Government Relations & External Affairs Manager

Why join our team?

With a mission that spans the globe, the USO provides a rewarding and fulfilling work environment. Our team is exceptional, and we offer generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave. We have a remarkable 401k match, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and education reimbursement. Our team members are passionate about putting the mission first, and we have a lot of fun while doing it. Working for the USO isn't just a job – it's a calling, and we believe in doing what you love and loving what you do.

Don’t take our word for it. The external “Great Place To Work” survey found that:

• The USO is a Certified Great Place to Work 2023-2024
• 93% feel good about the ways we contribute to the community.
• 93% are proud to tell others they work here.
• 88% feel their work has special meaning: this is not "just a job."
• 89% feel that when you join the company, you are made to feel welcome.
• 91% feel people here are treated fairly regardless of their race.
• 87% feel people here are treated fairly regardless of their gender.

The Government Relations and External Affairs Manager expands and creates the USO’s relationships with government officials and organizations; assists the Government Relations and External Affairs Department with the following key functions: advance the public profile of the USO; lobby to promote legislative-related initiatives; develop outreach presentations; prepare lobbying materials; communicate with the Executive and Legislative branches to identify opportunities for events and meetings between Government Relations staff and/or other senior USO personnel; manage event coordination and execution with senior governmental officials; analyze evolving legislation and current events that may impact the USO’s mission and operations; manage outreach to federal and state government officials and stakeholders; and support oversight and management of the USO Service Council.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties)

• Develop, maintain and enhance relationships for USO leadership with the Congress, including the Armed Services, Veterans’ Affairs and Appropriations Committees; the Executive Branch, including various federal agencies; and governors’ offices to enhance the public profile of the USO’s programs and services.*
• Identify, craft and execute creative and effective lobbying campaigns to address organizational priorities through the legislative process. Develop strategies, narratives, and materials that align with the USO’s goals. Develop communications materials, such as messaging, talking points, press releases, op-eds, reports, memos and presentations. Monitor emerging and new public policy issues, and brief relevant departments and regions. Schedule, register and host in-person and virtual meetings and webinars with external stakeholders.*
• Manage the USO’s lobbying efforts and activities with the Legislative and Executive Branches and state governments.*
• Manage the development and execution of special events that afford USO leadership the opportunity to showcase the USO with targeted groups. Proactively identify opportunities to increase USO brand awareness among government relations stakeholders. Effectively manage teams of individuals at various levels from other USO departments and regions to achieve successful event outcomes.*
• Serve as a primary liaison between USO staff and key stakeholders involved in planning, coordinating, implementing and managing assigned programs and events. Foster collaboration to maximize program and event reach and impact.*
• Assist with the day-to-day management of the Government Relations and External Affairs portfolio, including managing consultants, tracking stakeholder outreach, responding to inquiries from federal and state officials and compiling congressional lobbying reports.
• Manage activities of the USO Service Council, including coordinating and executing monthly engagement opportunities, such as programs and external events. Collaborate with USO departments to keep USO Service Council members apprised of USO programs, services and activities. Identify opportunities for Service Council members to provide meaningful input regarding new USO programs and services to best serve the military community and opportunities to enhance existing USO offerings.
• Manage the USO Congressional Caucus activities, including renewing the Caucus at the beginning of each new Congress, communicating to new and potential members and coordinating and executing biannual service projects on Capitol Hill.*
• Manage the full-cycle program/event management process for assigned projects, including but not limited to ensuring that goals are clearly established and documented, recruiting for program par