Director for the Office of Student Veterans

As the Director for the Office of Student Veterans, you will champion the success of military-connected students and help create a campus community where veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, military dependents, and their families feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive.

In this highly visible leadership role, you will serve as Duke's primary advocate for military-connected students while building innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and support systems that foster belonging, academic achievement, personal growth, and career success.

You will also play a pivotal role in launching and advancing Duke's undergraduate student veteran cohort in partnership with university leaders across Admissions, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, Pratt School of Engineering, the Office of Undergraduate Education, Government Relations, the Registrar, and other key stakeholders.

What You'll Do

Lead Innovative Programs and Student Success Initiatives

• Design, implement, and assess programs that support the recruitment, transition, retention, engagement, and graduation of military-connected students.
• Develop comprehensive support strategies for veterans, adult learners, transfer students, and students transitioning from military service to higher education.
• Create impactful orientation programs, leadership initiatives, workshops, and community-building events.
• Coordinate university-wide celebrations and recognition programs that honor military service and veteran contributions.
• Partner with ROTC programs and military-affiliated student organizations to foster leadership development, mentorship opportunities, and student engagement.
• Collaborate across Duke to provide career exploration, professional development, and graduate education preparation resources.

Champion Student Support and Advocacy

• Provide consultation, case management coordination, and resource navigation to support student wellbeing and academic success.
• Connect military-connected students with campus resources including academic support, wellness services, disability resources, counseling, and career development.
• Collaborate with Student Affairs, academic departments, graduate and professional schools, and student support offices to coordinate holistic support services.
• Serve as a trusted advocate for students navigating challenges and barriers to success.
• Maintain expertise on local, state, federal, and institutional resources impacting military-connected students.

Build Strategic Partnerships and Institutional Impact

• Collaborate with campus partners responsible for veteran education benefits and compliance initiatives.
• Establish strong working relationships with the Department of Veterans Affairs, military organizations, community partners, and government agencies.
• Serve as a key liaison between military-connected students and university stakeholders.
• Advocate for policies, practices, and programs that advance student success, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Represent Duke within local, regional, and national veteran-serving networks and professional organizations.

Provide Departmental Leadership and Strategic Direction

• Advance the vision, goals, and operational priorities of the Office of Student Veterans.
• Develop policies, procedures, assessment strategies, and sustainable operational practices.
• Serve as Duke's subject matter expert on veteran and military-connected student success.
• Advise university leadership on emerging trends, best practices, legislative developments, and strategic opportunities.
• Pursue grant funding, partnerships, and external resources to expand programs and services.
• Deliver educational programming and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

Drive Assessment, Data Strategy, and Continuous Improvement

• Track and evaluate student outcomes, persistence, retention, engagement, graduation rates, and utilization of support services.
• Analyze institutional data to identify trends and opportunities that inform strategic decision-making.
• Benchmark programs against peer and aspirational institutions to strengthen services and outcomes.
• Prepare reports for university leadership and external stakeholders.
• Support compliance, accreditation, and reporting requirements related to veteran education programs and services.

Contribute to a Collaborative Community

• Supervise graduate assistants and provide leadership for the Student Veteran Council.
• Support divisional and university initiatives through collaborative engagement and service.
• Perform other duties that contribute to the success of Student Affairs and Duke University.

What You'll Bring

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Experience

• Six years of experience in student affairs, student services, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience working directly with military-connected students, veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, or military families.
• Knowledge of VA educational benefits, GI Bill programs, and veteran education compliance requirements.
• Understanding of military culture and transition challenges associated with higher education and civilian careers.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative partnerships across academic affairs, student affairs, enrollment management, and external organizations.
• Experience with assessment, strategic planning, program evaluation, and data-informed decision-making.
• Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Experience securing grants, donor funding, or external partnerships is a plus.
• Strong commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $64,505.00 to USD $106,121.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goesbeyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/