Director - Veterans Center of Excellence

Director - Veterans Center of Excellence

Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time, 12-month, exempt Director position in the Veterans Center of Excellence (VCOE). This position provides strategic, visionary leadership for Clark College’s comprehensive veterans and military-connected student services. Reporting to the Dean of Student Engagement, the Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving a comprehensive recruitment, enrollment, retention, and completion strategy for veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and eligible dependents. The hybrid work schedule is Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm on campus, Fridays remote. The hybrid schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the college.

The Director ensures that all programs, functions, and services of the VCOE are compliant with state and federal regulations, fiscally responsible, equity-centered, student-focused, and aligned with the College’s Strategic Enrollment Management Plan and Military Veterans Recruitment and Supplemental Marketing Plan.

This position carries institution-wide responsibility for a major federally supported enrollment population and provides leadership comparable in scope and complexity to other director-level enrollment and program units.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership in accordance with the Mission and Vision established by the College, furthering Core Themes and College Objectives, including working to achieve diverse college community.
• Foster an inviting and supportive campus climate in the VCOE and create a safe, bias-free working environment, which engenders respect for differences.
• Serve as point of contact and advocate for Veterans (military connected students) and families.
• Work collaboratively with financial aid staff and facilitate weekly VCOE staff meetings.
• Collect and analyze data (tracking veteran students) and activities for the purpose of program review, evaluation, outcomes, and revision. Analyze problem areas, recommend corrective action, and project future needs.
• Participate in Student Affairs leadership meetings, Chair Veterans Resource Planning Committee, and participate on other committees/councils/teams communicating important issues with departments and other stakeholders. Prepare reports and analytical materials to illustrate objectives, activities, and accomplishments of areas of responsibility.
• Advise the Veterans Club and provide guidance on signature programs throughout the academic year.
• Coordinate, conduct and promote student services for Veterans.
• Plan and promote transition programs and services to increase Veteran students' access, retention and success.
• Partner with Counseling and Health Center, Career Services, Financial Aid, Advising, Student Life and other departments on campus to provide programs and services for Veterans and their families.
• Support college retention efforts by serving as the Veteran Student Cohort Leader and providing interventions for students who have received Academic Early Warning or Academic Concern notices.
• Consult with faculty who have questions about how to support veterans in the classroom.
• Work closely with various instructional and student service units to promote awareness of Veteran issues, advocate for veteran services and educate on issues of war-related trauma.
• Work with VCOE staff to develop workshops and orientations for veteran students.
• Assist the Clark College Foundation with fundraising activities for Veterans programs, as appropriate.
• Oversee all aspects of grants that support the VCOE.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with community agencies to support the enrollment of veterans and to leverage support networks beyond the college.
• Ensures Veterans Center of Excellence demonstrates compliance with the College and applicable governing agencies.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for operating unit(s), including engaging and promoting Shared Governance.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate VCOE employees in accordance with negotiated agreements, applicable state and federal laws, and College policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties as required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND COMPETENCIES

Candidates will be evaluated based on application materials, including the supplemental questions and personal interview(s), and will be required to demonstrate competencies in the following areas:

• Bachelor’s degree AND three (3) years of experience serving military-connected people in a professional setting; OR equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups and individuals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Self-starter with a high degree of motivation, energy, flexibility, and integrity.
• Sound organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and navigate interpersonal conflict.
• Ability to work well with people of all ages from academically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.