Program Manager, Student Veterans Resource Center - 140899

The Student Retention and Success (SRS) units within Student Affairs plays a leadership role in creating and providing programs and services that foster student success and persistence; develop personal, academic, and professional skills; and cultivate the relationships needed for a successful transition into diverse and global communities. This includes the promotion and expansion of existing Student Affairs retention initiatives. Also, the transformation of existing departments and programs under the oversight of the Assistant Vice Chancellor (AVC) into a cohesive and trans-disciplinary service area that centers on student success and retention and aligns with the Chancellor's strategic plan on retention and graduation outcomes.

SRS is comprised of departments and sub-departments. Departments include Undergraduate Research Hub (URH), Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS), the Chancellor's Associate Scholars Program (CASP), and Student Success Programs (SSP).

The Student Veterans Resource Center is a sub-department of Student Success Program which also includes First Generation Student Success Coaching, Undocumented Student Services, and Transfer Student Service.

The Program Manager, Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC), has a key leadership role in the Student Success Programs (SSP) unit of SRS. The Program Manager works collaboratively with the Director of SSP to provide comprehensive and holistic services and programs to military-connected students (veterans, military service members, family, and ROTC) that enhance and support curricular and co-curricular development and success. The University of California, San Diego has the second highest undergraduate military-connected student population and the third highest military-connected student population overall, undergraduate and graduate, within the University of California system.

The Program Manager directs a high volume and visible center. They are integral to ensuring that military-connected students transition from the military environment to campus life and receive the necessary support to progress and achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. Responsible for recruiting, retaining, and serving military-connected students, and providing an inclusive space for students to access the academic, professional, and personal support needed to facilitate their success at the university. Works in collaboration with various campus and community partners to provide support, advocate, and address barriers that impede achievement of military-connected students at the university. Initiate and develop co-curricular programming; assess, and revise existing programs; serve as a liaison to various offices across campus and to external community partners; seek and compose grants for external funding, and supervise and develop professional and student staffs. The Program Manager is also responsible for establishing relationships and partnerships within the university, the external community, and with federal and local agencies to create and offer programs that facilitate the retention and success of veterans and other military-connected students.

• Bachelor's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs Administration, Counseling, Education and 7 to 9 years of experience in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Three to five years of successful experience working in veteran's affairs, post-secondary education or related government programs.

• Knowledge and skill in the management and administration of budgets. Experience with generating, budgeting, and managing grants and other funding sources.

• Three to five years experience developing partnerships and cultivate collaborative relationships with internal and external constituencies.

• Experienced knowledge of specific learning theory, learning styles, affective issues, academic issues, and socio-cultural / linguistic issues in applying academic support to students.

• Knowledge of college student development and pedagogical theories related to veteran and other military-connected students. Ability to effectively conceptualize, coordinate, and assess learning opportunities that are consistent with students' stages of development.

• Knowledge of how learning skills issues apply to a research institution.

• Theoretical and operational knowledge of principles of higher education program administration, leadership, undergraduate education and student development, particularly as they pertain to veterans and other military-connected students..

• Knowledge of academic curricula.

• Knowledge in designing and implementing learning and pedagogical models.

• Demonstrated direct experience identifying and addressing the needs, experiences, and concerns of veteran students in higher education, including the ability to .plan and conduct specialized orientation sessions, on-going programs, and outreach events.

• Knowledge of strategies in critical thinking, reading, writing, note taking, test taking, time management, and goal setting.

• Interpersonal skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking, creating partnerships, and writing.

• Skills in judgment and decision-making.

• Ability to successfully mediate conflicts and address conflicts in a tactful and neutral way. Help parties in conflict identify creative solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved.

• Problem solving and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated strong organizational, planning, and time management skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to plan, implement, and assess programing and events.

• Knowledge of current research and theoretical models that influence the application and delivery of academic services (e.g., discipline specific, student-population specific). Demonstrated knowledge of the services and resources available to veterans and demonstrated experience developing partnerships and cultivating collaborative working relationships with internal and external constituents including local, state, and national organizations focused on servicing veterans.

• Multicultural competencies, knowledge and experience working and interacting effectively with diverse groups of staff, faculty, and student populations.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate diplomatically and tactfully with persons from internal and external campus communities, including those with diverse social, economical, and cultural backgrounds. Skill in collaborating with students and colleagues with a wide variety of life experiences including disability, military service, gender, class, race/ethnicity, sexuality, culture, and religion.

• Knowledge of program development, data gathering, assessment, and evaluation skills.

• Demonstrated experience prioritizing assignments while coordinating and supervising staff to meet overall work objectives within prescribed budget and time requirements.

• Ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team, and to remain flexible in a strong service and results oriented environment while providing imaginative and creative solutions.

• Skill in reading, understanding, and explaining complex and/or detailed documents such as federal regulations, proposals, policies, and procedures. Excellent research skills and demonstrated history of critical analysis, resourcefulness, and creativity in drafting/recommending policies and procedures.

• Job offer is contingent on clear background check.

• This position is a mandated reporter of known or suspected child abuse or neglect, according to the California law, Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA)

• Will need to travel off campus for informational sessions, meet and coordinate with local military and veterans organizations and attend national conferences.

• Position may require some evening and weekend hours throughout the academic year that requires a flexible schedule.

• Position is expected to work onsite at least 3-4 times a week and as needed due to programming or other operational needs.