Executive Director, Military and Veterans Center - Military and Veterans Center

The Executive Director of the Military & Veterans Center will provide a shared vision, leadership, and strategic direction for APU's military and veteran operations with consideration of the Nehemiah Initiative, APU's University Strategic Plan. The Executive Director will provide administrative oversight of personnel, programming, and resourcing designed to support the holistic development and success of military-connected students. Reporting directly to the VP of Student Belonging/CDO and indirectly to the VP of Enrollment, the Executive Director, M&VC plays an integral role in leading and managing all aspects of the Military & Veterans Center. This leadership position is instrumental in cultivating meaningful partnerships with internal and external stakeholders with the interest of advancing APU's mission and commitment to cultivating a God First experience reflecting Christ, scholarship, community, and service. This position is fully grant-funded and contingent on grant funding. Required Education - A Master's degree from an accredited institution or a doctoral degree in a related field is preferred. Required Experience - Minimum of ten years of experience in military service or of working within a military context. - Minimum of five to ten years of progressively responsible recruiting management/ leadership experience and demonstrated success in leading a diverse team that consistently meets or exceeds goals. - Proven effective leadership in program implementation, management, and administration. - Demonstrated experience in facilitation and teaching within a higher education setting. - Leadership in program implementation, management, and administration. Primary Duties/Essential Functions - Provides oversight of APU's Military and Veterans Center, personnel, services, and budget. - Collaborates, supports, and serves as the dotted-line supervisor for: - Enrollment Management's Military and Veterans admissions representative, VA certifying officials, and benefits/compliance personnel located in the Military and Veterans Center. - Develops a vision and corresponding strategic plan for APU's Military and Veterans Center, including strategies to serve our on-campus students as well as our online and regional military-affiliated students. - Advances professional development efforts that cultivate a military-ready culture and ethos. - Develops and implements strategic initiatives that bolster recruitment of military-connected students including building connections and visiting military bases, community colleges, related businesses, etc. - Implements strategies and resources that enhance retention and graduation rates. - Serves as the institutional liaison for ROTC, civic leaders, and M/V-related networks. - Serves as both the internal liaison and external ambassador for APU increasing the visibility of the center and the APU university brand. - Coordinates institutional efforts of implementation of and adherence to all regulatory and contractual agreements related to military-veteran affairs such as DoD MOU, Principles of Excellence, VA Benefit administration, and Tuition Assistance. - Cultivates collaborative relationships with university leaders to devise and recommend programs and initiatives to increase military-connected enrollment and retention. - Develops and leads a cross-functional advisory team to further develop APU as a military-friendly/ready institution. - Administer relevant assessments for military-connected and veteran students to understand and better serve the population. - Develops institutional processes to improve policies, procedures, and programs that will effectively support the military-veteran student population. - Research best practices and have the agency to pursue grants that will serve the military-veteran student population. - Collaborates with a diverse group of stakeholders, internally and externally, to achieve common goals. - Leads people and efforts to support the educational and holistic needs of military-veteran students and their families. - Researches, develops, leads, and successfully executes institutional initiatives for veteran services in partnership with enrollment management. - Represent the university on designated committees and at off-site M/V conferences and events. - Facilitates and leads other duties and/or special projects at the discretion of senior leadership. - Steward timekeeping for their direct reports as it applies to the scope of this position. Skills - Executive-level leadership and organizational acumen associated with military experience/ higher ed. - Ability to work with active-duty military students, veterans, and their families, as well as governmental organizations. - Ability to integrate Christian values in all aspects of their work. - Ability to command the respect and partnership of military personnel. - Ability to engage in critical thinking and exercise independent judgment. - Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information. - Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. - Strong administrative skills, management, problem-solving, and decision-making ability. - Self-motivated, disciplined, deadline-oriented, and follow-through. - Collaborative and an effective team member and team builder. Mental Demands - In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students. Physical Demands - Intermittent sitting, standing, and walking. - Ability to lift, pull, grasp, bend, and reach. - Ability to lift to 25 lbs. Visual Demands - Computer monitor and reading. Compensation - Grade 20: $113,778 - $130,845 is the annual compensation for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity.In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package.