National Security Deputy Director

Staff responsibilities for national defense, foreign policy and American Legion programs. Provides primary staff support to the National Security Commission, Seven Committees and Council. In the absence of the Director, or when required, directs the staff functioning of the Division for all matters falling within the purview of the Division in support of the National Security Commission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as the Principal Advisor to the Division Director
• Conducts continuous analysis of national security issues of concern to The American Legion.
• Manages the Base Assessment and Servicemember Experience (BASE) Quality of Life Program.
• By direction from the Division Director, plans and manages the annual National Commander’s Overseas travel to the Pacific and Europe.
• Advises on development of policy and provides staff support to the National Security Commission, Seven Committees and Council to conduct informative meetings during National Conventions, National Executive Committee meetings, and Washington Conferences.
• Plans for and conducts planning and logistics for the National Security Commission at National Convention.
• Develops documents supporting National Security programs to include annual Congressional reports, Division budgetary input and Statements of Positions.
• Provides staff support concerning implementation of adopted resolutions, frequently coordinating within the Internal Affairs, membership, and Legislative Divisions.
• Prepares and presents testimony to Congressional subcommittees in coordination with the Legislative Division.
• Prepares in-depth studies of designated major national security issues.
• Writes articles for publishing in external and American Legion media publications.
• Prepares correspondence as directed for the National Commander and National Adjutant.
• Publishes and disseminates information on key programs to include The American Legion Blood Donor program, and The American Legion ROTC Awards. Administers the National Firefighter and National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards and recipient travel to National Convention.
• Maintains liaison with the Department of Defense, the Military Services; the United States Coast Guard; the Selective Service System; the Department of Justice; Homeland Security; State Department, appropriate House and Senate. Committee staffs; other governmental agencies and military and veterans organizations.
• Plan and support the annual American Legion meeting cycle including NEC meetings, National Convention and Washington Conference.
• Provide support for the National Security Resolution Screening Committee as required.
• Conduct annual resolution review with staff and volunteer leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP (reports directly to): National Security Director

MINIMUM SKILLS REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Select only one under each category):

Education/Technical Knowledge:

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

Additional Skills Needed:

• Comprehension of global relations, geography, political-military-diplomatic history, government regimes, economics, treaties, and sanctions.
• Awareness of the Federal Budgeting / NDAA Process
• Knowledge of the federal legislative process.
• Ability to develop and implement legislative and policy-based resolutions.
• Advanced Public Speaking Skills
• Written and verbal media / spokesperson skillset
• Critical and creative thinking. Advanced research and writing skills
• Strong organizational and managerial skills
• Thorough knowledge of American Legion HR and staff management policies
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, ZOOM Webinars, Web-Ex internet software systems, applications and programs, along with other virtual platforms is highly desirable.