Job Description

Student Veteran Life has an outstanding opportunity for a Director for Student Veteran Life to join their team.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Student Life, the Director for Student Veteran Life (SVL) provides strategic direction and leadership of the department, serving veterans and military-connected students at the University of Washington Seattle. The Director will work collaboratively to establish, guide, and affect a cohesive vision and strategy while providing general oversight over operations and programs. They will actively engage with departmental and community partners to represent the department and proactively build services, programs, and relationships that enable Student Veteran Life to best serve veterans and military-connected students on campus.

Key Responsibilities 

Program Management and Leadership (55%) 

• Provide overall strategic leadership and direction for SVL and establish unit priorities, goals, objectives, policies, and service standards consistent with the missions and goals of the department, Division of Student Life, and the University of Washington. 

• Serve as a principal University liaison to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and to veteran-serving organizations and agencies as appropriate or assigned. 

• Advise Divisional and University leadership on student veteran needs, opportunities, and emerging issues. 

• Maintain working knowledge of relevant Federal, State, and University laws, regulations, and policies as they pertain to student veterans and military-connected students. 

• Prepare, review, and approve departmental budgets and expenditures. 

• Collaborate with SVL professional staff in the development of funding and grant proposals as necessary. 

• Represent the department on institutional committees, working groups, advisory bodies, and strategic initiatives as appropriate. 

• Initiate, plan, coordinate, support, evaluate, and assess programs, services, and events in alignment with departmental goals, timelines, and established procedures. 

• Coordinate program activities with internal and external partners, vendors, or service providers to ensure alignment with program objectives. 

Student Support (30%) 

• Advise students on relevant Federal, State, and University policies and procedures, connecting them with subject matter experts when appropriate. 

• Support student learning, retention, health, wellbeing, and success through coaching, education, resources, referrals, and general support. 

• Serve as a liaison between student veterans and institutional stakeholders, advocating for student needs as appropriate. 

• Collaborate with colleagues, students, and partners across the University and with community organizations and other government agencies to advance the mission of the department and support veterans and military-connected students. 

• Maintain strategic relationships with University departments to support the holistic student veteran experience including Admissions, New Student and Transfer Programs, Veterans Education Benefits, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, Counseling Center, Disability Resources for Students, Career Center, ROTC, and the Husky Union Building. 

Supervision (10%) 

• Recruit, train, schedule, and assign work to the full-time Assistant Director and indirectly oversee the work of the full-time Program Manager. 

• Provide supervision to the embedded mental health liaison as it pertains to SVL events, student referrals, talking circles, and staff training as necessary. 

• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations, supporting staff development and recognition. 

• Address performance, behavior, and conduct in accordance with University policy. 

• Oversee the Veterans Affairs Work Study Program and support the recruitment, training, scheduling, assignment of work, and evaluation of up to 20 part-time student participants. 

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, respectful, veteran-informed, student-centered workplace and support employee development, retention, and organizational effectiveness. 

Stewardship (5%) 

• Coordinate with Student Life and UW Advancement as needed for fundraising activities to support the programs and operations of Student Veteran Life and engage donors. 

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities and partnerships to support existing and emerging student-veteran programs.  

Qualifications 

Required Qualifications 

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. 

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, social work, psychology, public administration, business administration, organizational leadership, or a related field. 

• Three (3) years of progressively-responsible experience in student services, higher education administration, veteran or military-connected services, program management, or a related field. 

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager. 

Desired Qualifications 

• Seven (7) years of progressively-responsible experience in higher education, student affairs, veteran or military-connected services, program management, or a related environment. 

• Military service or other military-connected experience is strongly desired. 

• Familiarity with the University of Washington and its structure and systems. 

Additional Information 

Working Conditions 

• Work performed in a shared office setting. 

• Occasional evening, weekend, off-site, or outdoor work expected for programs, events, outreach, community engagement, or operational needs. 

• Occasional travel expected for University business, professional development, conferences, or partner activities. 

Telework Eligibility 

• This position is eligible for regular telework up to 2 days per week with supervisory approval. 

About the Team

Student Veteran Life was founded in 2015 by student veterans, for student veterans. Through programs, community engagement, resource navigation, and mental health support, Student Veteran Life strengthens the veteran community on campus and cultivates a sense of pride among those we serve. We also ensure that student veterans are understood and supported by those who work with and educate our student veterans so they walk away from the UW with the most positive experience and a diploma in hand.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$92,364.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$102,144.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.