Program Associate, VFAI and Democracy Protection

Job Description

Job Title:

Program Associate, VFAI and Democracy Protection

Reporting Office:

Washington, DC (preferred)

Department:

VFAI

Job Classification:

Fulltime; Exempt

Supervisor:

Director, Veterans for American Ideals

Union Classification:

Union

Accountable To:

Associate Director, Democracy Protection

Last Updated:

1/30/2025

Purpose of the Job

The Program Associate for VFAI and Democracy Protection will engage in research and data analysis, policy analysis, administrative support, and advocacy, as assigned. The primary function of this position will be to advance policy objectives of the Veterans for American Ideals initiative and the Democracy Protection Program. The Associate will split their time 60/40 between the Veterans for American Ideals and Democracy Protection programs, respectively.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct strategic research and coordinate advocacy to support campaign objectives
• Review on a regular basis relevant U.S. government and non-governmental materials and press reports; attend hearings, briefings and other events, as assigned
• Serve as a point of contact for various coalitions and organizations in the immigration, veteran community, as assigned
• Participate in strategic discussions involving state and federal legislation and advocacy for proposed legislation
• Coordinate with both internal and external stakeholders on policy and legislative efforts, as assigned
• Produce campaign advocacy materials, including reports, website content, blogs, Op-Eds, draft communications, social media posts, and written correspondence. Track development, approval, and production of written materials to ensure completion in a timely fashion; proofread and edit materials, as requested
• Conduct research on advocacy targets to identify possible areas for collaboration
• Track relevant legislation, media, floor debates, and public events, and monitor hearings
• Assist in campaign data collection for campaign evaluation and measuring progress
• Provide administrative support to VFAI Director including, but not limited to scheduling meetings, organizing Hill briefings, planning travel and event logistics, completing expense reports
• Support fundraising efforts by assisting in grant proposals and report writing and editing and, in coordination with the Development department
• Support regular activities of the program such as holding public events and conferences, and activities surrounding the annual human rights award dinner
• Other duties as requested based on campaign, department and/or organizational need
• Assist with duties related to website content
• Assist in coordination of grassroots veteran network
  
  
  

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Competencies (DEIA)

Human Rights First acknowledges the existence of systemic and structural biases and believes it is necessary to be strategic and intentional in pursuing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of governance, operations, and programming. As an employee, you are expected to:

• Support adoption of best practices to create a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible work experience for colleagues and external partners.
• Strive to consider the people, places, and cultures that might be missing from your work and look for opportunities to increase inclusivity in all the work you do.
• Support the mission of Human Rights First in all interactions with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Dedicate efforts to enriching DEIA consciousness throughout our office-wide interactions.
• Foster a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by promoting adherence to the standards delineated in the Culture of Respect and Teamwork statement in the Employee Handbook.
  
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skill, And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Strong research, data analysis, writing and proofreading skills, and attention to detail
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of the operations and structure of the federal government, and knowledge of state government structure a bonus
• Strong project management skills, capacity to take initiative, to finish assignments under pressure, and to work collegially with others
• Capacity to take on multiple tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines on assignments and function as an effective member of a team
• Demonstrated interest in human rights and dedication to Human Rights First’s mission, knowledge of the military operations, policies, and procedures is a bonus
• Although the position is primarily remote, the incumbent must reside within 90 miles of our DC or NY office locations and be able to go into the office when necessary
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google suite of systems
  
  
  

Desired Knowledge, Skill, and Experience:

• Experience working with government offices and staff
• Experience in pro-democracy work
• Working knowledge of Quorum
• Please note that the expected start date for this role is April 1, 2025.
  
  
  

Human Rights First is committed to equal employment opportunity and recruiting talent from across all diverse groups. We do not discriminate against any person because of the individual’s race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, affection preference, gender identity, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, status as a war veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.