Become a Legislative Affairs Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you a policy professional with a deep understanding of the federal budget process? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently looking for an experienced individual to join the Office of Management as a Legislative Affairs Officer. This high-impact role is based in the heart of Washington, DC, and offers a unique opportunity to influence national policy while serving those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Legislative Affairs Officer, you will serve as the primary liaison between the VA and key stakeholders on Capitol Hill. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Serving as the point of contact for congressional committees, Members of Congress, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Independently navigating sensitive budget execution and fiscal legislative issues.
Drafting and defending the VA’s legislative position during critical hearings and negotiations.
Preparing budget justifications, testimony, and posture statements for senior leadership.
Mentoring junior staff to ensure consistent, high-quality legislative communication.

Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Experience

Experience Level	Focus Areas	Primary Objective
General Administration	Office support, clerical tasks	Maintenance of daily operations
Specialized Legislative	OMB budget cycles, Hill relations	Influencing policy and funding outcomes

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-14 position, you must demonstrate strong technical competencies and organizational fit. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and must be able to verify one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level. Furthermore, all applicants are required to adhere to the federal two-page resume limit and successfully complete the USA Hire online assessment.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $143,913 to $187,093 per year. Beyond the salary, the VA offers a robust benefits package that includes:

Comprehensive health insurance.
Flexible retirement plans.
Opportunities for telework.
A mission-driven environment focused on public service.

Application Tips

Focus on Results: Use metrics and specific achievements in your two-page resume to demonstrate how you have influenced policy.
Verify SF-50s: If you are a current or former federal employee, ensure your SF-50 documentation is current and clearly shows your grade history to meet Time-In-Grade requirements.
Prepare for Assessments: Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire assessment once you receive your access link.

This position is ideal for a dedicated professional eager to apply their legislative and fiscal expertise to a noble cause. By facilitating communication between the VA and Congress, you are directly contributing to the well-being of America's Veterans. Apply today to help us uphold our promise to those who served.

Why This Legislative Affairs Officer Job Matters

Shape the future of Veteran support through high-level legislative advocacy and fiscal strategy.

Legislative Affairs Officer Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Legislative Affairs Officer to serve within the Office of Management, Office of Budget. This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between the VA and Congress, ensuring that our mission to serve those who have protected our nation is supported by sound fiscal policy and strategic legislative engagement. You will be the primary voice for the VA on Capitol Hill, managing complex budget negotiations and legislative strategies that directly impact the lives of Veterans and their families.

Requirements for Legislative Affairs Officer

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (GS-13 for 52 weeks).
Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages.
Must complete an online assessment.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Subject to a high-risk security/background investigation.
Must serve a one-year probationary or two-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Legislative Affairs Officer

Mastery-level knowledge of OMB Circular A-11 and congressional budget procedures.
Demonstrated experience representing an organization in negotiations with congressional committee staff or OMB examiners.
Proven ability to draft persuasive testimony, posture statements, and budget justifications under tight deadlines.
Strong background in advising senior leadership on legislative and regulatory impacts.
Experience mentoring and providing technical guidance to staff on legislative liaison activities.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance programs
✓Generous retirement plans including FERS
✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
✓Telework flexibility as determined by agency policy
✓Professional development and career advancement opportunities

💡 How to Apply Legislative Affairs Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Legislative Affairs Officer Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Build or upload a federal-style resume (max 2 pages).
Complete the application questionnaire.
Submit required documentation, including SF-50s for federal employees.
Complete the online USA Hire assessment when prompted via email.
Submit all materials by the 11:59 PM ET deadline on October 29, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically highlights your experience in budget and appropriations as requested in the announcement.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and adhere to the strict 2-page limit.
Double-check that all required SF-50s are uploaded to prove your Time-In-Grade eligibility.
Practice using the resources available on the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting complies with federal standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes submitted for this position must be exactly two pages or shorter. Resumes exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is based in Washington, DC. While some telework is available per agency policy, it is not a fully remote role.

What documentation do I need to prove my federal experience?

You must provide your most recent SF-50. If you are claiming Time-In-Grade, you must provide additional SF-50s that explicitly demonstrate you have held the required GS-13 grade for at least 52 weeks.

Does this position require travel?

Yes, the role involves occasional travel for meetings and liaison activities.

What is the deadline to apply?

The announcement closes on October 29, 2026. All materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET.

Job from Immediate Office Of The Assistant Secretary For Management

The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan." The Office of Budget plays a critical role in this mission by ensuring sound stewardship of financial resources, which in turn allows the VA to provide world-class healthcare and benefits to our Veterans.