Director Veterans and Military Services

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

Ole Miss Veteran & Military Services works to solve the complex issues surrounding military-connected students in higher education. The University of Mississippi is one of America's Top Military-Friendly Universities and is a Purple Heart Campus. Veteran & Military Services (VMS) works to provide comprehensive resources to veterans, military, and dependents to aid in their overall success as Ole Miss Students. As part of the Center for Student Success and First Year Experience, VMS assists students with certification requirements to receive VA Education Entitlements with GI Bill, as well as provide advice, guidance, advocacy, and outreach services for our military-connected student population. Veteran & Military Services works hard to take care of all members of this unique student population, and welcome them to the Ole Miss Family. 

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -Student & Academic Services

Sub-Family -Student Programs

Career Track / Level - M2

Grade -9

Role Summary

Oversees the day-to-day operations of student support services to help students with unique needs to navigate and succeed in higher education, supervises personnel, participates in the development of programs and initiatives, and identifies resources and/or funding to support program activities in support of the University's enrollment, retention, and graduation goals.

This position develops and directs student resources, services and programs for veteran and military students. The incumbent manages veteran and military services and provides supervision to staff, serves as the central contact for University and community resources, develops and implements recruitment strategies to attract veteran and military students, facilitates resources to support transition to college for veteran and military students and successful graduation, solicits and secures external funding to enhance services, and oversees the budget and information security. This position reports to the Office of Government and External Relations.  

Examples of Work Performed

• Serves as the primary liaison for other University offices, programs and resources and acts as an advocate on behalf of veteran and military students.
• Establishes and coordinates campus services and resources to aid in student and staff transition and support
• Develops and implements recruitment strategies to attract veteran and military students
• Oversees the budget and prepares required financial statements and reports.
• Serves as primary spokesperson, consultant, and advocate for initiatives.
• Solicits and secures external funding to enhance services; prepares and submits grants and proposals.
• Develops and maintains new technology support for the veteran and military services web-site and manages databases.
• Supports and connects with campus student organizations serving Veteran and Military Services.
• Oversees Veteran Administration educational programs and military tuition assistance.
• Develops, organizes and conducts faculty and staff training and outreach programs. 
• Serves as alternate VA School Certifying Officer for the University of Mississippi.
• Ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations.
• Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned. 

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Provides consultation, guidance, and advice to students of a specific targeted and/or underrepresented population; connects students to and/or provides direct resources and services to support individual student success.
2. Coordinates and schedules outreach and retention activities, providing direction and guidance, and resolving operational and administrative problems.
3. Participates in the development, design, and planning of student programs and initiatives designed to attract, retain, and serve students within the specific population of interest.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: (3) Three Years Experience including supervisory experience

Related experience may be substituted for education, on a basis set forth and approved by the Department of Human Resources.

Preferred Qualifications

For full consideration please include a Resume/vitae and Cover letter with your application. 

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.