Assistant Director - Military and Veterans Services
Job Description
Job Description
Indian River State College is seeking a passionate and experienced leader to guide and grow our Military and Veterans Services. In this role, you will champion the success of military-affiliated students—helping them enroll, persist, and thrive throughout their educational journey.
You’ll shape programs, build partnerships, and lead initiatives that create a welcoming, supportive environment for veterans and service members. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by connecting students with resources, recognizing their experiences, and supporting their transition into academic and civilian life.
About Us
Indian River State College is a leading public institution located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs.
At The River, we believe every student’s and employee’s story matters. We value the different perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together on our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that’s supportive, inclusive, and inspiring. With flexible options online, on campus, and hybrid, we design learning experiences that meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program open doors by providing eligible students with tuition-free access, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
Why Join the River
When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a forward-thinking and supportive community where your work truly matters. Your role is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to shape the future, uplift students, and be part of a mission-driven college that is changing lives every day.
What We Offer
At Indian River State College, we value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
· Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, supplemental plans, and access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
· Affordable Coverage: PPO/HMO options starting at just $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage.
· Retirement Security: Participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), plus tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) options.
· Time for You: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave to support work-life balance.
· Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and tickets to local attractions.
· Growth & Development: Professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities to advance your career.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under general direction, this position provides college-wide leadership in developing, planning, and implementing programs and services to increase military and veteran student enrollment, persistence, and retention at Indian River State College. Duties include overseeing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Work Study program, organizing and managing Military and Veterans Services events, evaluating military training and experience for college credit based on the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations and Joint Services Transcripts (JST), and guiding the department’s transition and retention initiatives.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develops and leads the department's vision, mission, goals, programs, services, and budget. Selects, trains, and provides day-to-day direction to staff; assigns and monitors work for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with federal, state, and department requirements.
- Serves as the primary VA School Certifying Official responsible for IRSC’s continued approval to receive VA funding. Ensures eligible and prospective military-affiliated students are informed about the benefits and services available to them both on and off-campus.
- Implements procedures and guidelines to ensure processes are per current federal and state regulations as they relate to military and VA educational assistance.
- Keeps abreast of proposed and enacted state and federal legislation that affects Veterans’ education programs by maintaining membership in professional organizations and participating in national and regional conferences.
- Ensures successful VA and Florida State Approving Agency audit.
- Collaborates with other departments on campus to promote a military/veteran-friendly campus. Serves as a voice and advocate for military and veteran-designated students. Conducts training with faculty and staff to provide a basic working knowledge of military culture and the administration of military and VA education benefits.
- Serves as IRSC’s liaison in meetings with military and Veteran support groups as well as with community officials regarding programs and support operations for outreach and IRSC initiatives.
- Creates an active Veterans network/support group.
- Pursues external funding opportunities to enhance services to military students.
- Completes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) from an accredited college or university in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Student Affairs Administration, Higher Education, or another related field preferred
- Minimum of five (5) years related experience and/or training that includes supervision, academic advisement, academic placement, financial aid, and the administration of military and VA educational benefits preferred
- Experience working with and advising veterans in an educational setting preferred
- Knowledge of trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to Veterans in higher education;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and a proven ability to work with a diverse faculty, staff and student population;
- Strong data gathering, data analysis, problem solving, initiative and analytical skills
- Must be adaptable to performing under moderate levels of stress, imposed by deadlines, peak workloads, or public/student contact
- Proficient use of technology applications and student information systems
- Ability to build relationships and establish collaborative partnerships across the College and local communities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position requires an ability to sit, stand for long periods of time, walk, bend, lift, reach up, stoop, and carry items occasionally in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds. It also requires manual dexterity to operate standard office machines, such as, copier, fax, telephone, and other equipment as necessary. IRSC expects its employees to follow proper safety standards while employed by the College.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Additionally, all employees of the College are expected to maintain professional standards of communication, able to learn and apply new technology, and abide by all policies and procedures. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.