Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs -Office of General Counsel

GS‑13

Location: Washington DC (Onsite at VA Central Office)

The Executive Assistant serves as a key advisor and high‑visibility liaison supporting the top leadership within VA’s Office of General Counsel (OGC). This role anchors the front office, driving coordination, communication, and decision‑support across complex legislative, administrative, and policy matters affecting the entire VA enterprise.

This position is open exclusively to individuals eligible under one of the following hiring authorities:

• 30% Disabled Veterans Appointing Authority – Veterans with a disability rating of 30 percent or more, or with a compensable service‑connected disability.
• People with Disabilities Appointing Authority (Schedule A) – Individuals eligible under the Schedule A hiring authority for persons with disabilities.
• Current Federal Employees – Individuals who currently hold a federal civil service appointment and meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Executive Administration & Legislative Support

Coordinates with VA administrations and staff offices on legislative initiatives, policy issues, and protocol‑sensitive actions. Engages with Congressional committees and federal oversight bodies to support program, policy, and legislative activities of national significance. Ensures leadership remains fully informed on emerging issues, timelines, and critical actions.

• Policy, Legal Review & FOIA/OMB Coordination

Reviews and analyzes legislative materials, legal documents, and General Counsel opinions to identify key implications and ensure procedural accuracy. Supports FOIA‑related review processes and manages OMB clearance coordination, including highlighting approved changes for leadership.

• High‑Level Briefing & Issue Management

Synthesizes complex incoming materials from VA components, OMB, and Congressional offices. Prepares briefing notes, recommendations, and written materials for senior officials, including documents used to inform top‑tier departmental leadership.

• Front Office Operations & Special Projects

Leads daily “mail call,” prioritizing and presenting actionable items to leadership. Conducts in‑depth research on veteran‑focused programs, sensitive matters, and operational challenges. Identifies new lines of inquiry, recommends solutions, and supports implementation of improved business processes requiring exceptional tact and persuasion.

• Strategic Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

Acts as a central point of contact for legislative, program, and policy coordination, maintaining internal and external relationships to advance OGC priorities. Reviews complex correspondence, ensures responsiveness and accuracy, and supports timely follow‑up to drive organizational effectiveness.

• Enterprise Reporting & Leadership Representation

Prepares weekly legislative, Congressional, and litigation activity summaries for senior VA officials and external reporting. Represents leadership perspectives in meetings to support the strategic management of OGC operations.

Why Join OGC?

• Compressed and flexible work schedules.

• Thrift Savings Plan with matching (401(k) equivalent).

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Life insurance options.

• Federal retirement plan.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.