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.

A Certified Great Place to Work®

Don’t just take our word for it—our people have spoken. According to the Great Place to Work® 2025–2026 survey:

• 96% feel good about how we support the community
• 94% are proud to tell others they work at the USO
• 92% say their work has special meaning—it’s not “just a job”
• 91% felt welcomed from day one
• Over 88% agree all employees are treated fairly, regardless of race or gender

The Policy Engagement and Advocacy Manager advances the organization’s mission through focused public policy research, legislative engagement, and advocacy activities. This role supports and executes policy initiatives by analyzing legislation, preparing materials for public hearings and legislative forums, engaging with policymakers and staff, including the USO Congressional Caucus, executive branch and defense officials, and collaborating with other Military Service Organizations (MSOs), Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and allied stakeholders on shared policy priorities.

Working under the direction of the Director, Government Relations and External Affairs, the Manager plays a critical role in tracking, assessing and advising on public policy, developing testimony and briefing materials, formulating and executing advocacy strategies, and ensuring the organization is informed, prepared, and effectively represented across the Legislative Branch and within the Department of War.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties)

Public Policy Research & Analysis

• Monitor, research, and analyze federal legislation, regulatory proposals, and budgetary actions relevant to the organization’s mission and priorities.
• Prepare clear, concise policy analyses, issue briefs, background memos, and legislative summaries for internal leadership and advocacy use.
• Track emerging policy trends, stakeholder positions, and political developments to inform advocacy strategies.

Legislative Engagement & Advocacy

• Engage directly with congressional and executive branch staff on policy issues that are a priority to the organization
• Assist in the development and execution of advocacy strategies in support of legislative, regulatory, and budget objectives.
• Prepare organizational leadership for meetings, briefings, hearings, roundtables, and other legislative engagements.

Public Hearings & Testimony Preparation

• Draft written testimony, statements for the record, talking points, and briefing packages for congressional hearings.
• Lead research, data collection, and internal review processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with organizational positions.
• Manage witness preparation, including issue framing, anticipated questions, and policy context.

Coalitions & Cross Organizational Engagement

• Foster engagement with, and act as main point of contact for the USO Congressional Caucus, MSOs, VSOs, and other allied organizations to identify shared policy interests and opportunities for coordinated advocacy.
• Lead coalition based advocacy efforts, joint sign on letters, shared research initiatives, and coordinated messaging where appropriate.
• Maintain awareness of partner organizations’ policy priorities to strengthen collaboration and alignment.

Communications & Internal Coordination

• Draft and edit policy focused communications including correspondence, advocacy materials, issue one pagers, and internal updates.
• Coordinate across internal departments and regional teams to gather programmatic insights that inform policy positions and advocacy efforts.
• Assist with advocacy reporting, documentation, and compliance related tracking as directed.
• Independently track lobbying efforts and send quarterly reports to the Director of Government Relations and External Affairs for submission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, government, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in public policy, legislative affairs, advocacy, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of the federal legislative process, including authorizations, appropriations, hearings, and oversight functions.
• Background in Defense/Military related issues strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience conducting policy research and translating complex issues into clear, actionable written materials.
• Ability to make independent judgements on policy areas that are of interest to the organization
• Proven ability to draft testimony, policy briefs, talking points, and preparatory materials for public hearings and legislative engagement.
• Familiarity with MSOs, VSOs, and nonprofit or advocacy coalitions; experience working collaboratively across organizations preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail and analytical rigor.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, synthesize large volumes of information, and meet tight deadlines.
• Professional judgment and discretion in handling sensitive policy positions and stakeholder communications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools
• Must be a strong advocate of the USO’s mission.

Details

• This position is located in Arlington, VA. Preference will be given to local candidates within commuting distance to the location.
• Resume and cover letter are required for full consideration.
• Background check – education, criminal and driving required.
• The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

If that’s not enough to convince you, here are some direct quotes from employees:

• The organization truly cares about the people who work here.
• There is great consideration given and extended in the following areas: organizational core values for all, work-life balance, impact we can actually see (and even experience as a staff member- the feeling of making an impact is priceless), autonomy with respect to current position within the organization.
• Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We collaborate well together and share ideas and interests to create fun activities for our overall goal in the community. I couldn't think of a better organization to work for.
• The mission alone provides a positive and meaningful purpose, where people should want to work and be a part of. Most of the people who work for the USO and volunteer for the USO have giving hearts and want to make a difference. This also makes the organization a place where people would want to work.
• The mission and opportunities to make a Difference are amazing. There is no doubt that the USO is one of the most forward-facing, frontline serving nonprofits that I know of.

Apply today. Join the mission. Join Team USO.