Director, Military Spouse Programs

How will you impact First Command? 

First Command was founded in 1958 by a retired military officer who was enthusiastic about helping service members and their families strengthen their financial security.  The company is seeking a leader who shares this passion for our company mission and the programs that will enable our vision for military spouses: Financial readiness and meaningful portable careers for our Nation’s military spouses. The Director is accountable for the business outcome delivery, value realization, stakeholder management and military spouse experience across the enterprise. As part of the Military Affairs team, this leader is responsible for coordinating the successful implementation of the company’s military spouse strategy with leaders in the Corporate and Field offices. This position requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military spouses in the job market and a commitment to creating opportunities for their success. 

What will you be doing?

• Work closely with leadership to develop and implement strategic initiatives to promote the hiring, retention, and career growth of military spouses within First Command Financial Services.
• Participate as a member of the First Command Military Spouse Advisory Council, actively engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-functional teamwork.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including HR, hiring managers, and leadership, to create inclusive and supportive policies and practices for military spouses.
• Serve as a mentor and resource for military spouses, providing guidance, support, and advocacy throughout their employment journey.
• Stay current on industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes related to military spouse employment, and incorporate relevant insights into program development and implementation.
• Establish partnerships with external organizations, such as Hiring Our Heroes, military spouse advocacy groups, and community resources, and government agencies to expand employment opportunities and resources for military spouses.
• Travel up to 30% - 40% of the time as necessary to establish and maintain relationships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other companies to further the goals of military spouse employment initiatives.
• Participate in events at conferences, such as informational panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, to promote military spouse employment initiatives and share insights and best practices.
• Collaborate with the Military Advisory Board to develop and implement initiatives specifically designed to support military spouses. Be a liaison between the board and various stakeholders to coordinate efforts, gather feedback, and ensure that the initiatives meet the needs and expectations of military families.
• Advise the marketing, media relations, and recruiting teams on effective and relevant content and resources for military spouse audiences.
• Champion innovation with the company’s efforts in military spouse research, thought leadership, sponsorship efforts, and industry recognition.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of military spouse employment initiatives, tracking key metrics and outcomes to drive continuous improvement.
• Willingness to relocate if needed.  The preferred location for this position is at the corporate office in Fort Worth, Texas.

Who will you be leading?

• This role is an individual contributor who works across the enterprise with all levels of the organization.

What skills/qualifications do you need? 

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field required

Work Experience

• 10+ years professional experience (any industry) and/or 10-15 years’ experience as a military spouse. Professional experience may include corporate experience or some combination of experience with military service associations, foundations, and other organizations dedicated to supporting military personnel and their families.
• Experience participating in advocacy efforts, coordinating events, managing partnerships, and developing programs aimed at enhancing the well-being and career opportunities for military members and their spouses.
• Strong understanding of military culture, deployment cycles, relocation challenges, and the impact of military life on career development for spouses.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel as necessary to establish and maintain relationships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other companies to further the goals of military spouse programs.
• Experience in military spouse advocacy, talent acquisition, HR, or related roles preferred.
• Experience in a joint military environment and/or interaction with diverse military services  preferred.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and influence positive change.
• Demonstrated leadership, advocacy, influence, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Ability to drive innovation by identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing creative solutions to achieve organizational goals.

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