Assistant Vice President for Veteran and Military Programs

The Assistant Vice President for the Veteran and Military Programs (VMP) is responsible for providing strategic leadership of military and veteran student success, university-based officer training programs, partnerships for veteran’s clinical services, and FGCU’s engagement with the military and veteran community in our region. This position will provide oversight, and advocacy for military-affiliated students, including veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and military-connected dependents. The AVP ensures that programs and services are in place to support their academic success, personal development, and career readiness. The AVP collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the university's commitment to serving military-affiliated students and support. The AVP is also responsible for the daily operations of organizations and services supporting military-connected students and serves as the lead campus integrator and collaborator with university departments to develop and implement strategies to increase recruitment, admissions, retention, and employment opportunities for military-connected students.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties my include but are not limited to: ​

• Develops and implement a comprehensive vision and strategic plan for veteran and military affairs aligned with the university’s mission and priorities.
• Works across University Divisions to set goals for the advancement of all military and veteran initiatives.
• Provides leadership for veteran student success programs, military-related academic programs, partnerships for veteran clinical services, as well as engaging with the external community.
• Provides leadership and supervision for Office of Military and Veteran Success staff.
• Oversees budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation to ensure effective program operations.
• Establishes policies and procedures to enhance the student experience for military-affiliated students.
• Advances programmatic and service support for military-connected students.
• Manages engagement, communications, and administrative management of the veteran activity board.
• Works collaboratively with campus subject matter experts to develop and implement strategies that enhance the visibility of the Office of Military and Veterans Success through a coordinated communication and public relations approach.
• Ensures comprehensive support services for military-affiliated students, including academic advising, career counseling, mental health resources, and transition assistance.
• Advocates for military-affiliated students’ needs in university policies, curriculum development, and institutional decision-making.
• Oversees initiatives related to student retention, graduation, and career placement for veteran and military-affiliated populations.
• Works as a liaison between veteran services and academic centers to connect academic programs.
• Supports the establishment, implementation, and oversight of university-based officer training programs and their operations.
• Develops and maintain partnerships with campus departments, faculty, and student organizations to enhance military-friendly initiatives.
• Strengthens relationships with external organizations, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, military branches, veteran service organizations, and local government agencies.
• Collaborates with corporate partners to develop internship and employment opportunities for military-affiliated students.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations regarding veteran and military benefits, including the GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon Program, and tuition assistance programs.
• Leads assessment efforts to evaluate program effectiveness and implement data-driven improvements. Maintains FGCU status of recognition such as through continued designation as a Collegiate Purple Heart Campus.
• Prepares reports and presentations on key metrics, program outcomes, and strategic initiatives.

Other Duties:

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in higher education administration, counseling, public administration, or a related field.
• Eight years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Progressively responsible leadership experience in veteran and military affairs, student affairs, or a related area.
• Deep understanding of military culture, benefits, and challenges faced by military-affiliated students.
• Experience developing partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to advance veteran and military student success.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Military service experience or extensive experience working with military-affiliated populations.
• Proven track record of developing and scaling veteran and military student support programs
• Experience securing external funding and grants to enhance services and resources for military-affiliated students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations related to the position.
• Knowledge of student information systems and other commonly used technologies including CRM platforms.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.
• Knowledge of operational and fiscal analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of FERPA.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations when numerous and competing demands are involved.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Ability to collect, organize, and present information in a meaningful manner.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgement in the establishment, interpretation, application, and enforcement of all rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providing information, guidance, and motivation.
• Ability to anticipate problems and address them proactively.
• Ability to exercise discretion and good judgement at all times.
• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations:

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Pay Grade 22

Review of applications will begin on March 18, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.