Program Manager - Military & Veteran Services

Job Description

APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and to one another.

The Program Manager of the Office of Military and Veteran Services (OMVS) will foster relationships across the university to address military-connected (MC) students’ needs, striving for a seamless set of services appropriate to MC students. Develop needs-based solutions within the military for the educational programs offered through the university, regional centers, and all applicable school programs. Serve as a representative of Azusa Pacific University to execute the terms of the Department of Education, “Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success” grant. Provide unique opportunities that encourage MC students to use leadership skills and experiences gained from military service. Advise individual MC students, assisting with problem-solving and finding solutions to concerns. Lead and manage the partnership with the Veterans Advisory Board and the Veteran Student Success team. Oversee orientation and other academic, social, and ceremonial programs. Educate faculty and staff on the specialized needs of MC students and develop and maintain relationships with community partners.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Required Experience

• Four to seven years of professional experience working with military-connected personnel. Previous work in Veteran Resource Center or Veteran Service Organization.
• Demonstrated advancement in leadership roles.
• Demonstrated ability to use technology to improve efficiency, effectiveness and customer service.
• Experience using database systems and data to inform decisions.

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

• Partners and coordinates with all Azusa Pacific University Regional Campuses and all enrollment offices including Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional to engage, embrace and unite military connected students to resources.
• Responsible for the semi-annual and annual report indicating compliance and progress to the Department of Education pertaining to the “Center of Excellence for” Veteran Student Success grant.
• Manages all budget expenditures of the “CEVSS grant throughout the life cycle of the grant.
• Stays abreast of trends with veterans and MC students including student development and accommodations.
• Assist executive director in performing needs assessments for MC students.
• Demonstrates and promotes a high level of customer service.
• Frequently resolves referrals from university offices regarding registration of students, student records, financial aid, and veteran benefits.
• Supervise V.A. Work Study students.
• Maintain records and statistics regarding veteran data and prepare both internal and external reports.
• Ensure compliance with Department of Veteran Affairs and state approving agencies.
• Assist the executive director in developing, coordinating, and conducting training.
• Develop, coordinate, and support a veteran student organization.

• Develop internal and external communication materials for events and local outreach.
• Represents the OMVS in the absence of the executive director.
• Develop grant proposals in the pursuit of supplemental funding.
• Collaborates with all APU enrollment offices to effectively engage MC student population.
• May attend annual local and national conferences to train on new concepts and best practices.
• Attend recruitment and outreach events for veterans.
• In partnership with the admissions department, develop, coordinate and deliver in-person consultation for prospective students from veteran and military family backgrounds.
• Create and implement marketing materials to increase awareness and attendance at OMVS events and activities.
• Review website content for current veteran-relevant information and request changes as needed.
• Collaborate with the APU Certifying Officials and financial aid personnel to ensure compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations governing veteran student benefits.
• Conduct customized information sessions for veterans that address the availability of resources for the veteran population.
• Develop and schedule workshops in coordination with other university services to provide job readiness and transition skills.
• Responsible for the operation and facilitation of the student veteran orientation session.

Skills

• Ability to work with people, especially active duty military students, veterans, their families, and governmental organizations, such as the Veterans Benefits Administration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage details and multiple assignments.
• Must be collaborative and an effective team member and team builder.

Mental Demands

• Ability to affirm, support and sustain the identity statements in agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.
• Possess a high level of initiative.
• Ability to learn, retain, and document procedures and policy information.
• Ability to cope with regular interruptions.

Physical Demands 

• Requires repetitive motion and sitting at computer keyboard for extended periods of time.
• Hearing and speaking on the telephone.
• Meetings may require walking and/or driving to various university locations.
• Availability to drive and travel locally and on occasion, nationally. Must be currently licensed to drive in the state of California.
• Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach and lift up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to climb stairs multiple times in a work day.

Visual Demands

• Computer monitor and reading.
• Reading/viewing instructions, documentation, and printed application materials in both physical and digital formats.

Environment

• Pleasant office, comfortable temperatures.

Technologies

• Proficient in Google Apps, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft software preferred.

Compensation

• Grade 10: $25.94 to $29.83 is the hourly 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.

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Please click the links to learn more about 'what we believe', our 'mission statement', and our 'statement of faith'.

You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.