Veterans Resources Center Director Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 13498)

Description

Position Summary  

The Veterans' Resources Center Director will provide the leadership needed to plan, organize, and direct services, activities, and programs related to student Veterans and active-duty military students. Under their direction, the Veterans' Resource Center will offer services and programs to help Veterans and their families navigate their academic journey and the transition from military to civilian/collegiate life. The Director will foster an environment that centers equity and addresses the unique needs of student Veterans. Director of Veterans' Services will report to the Associate Dean of Student Equity and Support. 

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $73,539/year - $106,632/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Typically, new hire starts no higher than $81,812/year based on Bellevue College Exempt salary schedule.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which means that you are not eligible for overtime pay. 

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About the Department  

The Veterans' Resource Center (VRC) is a one-stop resource hub for Veteran students at Bellevue College. In partnership with on-campus and community agencies, the VRC supports students with financial, social and academic resources to ensure students' academic success. The VRC is part of the Student Support Unit at Bellevue College, which includes Multicultural Services, Disability Resource Center, Advising, Counseling, TRiO, Early Alert and the Benefits Hub. 

Essential Functions  

Leadership for Veterans' Resource Center

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the Veterans' Resource Center.
• Design and implement programs, special events, and services that support Veteran student recruitment, retention, and success. 
• Build, administer, and evaluate the Veterans Resource Center and budget. Serve as a budget authority for Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) annual reporting fees.
• Partner with Bellevue College Foundation to identify funding sources for the Veterans' Resource Center.
• Create and execute an assessment strategy, in partnership with Institutional Research and Academic Affairs, to measure Veteran student learning, effectiveness, and satisfaction to improve retention and persistence. 
• Prepare, review, and analyze Veteran-related information and data and develop recommendations based on findings to further education equity and access.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication plan for veterans, including the use of digital channels such as Canvas, social media, electronic newsletters, and/or websites.
• Consult as a department subject matter expert with college departments as needed.
• Establish the Veterans Resource Center as the point of contact for veterans' ervices and support.  
• Lead and serve on various college committees, including the Veteran's Advisory Committee and strategic planning initiatives.

Case Management and Student Advocacy

• Provide guidance, referrals, and support Veteran students seeking assistance or resources.
• Advise students on programs of study, course requirements, and degree/graduation requirements. Monitor degree progress quarterly to ensure students remain on track for graduation and continued eligibility for VA benefits. 
• Collaborate with Academic Advising, Evaluations, and other campus offices to resolve student questions or concerns regarding their program of study and/or graduation.
• Work closely with the Director of Financial Aid and the Finance Office to ensure students' financial needs are met and resolve student concerns. 
• Serve on the Bellevue College CARE Team as the Veteran Services representative.
• Arbitrate student/faculty issues.
• Collaborate with college's offices, including but not limited to the Disability Resource Center, Multicultural Center, Center for Career Connections, and other cultural and affinity centers on campus to provide individualized services to Veterans. 

Supervise Staff and volunteers

• Oversee the work of full-time and student staff members and volunteers in the Veterans' Resource Center. 
• Supervise, hire, and train VA work-study students on college and Veterans Education Benefit policies and procedures. 
• Hire, onboard, orient, and evaluate the student Veteran Students Affinity Coordinator in consultation with Student Engagement. 
• Mentor, support, and develop the leadership of the Veteran Students Affinity Coordinator, VA work student students, VetCorps member, and other student Veterans. 

Policy Implementation & Compliance

• Oversee Veteran certification processes.
• Ensure proper tracking, disbursement, processing, and reconciliation of all VA Education Benefit funds Participate in performance evaluations and corrective action for staff. 
• Track legislative, Department of Education (ED), the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), and Department of Veterans Affairs issues as appropriate, and inform higher-level staff of changes to rules and regulations specific to the Veterans Education Benefits program.
• Anticipate problems or issues that may arise from changes to Veterans Education Benefit requirements and recommend action to avoid such problems or issues.
• Serve as the college's liaison to maintain positive and productive relationships with pertinent external Veterans' offices and organizations. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social work, psychology, business administration, or related field. Any combination of relevant education and/or experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• A minimum of four (4) or more years of experience working directly with programs or initiatives that support Veteran students in a higher education environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues that affect Veteran students in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Veteran education benefit policies and procedures.
• Experience in developing, planning, and implementing programs, events or services to support Veterans or their families.
• Demonstrated experience navigating institutional barriers and demonstrated ability to be an effective advocate for diverse students.
• Working knowledge of Enrollment Manager (VA). 
• Demonstrated understanding of VA benefits and knowledge of the educational needs of nontraditional student populations. 
• Ability to develop, implement, assess, and refine initiatives in deliberate, collaborative, timely, and effective manner.  
• Experience in organizing and developing a team.  
• Skills with Microsoft Office suite, Word Press, and student management software such as PeopleSoft and CRM Target X.

Position Specific Requirements

• Proven expertise in infusing equity into service delivery.
• Demonstrated initiative, project management and leadership skills.  
• Program management and supervisory experience. 
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Master's Degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling or related field.
• Two (2) or more years of experience managing Veteran education benefits, including VA and state compliance surveys and program approvals.
• Prior military service. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of Veterans Affairs education benefits, National Guard Grant, military tuition assistance, and WA State Goldstar book stipend for dependents of disabled/deceased Veterans.
• Experience managing benefits under the VA's Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program.
• Experience supervising student employees.
• Budgeting knowledge including tracking expenses, balancing budgets, oversight, or budget management experience.
• Experience with community outreach. 
• Experience processing and awarding financial aid.  

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

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.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

How To Apply  

Applications received by 02/18/2024, will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. 

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional documents will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:   

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Attach a Diversity Statement (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Describe and provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, background or philosophy demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity, and how these prepare you to contribute to Bellevue College
• Complete Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 

If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu. 

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu.

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