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Assistant Director, Veteran and Military Services


About Westfield State University:

In 1839, Horace Mann founded Westfield State University as the first public higher education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. Westfield State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people including minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and other protected persons, or individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Westfield State is the most residential of the state universities in Massachusetts, with over 60% of our 5600 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Northampton and Amherst, and 1.5 hours from both Boston and Albany.


Job Description:

Campus Title: Assistant Director, Veteran and Military Services
State Job Title: Assistant Director
Department: Center for Student Success and Engagement
Job Code: HA6600
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: 7107-0029
Bargaining Unit: APA
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Timeframe: 52 weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday, 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: The Assistant Director of Veteran and Military Services reports to the Executive Director of the Center for Student Success and Engagement.
Supervision Exercised: Veteran and Military services professional and administrative staff, including graduate assistants and work-study student(s).
Salary: $65,000-$70,000 (Commensurate with education and experience).

General Statement of Duties: The Assistant Director is instrumental in improving existing support programs for students who are military, veterans, and the children and/or spouses of veterans. A critical component of student success, diversity, and retention, the Assistant Director serves as the primary resource and point of contact for current and prospective students who are military connected. Provides direct support for these students throughout all stages of the academic process from their first contact with the University, and throughout their transition to the University until graduation. Facilitates veteran-specific resources for students. Provides a comprehensive program of outreach, support, and services to students who are military-connected, whether they are using benefits or not. Priority work includes precision in handling all issues of Veteran's Administration (VA) compliance and certification. Oversee and manage department budget.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

Compliance and Data

• Serve as a certifying official for federal educational benefits supported through the United States Department of Veteran Services (VA).
• Ensure that the University is compliant with all state and federal regulations concerning veterans' educational benefits (all chapters of the GI Bill, the VALOR Act, etc.) and proactively educate oneself on all aspects of these regulations and policies.
• Identify credentials procedures to maximize awarding of military credits for military and veteran students using the ACE process.
• Develop procedures to ensure that program records are maintained in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Prepare records for corresponding compliance reviews and audits.
• Maintain veteran and military student data and complete Military Friendly surveys.
• Liaise and communicate with other campus offices as required to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Advise campus officials as appropriate/required to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Develops University policies, procedures and related forms based on state, VA, federal laws.
• Submit all new academic programs for approval through the State Approving Agency and Department of Veterans Affairs in a timely manner.

Veteran and Military Services Office, Military Community Excellence Center

• Supervise, hire, train and evaluate the performance of staff and work study personnel.
• Manage the daily flow of direct services to students who are military-connected.
• Assess unique veteran needs and collaborate with other University departments to implement teaching, training, learning, activities, professional development opportunities and strategies to support students who are military-connected success.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the VA, MA Department of Higher Education, the University and other agencies in relationship to veteran and military issues.
• Advise and support students on issues specific to veterans, active duty military, National Guard and Reservists, and family members.
• Provide orientation to incoming students who are military-connected.
• Collaborate with WSU Webmaster to maintain current, comprehensive web presence.
• Serve as primary point of contact for all University faculty and staff with questions regarding veteran and military issues.
• Provide assistance and participation in various peripheral University engagements.
• Serve as primary point of contact for all University faculty and staff with questions regarding veteran and military issues.
• Host on average two events per year, geared towards our students who are military-connected.
• Oversee the Honor Cord program for students to wear during commencement, and SALUTE National Honor Society.

Veteran Outreach and Recruitment

• Develop and implement effective recruitment and outreach strategies to increase veteran and military enrollment.
• Increase social media presence using Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and other platforms to recruit and inform students of program events and information.
• Train Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Accounts staff to increase understanding of students who are military-connected, issues and benefit programs to include transfer credit of military training.
• Collaborate with WSU marketing and outreach team on developing promotional materials for use in outreach and recruitment of students who are military-connected.
• Outreach to other veteran organizations and colleges/universities.

Other

• Serve as student advisor to the Westfield State Veterans Association.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent post-secondary education.
• Working knowledge of veteran and military educational benefits, including experience with certifying benefits for veterans.
• Knowledge of federal, state and community veteran programs.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with various University and other constituencies.
• Ability to effectively manage and oversee multiple areas and assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous veteran and/or military leadership experience.

Additional Information:

Salary:
For the majority of new employees, the minimum starting salary will apply. Specific salary for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining and state policies and procedures.

State job specifications for this position may be found at the department of higher education website: http://www.mass.edu/foremployees/classificationspecs/classspecs-pers.asp

Disability Accommodations:
Westfield State University understands that persons with disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance regarding disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (413) 572-8106.

Background Check:
Employment at Westfield State University is contingent upon a background check that is satisfactory to the University. Failure to provide written authorization for a background check will nullify the offer of employment.


Application Instructions:

An on-line application is required. The successful candidate must submit an official transcript at the time of hire. Interested candidates should electronically attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three references *
• Copy of unofficial transcript of highest degree

* Provide the contact information for reference providers in the reference section of the online application.

Deadline: The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalists have been selected.

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.

Covid-19 Requirements:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to complete an initial series of COVID vaccination (2 doses of Pfizer/Moderna or 1 dose of J&J) prior to coming to campus. Initial booster doses are strongly encouraged for everyone who is eligible. New employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination to Human Resources prior to onboarding. Employees who require a medical or religious exemption should email Tina Bones, Benefits Manager in Human Resources, at lbones@westfield.ma.edu.



To apply, visit https://westfield.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=155493&CNTRNO=18&TSTMP=0





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