Director - National Security

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Director of National Security position is in Washington D.C. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing operations for the National Security Division. Develops policy and activities relative to the Departments of State (DOS), Defense (DOD) Homeland Security (DHS), other government agencies and non-governmental organizations. Coordinates the implementation of corporate policies by Legislative and Executive Branch coordination and provides administrative support. Serves as an advocate for military service members, veterans and members of their families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Supervises continuous analysis and support of defense and foreign policy issues of concern to The American Legion.
2. Directs policy evaluation and implementation of positions while providing staff support to the National Security Commission, the Aerospace, Conventional Armed forces, Foreign Relations, Law and Order and Homeland Security, Military Benefits and Quality of Life, National Guard and Reserve Forces, Unconventional Forces and Intelligence committees and the National Security Council. Provides staff support to the Convention Committee on National Security during National Convention.
3. Primary duties include:

• Supervises liaison with the Departments of Defense, State, Homeland Security, other government and non-governmental organizations.
• Supervises the preparation of written documents to include articles, speeches, testimony, correspondence and research reports.
• Represents the organization as assigned in the Capitol City before federal departments, agencies and organizations.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with all Congressional oversight committees and staff relating to the purposes of the National Security Commission.
• Monitor hearings and oversee preparation of testimony and related activities in coordination with the Legislative Division.
• Affects media and participates in interviews for policy promotion in cooperation with the Legion’s public relations staff.
• Oversees advocacy efforts related to military quality of life, DOD modernization and revitalization of the defense industrial base.
• Supervises the foreign travel of the national leadership and exacts appropriate coordination.
• Ensures the administrative management and financial functioning of the division.
• Prepares and coordinates divisional strategic goal incorporation into the broader organizational strategy as appropriate.
• Provides overall support for a variety of community-based campaigns/programs which impact national security.
• Provides staff support for a variety of special projects, which include foreign embassy engagement, memorial functions, American Legion leadership visits and meetings with Cabinet, defense and other officials as required.
• Oversees efficient engagement with and support for assigned national security commission consultants.
• Provides meeting and program support to the Commission and other assigned groups.

Other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP (reports directly to): Executive Director - DC

Education/Technical Knowledge:

College education – four-year degree to provide basic familiarity with a variety of subjects.

Additional Skills Needed:

• Former military leadership experience desired, preferably deployments or assignments in foreign theaters.
• In-depth background in defense policy and issues, international relations, federal budgeting, US Government functioning, understanding of homeland security matters.
• Experience and understanding of military protocol, rank structure, and the operational and administrative functioning of DOD.
• Understanding of the structure, funding requirements and issues involving the Department of Homeland Security.
• Understanding of how community-based programs tie into national security.
• Advanced research, analytical, writing, and speaking skills required.
• Management and budgeting experience required.
• Internet and computer systems experience – MS Office

Experience:

8 years or more

Supervision of Others:

The position is responsible for supervising multiple work units, with full responsibility for effective operation and results of those units. Supervises one or more-unit supervisors or managers.

Problem Solving:

Involves thinking imaginatively and researching new fields and concepts

Impact of Decisions:

Decisions and policy determination would have a long-term effect on the financial condition and sound operation of the organization.

Internal and Public Contacts:

Outside organization which could affect the prestige of the organization and would involve influencing various citizens, the community, and a Commission or Committee.

Physical Factors and Working Conditions:

The employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, either corrective or uncorrected. Working conditions are within a well-lighted air-conditioned office environment. Employee may frequently travel. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands of the job. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, either corrective or uncorrected. Working conditions are within a well-lighted air-conditioned office environment. Employee may frequently travel. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands of the job.