Supervisory Management & Program Analyst Job

Shaping Veterans' Policy: Supervisory Management & Program Analyst (Director, Benefits Legislative Affairs) at the VA

Are you an experienced policy strategist, communicator, and operations manager looking to make a lasting difference in the lives of millions of military veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a Supervisory Management & Program Analyst to step into the highly visible and strategically vital role of Director of the Benefits Legislative Affairs Service within the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA).

This GS-15 executive position is located in the political epicenter of the nation: Washington, D.C. It offers a rare opportunity to directly shape federal legislative strategies, oversee a team of dedicated Congressional Relations Officers, and serve as the main conduit of information between senior VA leadership and Capitol Hill. If you have the political savvy, policy analytical skills, and leadership capabilities required to manage complex legislative operations, this role could be the defining milestone of your federal career.

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About the Agency: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

To understand the magnitude of this role, one must look at the noble mission of the agency itself. Inspired by President Abraham Lincoln’s solemn promise "to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan," the Department of Veterans Affairs works tirelessly to provide compassionate care, essential benefits, and services to America’s veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

The Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) represents the critical bridge between the department's operational capabilities and the legislative body that funds and regulates them. As part of OCLA, the Benefits Legislative Affairs Service team coordinates directly with senior VA leaders, field offices, and congressional committees. Working here means staying ahead of fast-moving legislative changes, analyzing complex policy issues, and ensuring that lawmakers have the clear, precise information they need to draft impactful legislation.

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Job Responsibilities

As the Director of the Benefits Legislative Affairs Service, you will operate at the intersection of public policy, strategic communications, and executive leadership. Your daily responsibilities will demand exceptional multitasking abilities, diplomatic tact, and sound management judgment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Team Leadership & Administration: You will direct, mentor, and evaluate a team of high-performing Congressional Relations Officers. This includes overseeing workforce planning, setting daily assignments, monitoring performance metrics, and fostering a collaborative, high-performance workspace aligned with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles.
• Congressional Liaison Operations: Serve as the chief intermediary between senior leadership (including the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs) and Members of Congress and their staff. You will help convey the VA's operational successes, policy stances, and legislative goals directly to lawmakers.
• Congressional Inquiries & Communications: Monitor, analyze, and coordinate swift, accurate responses to inquiries, policy questions, and constituent issues received from congressional offices.
• Hearing Coordination & Witness Preparation: Direct all logistical and content planning for congressional oversight and budget hearings. You will coordinate witness testimonies, craft official statements, and prep witnesses on legislative procedures and protocol.
• Legislative Scanning & Analysis: Review congressional records, legislative calendars, committee agendas, and regulatory plans daily. You will establish and maintain close professional connections across other federal agencies and the White House to track legislative developments that could influence VA operations.

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Key Differences in Responsibilities: GS-14 vs. GS-15

To qualify for this GS-15 position, your resume must demonstrate a high level of leadership and strategic capability. The following table highlights how GS-15 responsibilities differ from typical GS-14 support duties:

Functional Area	GS-14 Experience Level (Support/Lead)	GS-15 Director Level (Executive Management)
Leadership	Managing specific analytical tasks, leading small workgroups, or reviewing program segments.	Exercising full human resource management authority, setting long-range strategic plans, and driving agency-wide initiatives.
Congressional Liaison	Drafting background materials and answering standard congressional inquiries.	Directing the response process, representing Cabinet-level officials, and coordinating directly with House/Senate committee staff.
Hearing Oversight	Contributing technical data and draft sections of statements for review.	Directing hearing preparation, authorizing final witness statements, and preparing senior executives for high-stakes testimony.
Policy Integration	Identifying implementation bottlenecks and reporting program trends.	Developing innovative policy solutions and rapid decision-support structures to navigate complex legislative stalemates.

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Requirements & Qualifications

Because this is a senior GS-15 role, candidates must meet strict eligibility and qualification criteria to be considered.

General Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship: Only United States citizens are eligible to apply.
• Time-in-Grade: Current or former federal competitive service employees must have served at least 52 weeks at the GS-14 grade level (or equivalent) by the closing date of the announcement.
• Security Investigation: You must be able to obtain and maintain a High-Risk (HR) suitability/fitness determination.
• Background Checks & Identification: Selected applicants must undergo an extensive background check and present valid, REAL ID-compliant identification during onboarding.
• Assessment: Completion of the USA Hire online assessment is mandatory to gauge critical leadership and problem-solving competencies.

Specialized Experience

To qualify, your application must provide clear evidence of one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level. Qualifying specialized experience includes:

1. Representing a major government department, federal agency, or large private-sector organization in high-level engagements with congressional offices and oversight committees.
2. Planning and executing senior executive preparation for congressional oversight hearings, including statement drafting and post-hearing coordination.
3. Directing workforce management, including employee evaluations, program adjustments, and performance coaching.
4. Crafting executive decision-support packages, rapid policy summaries, and long-range operational plans.

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Salary & Compensation Overview

This position is categorized under the General Schedule (GS) pay system as a GS-15. It features a highly competitive compensation structure that reflects the executive nature of the assignment.

• Minimum Base Salary: $169,279 per year
• Maximum Base Salary: $197,200 per year
• Payment Frequency: Per Year

Note: This salary range represents the GS-15 locality-adjusted pay for the Washington-Baltimore-Arlington, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA region. General Schedule pay increases and adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with Office of Personnel Management guidelines.

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Benefits of Joining the VA

Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to safeguard your health, assist with work-life balance, and secure your long-term retirement planning:

• Retirement & Savings: Secure your future with the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) three-part plan, featuring a defined benefit pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Choose from a wide array of premium plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, as well as dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance.
• Flexible Workplace Options: Although this is an on-site position at the VA Headquarters (810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.), situational (ad-hoc) telework options are available depending on agency policy.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Receive 13 to 26 days of paid annual leave (based on years of service), 13 days of accrued sick leave annually, and 10 paid federal holidays.

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Application Tips for Federal Job Seekers

Securing a GS-15 federal role is an incredibly competitive process. Tailoring your application materials to follow modern civil service requirements is crucial. Use the following expert tips to elevate your submission:

1. Observe OPM's Strict Two-Page Resume Rule

Starting September 27, 2025, federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes exceeding two pages will lead to immediate disqualification. Ensure your resume highlights your most impactful, relevant leadership experience using concise, results-focused language.

2. Document Your Work History Meticulously

Your resume must include the starting and ending dates (Month and Year format) for each position, the number of hours worked per week, and your exact job titles. If you are referencing previous federal employment, clearly include your GS series and grade level. Failure to supply these exact details may lead to an "ineligible" qualification rating.

3. Target the Key Competencies

The OCLA hiring team evaluates candidates based on several key competencies, including: Political Savvy, Decisiveness, Managing Human Resources, Oral Communication, and Stakeholder Management. Weave these exact keywords and related achievements naturally throughout your two-page resume.

4. Supply Perfect Supporting Documentation

Double-check that you have uploaded all necessary forms, particularly your most recent SF-50 from the current calendar year. If you need to establish your time-in-grade (TIG), submit an additional SF-50 (such as a promotion or within-grade increase) that proves you have held your GS-14 status for a minimum of 52 weeks. If applicable, upload your DD-214 or SF-15 to claim Veterans' Preference.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this a virtual or fully remote position?

No. This is an on-site position located at the VA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The selected candidate must live within or relocate to a commutable distance (defined as a 50-mile radius from 810 Vermont Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20420).

Does this position require travel?

This position is categorized under Travel Code 1, indicating occasional travel may be required to attend high-level briefings, oversight site visits, or regional congressional engagements.

What happens if I miss the USA Hire assessment completion deadline?

Completion of the USA Hire assessment is a mandatory phase of the evaluation. If you do not complete the assessment within the designated timeline provided after your application submission, your application will be marked incomplete and removed from consideration.

Can I edit my application after submitting it?

Yes, you can edit your questionnaires and swap out supporting documentation during the open period of the job announcement. However, once the announcement closes on July 24, 2026, no further edits or document uploads can be accepted.

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If you are a seasoned policy professional, an experienced supervisor, and an expert communicator, the role of Supervisory Management & Program Analyst (Director, Benefits Legislative Affairs) with the Department of Veterans Affairs represents an exceptional career path. Serving as a crucial bridge between the Department and Capitol Hill, you will help shape the policies that protect and honor America’s veterans. Review your credentials, polish your two-page resume, and submit your application before the closing deadline on July 24, 2026 to take your place among the leaders advocating for our nation's heroes.