Lead Legislative Impact as a Benefits Director at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Are you a seasoned policy strategist looking to influence the future of veteran care? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a high-impact opportunity to join the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) as a Benefits Director. This leadership position allows you to bridge the gap between federal policy and real-world results for millions of veterans and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As the Benefits Director, your day-to-day work will be both demanding and highly rewarding. You will:
- Serve as a Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact between senior VA officials and congressional offices.
- Strategic Oversight: Lead the Benefits Legislative Affairs Service, setting goals and operational plans.
- Legislative Advocacy: Manage the preparation of testimony and responses for congressional hearings.
- Team Leadership: Manage human capital, direct workforce planning, and foster a culture of high performance.
Requirements
This position requires a high level of expertise. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
- Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must prove one year of service at the next lower grade.
- Documentation: All applications must include a two-page resume and relevant SF-50 forms.
Comparison of Applicant Expectations
| Expectation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Resume Length | Maximum 2 pages |
| Assessment | USA Hire Competency Based Assessment |
| Work Location | On-site, Washington, D.C. |
| Experience Level | GS-15 (Executive/Senior Manager) |
Salary Overview
This position is classified under the GS-15 grade level. The salary range for this role is $169,279 to $197,200 per year, reflecting the senior nature of the responsibilities and the specialized skills required.
Benefits
The VA offers a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Flexibility: Ad-hoc telework options to support work-life balance.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Growth: Opportunities for ongoing professional development and leadership training.
Application Tips
- Focus on Results: Use your two pages to highlight specific achievements rather than just duties.
- Verify Documents: Ensure your SF-50s are the most recent versions.
- Prepare for Assessments: The USA Hire assessment is a pass/fail component; treat it seriously.
This role is a unique chance to serve those who have served our country. If you have the political savvy and management experience required, we encourage you to apply by the October 2026 deadline.
Why This Benefits Director Congressional And Legislative Affairs Job Matters
Lead the future of veteran advocacy as a Benefits Director for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Drive legislative strategy and shape the policies that serve our nation’s heroes.
Benefits Director Congressional And Legislative Affairs Job Overview
The Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) is seeking a dynamic, strategic leader for the position of Benefits Director, Congressional and Legislative Affairs. Based in Washington, D.C., this high-level role involves managing legislative initiatives, directing a team of Congressional Relations Officers, and acting as a critical liaison between the Department of Veterans Affairs and legislative bodies. You will play a pivotal role in aligning agency goals with congressional oversight, ensuring effective program execution for veteran benefits and policy development.
Requirements for Benefits Director Congressional And Legislative Affairs
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (GS-15 level requires 52 weeks at GS-14)
- Must be able to report on-site in Washington, D.C.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages
- Completion of required online USA Hire Competency Based Assessments
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Subject to background and security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Benefits Director Congressional And Legislative Affairs
- Demonstrated experience in long-range operational and strategic planning for legislative services.
- Proven history of directing program-level assessments and measuring legislative outcomes.
- Expertise in human-capital management, including workforce planning and performance evaluation.
- Experience representing senior agency officials in high-level engagements with congressional leaders.
- Ability to integrate complex policy approaches and generate strategic options under tight deadlines.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal leave accrual based on service time
- ✓Situational/Ad-hoc telework opportunities
- ✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefit packages
- ✓Opportunity to participate in agency mission-critical strategic initiatives
💡 How to Apply Benefits Director Congressional And Legislative Affairs Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Benefits Director Congressional And Legislative Affairs Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, focusing on relevant specialized experience.
- Gather all required documentation, including SF-50s for current federal employees.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Monitor your email for the link to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
- Submit all materials by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date of 10/29/2026.
💡 General Tips
- Focus your resume strictly on the two-page limit; prioritize results-oriented language.
- Ensure your resume includes hours worked per week and specific start/end dates (month/year).
- If you are a federal employee, clearly state your GS grade to avoid disqualification.
- Review the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to prepare for assessment competencies.
- Verify your SF-50s are dated correctly; text versions are not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an on-site position located in Washington, D.C. Telework is available on an ad-hoc basis as determined by agency policy.
What is the resume length limit?
Resumes must be no longer than two pages to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan.
What if I cannot complete the assessment in one sitting?
The USA Hire assessment allows you to save your progress and return to it later using your unique link, provided you meet the final deadline.
How are applications ranked?
Applications are evaluated based on a combination of resume content, questionnaire responses, and performance on the USA Hire assessment.
Can I submit a portfolio or cover letter?
No. Only the resume and required eligibility documents will be reviewed.
Job from Deputy Assistant Secretary For Congressional Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs remains dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan." The OCLA is the nerve center for the VA’s interactions with Congress, ensuring that the agency’s legislative priorities are communicated clearly and effectively.