IAVA’s culture is an important part of our DNA.  As a results-oriented organization, we have an edgy, intelligent and innovative personality that makes us unique, and our passion for our mission drives us every day. We embrace a diversity of styles, ideas and people – veteran and civilian alike form our staff, from all walks of life.

IAVA’s team members uphold a high level of professionalism and excellence in our Communication, Analytical Thinking, Drive, Execution and Teamwork.  That’s why we sell them our CADET Standards of Impact, and together they drive us to power our mission to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. Similarly, we expect all prospective candidates to demonstrate the same qualities in their professional and personal experience.

IAVA is headquartered in New York City and has an office in Washington, DC. IAVA offers competitive compensation and a great benefits package, including medical, dental, access to vision and a 403(b) retirement plan, and generous paid time off.

If you are interested in working with IAVA, please review our current career and internship opportunities listed in the links below.

Current Job Openings

• ASSOCIATE, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Current Internships

• Click here to see IAVA’s internship opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

IAVA is always seeking dedicated civilian and veteran volunteers to support our mission and grow our reach. Opportunities range throughout the year, from involvement in our membership events or campaigns across the country, to providing administrative support or technical expertise in our NYC or DC offices.

• Click here to join our volunteer list.

 Associate, Government Affairs

Washington, DC

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the leading voice and empowerment organization for post-9/11 veterans in America. A non-profit founded in 2004 by an Iraq veteran, IAVA’s mission is to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans. IAVA has the largest, most dynamic and most diverse network of post-9/11 veterans in the world and believes that veterans are not a charity, but an investment. In the fourteen years since our founding, our groundbreaking advocacy and support programs have invested in those men and women and changed history, driven the national conversation, trained a generation of leaders, and connected more than 1.3 million veterans with resources, community, and support. After nearly two decades of war, and in the face of a deeply divided nation, our non-partisan work has never been more important.

The Associate, Government Affairs will primarily be responsible for becoming an expert in a variety of assigned veterans issues. Working closely with colleagues in the Policy Division, the Associate, Government Affairs will track and report on federal and state legislation, legal matters, and government policies pertaining to the veterans’ community and IAVA’s policy goals. The Associate, Government Affairs will support the organization’s efforts to bring veterans’ issues out of the beltway and into the consciousness of the American public through support to our traditional and social media initiatives that underscore our priorities.

The Associate, Government Affairs will be expected to support, as needed all government relations activities, including with Congress, the Administration, and state/local, as needed.  They will also be expected to research and learn to draft hearing testimony, with the goal of eventually being on track to personally deliver Congressional testimony.

The Associate, Government Affairs will report to the Director, Government Affairs.

Experience (at least one of the following):

• Two years of experience in advocacy, on Capitol Hill, or with/within the federal government, or in a related field.
• Two years of experience in State or Municipal government dealing with veterans’ affairs or related issues.
• Two years of experience working within the Federal Government working on veteran related programs or agencies.
• Experience working on National or State campaigns.  
• Experience writing memorandum and briefing materials for principles.

Skills and Traits (all of the following):

• Fundamental knowledge of the legislative process and ability to provide related analysis – and the willingness/desire to learn.
• Excellent ability to communicate quickly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Public speaking and ability/willingness to appear before media; comfort with a very public-facing job.

• Excellent organization and leadership skills.
• Comfort working on multiple tasks under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Flexibility, dedication to IAVA’s mission, a robust sense of humor, and humility.
• A dedication to quality and execution – perfectionists welcome.
• Ability to work well as part of a team or independently with minimum oversight.

Start Date: Immediate

Application Deadline: Rolling

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience. IAVA provides comprehensive health and dental coverage, access to vision benefits, a Flexible Spending Account, Transportation Savings Account and a 403(b) retirement plan, in addition to thirty Paid Time Off days per year.

To Apply: Click Here to complete our online application. 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; POST 9/11 VETERANS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

To learn more about IAVA’s history, mission and model, click here.

IAVA has the largest, most dynamic and most diverse network of post-9/11 veterans in the world and believes that veterans are not a charity, but an investment. In the fourteen years since our found