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The Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) is responsible for developing and offering campus programming that benefits our military-connected students. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services, the Director of the Veteran and Military Resource Center oversees all duties associated with the VMRC. These responsibilities include developing goals and objectives, budgetary and programming priorities, supervising and directing staff, advising students, and coordinating with on and off-campus stakeholders to meet the unique needs of military-connected students. A portion of this role, initially 10% that may be either a direct line or a ‘dotted line’, will report to the Chancellor of UW Tacoma in association with external relations with the nearby military and military-connected community.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervision and Direction:
The Director will select, train, supervise, evaluate, and provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and direction to department staff;
Veterans Benefits Advisors tasked with all aspects of veterans benefits processing following federal and state guidelines;
Washington Department of Veteran Affairs Vet Corps Navigator, who serves as a resource to our campus military-connected community;
Grant-funded Military-Connected Career Development Specialist, who serves as the primary career counselor for UWT military-connected students and alumni;
Veteran Affairs Peer Advisor student staff, who serve as the front-line resource to prospective and continuing students who have veteran benefits eligibility.
Management and Leadership:
Create and maintain a positive and productive environment by building a rapport with staff and students.
Oversee the design and delivery of co-curricular student experiences intended to build community, foster student learning and development, cultivate a sense of belonging, create an inclusive climate, and facilitate retention and persistence. This includes planning, development, and implementation of curriculum/learning program content, all aspects of event operations and logistics, integrated marketing/messaging campaigns and materials, communicating and enforcing conduct expectations, and addressing incidents in partnership with University campus stakeholders as appropriate.
Coordinate veteran and military-related educational and campus programming based on assessed needs and interests and in collaboration with other UW campuses whenever possible. Examples of programming and events: Veterans Appreciate Week, Memorial Day Recognition, Military-Connected Graduation Celebration, Military-Connected New Student Advising Day.
Develop, implement, and maintain partnerships with U.S. Armed Forces training programs to allow for greater participation/access and scholarship for UW Tacoma students. Current programs include Pacific Lutheran University's ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) and the Coast Guards CSPI (College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative).
Serve as the VMRC liaison to campus-based student veterans organization. As requested, advise and mentor military-connected student organization officer. Provide assistance and oversight to promote the military-connected student organizations, and assist with program development and fundraising for events/conferences. Assists the University in the recruitment and retention of veteran students.
Serve as a liaison to campus offices and resources and provide training to the broader University community related to the needs of our military-connected student population.
Administration and Certification of Veteran Related Benefits:
Effectively perform all of the required elements of VA certification. Maintain required records and files with clear documentation regarding tuition and fee calculations and any special circumstances and professional judgments made. Collect appropriate documentation from eligible students and follow up as needed. Authorize quarterly payment and reconcile any payment exceptions or discrepancies. Monitor students' grades to ensure satisfactory progress is being made. Consult with academic advisors when needed as to the applicability of courses to the student's degree program. Inform the VA quarterly when students are placed on Academic Probation. Finalize VA records with graduation information once degrees are recorded.
Provide in-person advising and counseling for students, parents, staff, and others seeking information and assistance with all aspects of Veterans Educational Benefits, State Waiver Programs, Veteran Residency laws, Vocational Rehabilitation along with financial aid and enrollment policies and procedures.
Give presentations, both to internal and external military and veteran groups, regarding higher education opportunities in Washington state, veteran benefits, and enrollment. Make referrals to appropriate offices and staff.
Administrative:
Responsible for developing appropriate policies and procedures, managing all financial operations for the department to include budget oversight. Work closely with campus leadership regarding short and long-term planning for the office.
Maintains VA/University reports and records appropriately and keeps strict and accurate documentation in order to pass annual audit
Other duties as assigned:
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's Degree in Education, Business, Communications, Public Administration or related field, and a minimum of four to five years of experience with Military Community relations and/or coordination of veteran/military-related events.
A minimum of four years of experience working with student populations, to include at least two years of management/supervisory experience; demonstrated experience working with a diverse student population.
Strong understanding of veterans benefits programs with the ability to advise students about benefits.
Ability to work effectively as a liaison with federal, state, county, and other agencies to answer questions, resolve problems, provide data, interpret, and apply changes in rules and regulations concerning financial aid. Interpersonal skills, including working well with a team.
Planning and organizational skills, including ability to prioritize work activities and use time efficiently.
Ability to think strategically from a student-centered philosophy.
Prior event planning experience, strong problem solving and analytical skills, ability to collaborate effectively with veterans.
Must be able to work in an open concept office space.
Equivalent experience can substitute for degree requirement.
DESIRED:
Personal military experience, previous experience within higher education.
Experience as a School Certifying Official and thorough knowledge of veterans benefits programs.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed. |
