Director, Military

The Director, Military & Veteran Center plays a critical role in the recruitment and retention of Veteran and Veteran-affiliated students on all three University of the Pacific campuses. The Director works closely with the Office of Admissions to recruit students who qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, and will partner with Residential Life & Housing on the 2025 opening of the newly renovated residential facility serving veteran students. The Director will provide leadership to enhance student support services with campus partners including but not limited to Enrollment Management, Financial Aid, Registrar, Disability Services and Career Services. The Director will be responsible for supervising Veterans Administration (VA) work study student staff, and serves as the main connection to VA services. As a member of the division of Student Life, works to advance student development and retention; promotes diversity, inclusion and respect; and empowers students to thrive.

Essential Duties 

• Directs Student Life programs and activities related to student Veterans, Veteran-affiliated students and their experience at Pacific with the goal to transition students from military to civilian life and prepare them for their career after college.
• Provides direct service to students aimed at increasing retention, completion, improving satisfaction, and enhancing overall success through responding to referrals from the Dean of Students office. Collaborates/coordinates with other program areas on activities to enhance the holistic wellbeing of student Veterans.
• Acts as a liaison for Military & Veteran students to University stakeholders including but not limited to Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, and Student Business Services.
• Refers Military & Veteran students to University resources including but not limited to Dean of Students, Services for Students w/Disabilities, CARE Team, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), Student Health Services, Equity Programs, Student Engagement, and Residential Life & Housing.
• Establishes and manages the Veterans Center operating budget, including the use of gift funds designated to the Center.
• Manages the Veterans Center and provides oversight of the daily operations, including the selection, supervision and evaluation of the Center’s student staff. Manages the VA work study budget to ensure students’ timecards are submitted for VA payroll deadlines.
• Monitors and tracks the needs of the current student Veteran population; uses assessment to recommend new initiatives according to the identified needs, effective services at other institutions, and available services in the community for Veterans.
• Serves as a professional resource in the Division of Student Life to the University, especially in the education/training of faculty and staff regarding helpful strategies for working with student Veterans on all three campuses.
• Serves as the professional staff advisor to the student veterans organizations (SVOs).
• Leads assigned activities, promotional efforts and the Center’s programming. Collects data and reports on programming and operational assessment.
• Establishes relationships with California Community College Transfer Center Directors and Counseling staff, community Veteran organization leaders, and University alumni.
• Assists in the solicitation of grants and donations to support Military & Veteran students, programs and the Center’s operations.
• Leads the work to increase physical space and coordinate support services on both the Sacramento and San Francisco campuses for Military & Veteran students.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

This position serves as Campus Security Authority (CSA) as outlined by the Clery Act. CSAs have federally mandated responsibilities to report crimes that are reported them.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Military Veteran.
• Five (5) years of experience working with military and veteran populations including a working knowledge of VA benefits.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Demonstrated skill in staff training, development, and supervision.
• Demonstrated customer service and leadership skills including but not limited to listening, oral communication, empathy and problem solving.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Flexibility and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Experience in workshop and program development.
• Marketing/Social Media skills.
• Positive attitude and proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion.
• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent use of phone, computer and other communication devices. Requires extended periods of sitting and repetitive hand/wrist motion while using computer keyboard and phone. Occasional standing, climbing stairs, bending, stooping and reaching.

Work Environment/Work Week/Travel:
Work performed during standard business hours, M-F. The position will be required to work some evening and weekend hours.

Valid driver’s license required. Incumbent must also be able to meet the University’s fleet rules and be eligible to drive for University business. The University and its insurance carrier reserves the right to exclude applicants based on their driving record.