membership development is preferred.
• Proven ability to motivate, train, and develop other leaders, especially volunteers.
• Proven ability to set and meet clear goals.
• Experience managing and training staff.
• Extremely strong, clear writing skills.
• Comfort with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Deep understanding of the unique strengths and needs of our newest generation of veterans.
• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

Start Date: Immediate

Application deadline: Rolling

Salary and Benefits: Extremely competitive salary, on par with Fortune 500 corporations. Salary will be commensurate with experience. IAVA provides a range of generous benefit packages and three weeks paid vacation per year.

To Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to hiring@iava.org, with "Field Manager" in the subject line. Include a cover letter that concisely explains how your prior organizing experience will serve IAVA and its members. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No phone calls, please. IAVA is an equal opportunity employer.

VETERANS OF THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN CONFLICTS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

 

Strategic Partnerships Associate. New York. Full-time.

We are hiring up to three Associates for the Strategic Partnerships Department, each with a different specialty: (1) Veterans Affairs, (2) Marketing, and (3) Entertainment. Associates will report to the Strategic Partnerships Director and will help cultivate IAVA’s current partnerships and grow future relationships to support the goals of the organization. Strategic Partnerships range from corporate sponsorships to non-profit coalitions to music/film/television projects.

Job Responsibilities, all positions:

• Coordinate IAVA’s involvement in various non-profit and veteran-focused coalitions
• Support the development and execution of partnerships with other veteran service organizations
• Contribute to the idea-generation process by identifying potential resources and partnerships as well as new opportunities for current partners
• Manage development of success stories, as well as online and offline content to communicate the breadth and benefit of partnering with IAVA
• Manage data on all past, current and potential contacts
• Work collaboratively with all other IAVA departments to research, develop, execute and establish evaluation metrics for all opportunities

Required Skills for all positions:

• Excellent writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Entrepreneurial spirit and an ability to think beyond the traditional
• Resourceful, innovative, and forward-thinking
• Ability to meet deadlines and juggle several projects in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to work long hours when necessary
• Ability to be a team player
• Awareness and understanding of the landscape of the veteran community (including resources, non-profits, government support, etc.)

Preferred skills/specialization:

• Degree or experience in advertising and/or marketing, OR
• Experience with films, television, music, or events; OR
• Deep understanding of the unique needs of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, especially through military experience, and the ability to articulate and clearly communicate both your story and the mission of IAVA.

How to Apply: 

Please send a resume and cover letter to hiring@iava.org, with "Strategic Partnerships Associate" in the subject line.  Please tailor your cover letter to the specialization for which you fit best. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No phone calls, please.

IAVA is an equal opportunity employer. VETERANS OF THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN CONFLICTS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

 

Executive Assistant to Executive Director. New York. Full-time.

IAVA is seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Executive Assistant for IAVA’s Executive Director (ED). The ideal candidate has a proven record of assisting a busy, high-expectations executive, and thrives in a demanding and fast-paced environment. S/he will play a critical "right-hand" role for the ED -- keeping him as efficient and well utilized as possible. S/he will need to learn the ins and outs of the ED's work style and personal needs, and stay one step ahead of him all the time. Think of Reggie Love - 30% scheduler, 30% gatekeeper, 30% mind reader, 100% dedicated to keeping his boss functioning at the top of his game. (And if you don't know who Reggie is, find out, or don't apply.)

The ideal candidate will have excellent administrative and organizational skills and the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously. S/he will be highly resourceful, with a proactive approach to problem-solving, and strong decision-making capability. Exemplary attention to detail is critical.

This position requires a motivated self-starter and a forward-looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities, proposes solutions and is comfortable in an entrepreneurial work environment. Come with a “can do” attitude, or don't come at all. The Executive Assistant will report directly to the ED.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage Executive Director’s schedule (including prioritizing, scheduling and confirming external and internal meetings, external speaking engagements, media appearances, events and travel)
• Prepare Executive Director for all internal and external meetings, speaking engagements and events (including research, reporting and follow-up)
• Prepare correspondence with IAVA members, corporate partners, donors, potential donors, and Board Members as needed
• Stay a step ahead of the Executive Director's needs
• Personal assistant responsibilities as needed

Qualifications:

• Must be highly organized, resourceful, creative, problem-solver, self-starter and adept at multi-tasking
• Professional written and verbal communication skills (phone, email)
• Customer service approach
• Professional demeanor and demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
• Must have strong attention to detail and thrive in a fast paced work environment
• Excellent interpersonal and time management skills
• Ability to keep cool under pressure
• Bachelors degree required
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Access, Power Point and Excel (proficiency in MAC computers and software preferred)
• Commitment to supporting the nation’s newest generation of troops and veterans
• Sense of humor

Start Date: Immediate
Application deadline: Rolling
Salary: Commensurate with experience

Benefits: IAVA provides a range of benefit packages and three weeks paid vacation per year.

To Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to hiring@iava.org, with "Executive Assistant" in the subject line. Include a cover letter that concisely explains how your experience could be applied to IAVA. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No phone calls, please.

IAVA is an equal opportunity employer. VETERANS OF THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN CONFLICTS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

 

Junior Communications Associate. New York. Full-time.

Based in IAVA’s New York City headquarters, the Junior Communications Associate will work closely with the Communications Director and Communications Associates on all communications efforts for the organization. This position offers an extraordinary opportunity to play a key role in executing media and messaging strategy for a highly visible and media savvy organization. This includes playing a critical role in helping to write press releases, pitch the media and generally support all incoming press requests. IAVA offers an exceptionally dynamic working environment with a small group of committed individuals focused on addressing one of our nation’s most important and relevant issues.

Building on IAVA’s reputation as a leading source for first hand information about the issues facing U.S. troops and veterans, the Junior Communications Associate will be expected to inject the organization’s principles and spokespeople into the national conversation about the current conflicts and the issues facing this newest generation of veterans.

Responsibilities include:

• Working closely with the Communications Director and Communications Associates to implement all media campaigns
• Helping to write and edit press releases, media advisories, blog posts and opinion pieces
• Managing a constant stream of incoming and outgoing press requests
• Proactively pitching reporters on the most pressing issues facing veterans
• Constantly monitoring news/blogs as it relates to defense, politics, veterans, foreign affairs/current conflicts
• Monitoring all outgoing traffic for consistency with the organization’s profile
• General support for Communications team

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have experience in the communications field, preferably with a proven track record of success in the communications department of a nonprofit, military unit, political campaign, or similar organization. He or she must be extremely media savvy, including experience working with all mediums: print, television, online, and radio.

He or she must have a strong background in writing and be quick-thinking, well-spoken, and well-read. This individual must have examples of written work which demonstrate proficiency in different mediums (i.e. essays, opinion, memos).

He or she must stay constantly informed of current events, breaking news and developments in IAVA’s fields of focus. He or she must be a good communicator and comfortable speaking to/working with the media on a day to day basis.

A college degree is required.

Start Date: Immediate

Application deadline: Rolling

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be competitive, based on experience and qualifications. IAVA also provides a range of benefit packages and three weeks paid vacation per year.

To Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to hiring@iava.org, with "Communications Associate" in the subject line. Include a cover letter that concisely explains how your experience in communications could be applied to IAVA. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No phone calls, please.

Please review IAVA’s website (www.iava.org) thoroughly before applying.

IAVA is an equal opportunity employer. VETERANS OF THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN CONFLICTS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.