Director, Veteran and Military Family Center (998937)

Job Summary

The Director of the Veteran and Military Family Center (VMFC) serves as the chief leader, advocate, and certifying official for Xavier’s military-affiliated students. The Director ensures that the VMFC is a national model for veteran and military family support by combining operational leadership, benefits processing, advocacy, and strategic partnership development. The Director is responsible for advancing the Center’s visibility and long-term sustainability through student-centered services, external engagement, strategic planning, and limited collaborative fundraising with University Relations.

This position reports to the Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) and serves as a key contributor to SEM leadership, aligning VMFC priorities with institutional enrollment, retention, and student success goals. The Director supervises Center staff, oversees daily operations, manages the financial aid certification process, and builds strong relationships with campus partners, community organizations, alumni, and corporate supporters.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy, and Student Impact

·         Provide strategic leadership for the VMFC, advancing Xavier’s visibility and reputation as a premier destination for veterans, service members, and military families.

·         Develop and implement a five-year strategic plan that aligns VMFC goals with institutional enrollment and student success priorities.

·         Serve as the “face” of the VMFC at local, regional, and national veteran-related events and symposiums.

·         Promote cura personalis (care for the whole person) by ensuring comprehensive, student-centered programming, advocacy, and resources.

·         Supervise VMFC staff and student employees, fostering a collaborative culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence .

School Certifying Official & Benefits Administration

·         Serve as Xavier’s lead School Certifying Official (SCO), maintaining qualifications and compliance with VA regulations.

·         Process enrollment certifications for all military-affiliated students (150+ each semester, ~$3M annually).

·         Manage the online benefits request system, recordkeeping, and reporting to the VA.

·         Coordinate with the State Approving Agency, VA representatives, and University offices (Bursar, Registrar, Financial Aid) to ensure accuracy and compliance in benefits administration.

·         Provide comprehensive benefits counseling to students and families, ensuring they maximize available resources while remaining in good academic standing.

Partnership Development & External Engagement

·         Build and sustain partnerships with corporate, community, and nonprofit organizations to expand opportunities and resources for veteran and military-affiliated students.

·         Serve as primary liaison to GE Aerospace and other strategic partners.

·         Host and support veteran-related organizations on campus to expand networks and services (e.g., DAV, VA Medical Center, Veterans Services Commission).

·         Represent the Center in media, community forums, and professional networks to elevate national recognition.

Collaborative Fundraising & Stewardship

·         Partner with University Relations to steward donors and cultivate philanthropic support for the VMFC.

·         Support proposal development, donor stewardship, and reporting to ensure alignment between external funding and Center priorities.

·         Collaborate on strategies to sustain and grow the VMFC endowment and other resources.

Administrative & Fiscal Oversight

·         Manage annual operating budget and allocate resources effectively to support Center priorities.

·         Review contracts, approve timesheets, and oversee HR processes for VMFC staff.

·         Ensure clear, timely communication with internal and external stakeholders, including students, alumni, and community partners.

·         Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

·        Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree preferred).

·         A minimum of three years of experience leading an office or regulated program.

·         Preferred:  experience creating events and engaging students, experience with US military protocol, veteran and military family familiarity, and VA or Federal Student Aid administration are a plus.

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations.
• Possess strong analytical and project management skills.  Organizes the planning process.  Develops detailed project schedules including tasks, accountabilities and deadlines.
• Have advanced written and oral skills to effectively collaborate with all areas across campus. 
• Demonstrated work ethic, approachable leadership style, and alignment with the Xavier’s strategic goals.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including tact and diplomacy.

XAVIER UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references through Xavier University’s website by November 17, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position closes at the University’s discretion. 

BENEFITS:

Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and employment class.

• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Tax advantaged accounts including health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.
• Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.