IAVA is a 501c3 nonprofit that seeks to improve the lives of over three million Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. Founded in 2004 by Iraq War Veteran Paul Rieckhoff to provide resources and community, the organization has over 425,000 members and annually engages the membership to drive their advocacy and program activities. In 2021, IAVA, in collaboration with its membership, developed the core priorities of the organization. The “Big 6” policy priorities are: Suicide, Burn Pits and Toxic Exposures, Veterans Administration Modernization, Women Veterans, Alternative Therapies, and Education Benefits. IAVA is headquartered in New York City, and has an office in Washington, D.C.
In addition to its core programs, IAVA leverages stories and technology unique to the post-9/11 veteran experience. Recent digital programs have included the “SAV March” a virtual national parade drawing attention to the needs of veterans, the “Vote Hub” introduced in 2021, a new resource to help veterans and civilians find voting registration information, polling locations, volunteer information and other resources to stay active and ensure their voice is heard at the ballot box; and the Veteran Coalition for Vaccination, a collaborative effort to push for vaccine distribution nationally. IAVA’s awareness campaigns have generated significant exposure to veterans’ issues, with over 85+ million reached via their media strategy and over 60+ national media appearances in 2021.
IAVA has an annual budget of approximately $3.5M, a staff of 9, and is governed by a dedicated 18-member Board of Directors.
In a key area of focus, IAVA continues to work to expand its advocacy efforts, leveraging the influence of its members, Board and staff to bring about important changes in national policy that will impact veterans’ issues in the future. Building upon recent successes, such as the campaign for the PACT Act, IAVA is seeking to expand its advocacy efforts to reach new audiences and advance proactive policy solutions of key importance to its members. Put simply, IAVA seeks to advance its role as the leading voice on national policy issues.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader and strategist who has worked in the field of veterans issues. This leader will build momentum for relevant, critical, and provocative dialogue across sectors that build collaboration and meet the urgent need to develop an impactful approach to advocacy and power-building for veterans across the country. Candidates must exhibit a clear understanding, ability, and passion for the organizational development required to weave and operationalize a vision for change on behalf of veterans nationally. A strong commitment to collaboration across disciplines as well as evidence of leading successful partnerships with a variety of stakeholders is expected.
IAVA is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of IAVA and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspective. IAVA is committed to equal employment opportunity and to compliance with federal and state antidiscrimination laws. IAVA prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees or applicants for employment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, national origin, political ideology or military status or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.
The target salary for this position is $225,000 – $250,000 with some flexibility. Benefits include a robust health care package which include medical, dental and vision benefits, paid time off for vacation, family care, mental and physical health, religious holidays, civic duties and bereavement, as well as the opportunity to participate in a retirement plan.
To apply, please submit a current resume and letter of introduction to Kittleman & Associates, LLC at https://bit.ly/3BjTVH0 (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page). For more information about IAVA, please visit https://iava.org/