Assistant Director, Military and Veteran Affairs

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

This position helps elevate Notre Dame as one of the nation's best universities for military-connected students (including ROTC), employees, alumni, and their families. The Assistant Director designs, executes, and evaluates inter-connected projects and initiatives that advance the mission of the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs. The Assistant Director is responsible for developing strategic guidance, determining program objectives, resolving higher-scope issues, problem-solving, and coordinating cross-project activities.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between higher education and the military community—directing flagship programs, driving national outreach, leading mental health and leadership initiatives for military families, and ensuring operational excellence alongside university leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Academic Program Management & Innovation

Lead, plan, execute, and evaluate specialized academic programs supporting military-connected students, including:

• Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) at Notre Dame: Direct the immersive academic boot camp designed to transition service members into higher education.
• ROTC Experiential Education Program: Partner with ROTC leadership and the O'Brien Notre Dame International Security Center to coordinate historical staff rides and contemporary military site visits.
• National Security Innovation Program: Drive interdisciplinary collaboration across university academic departments and the IDEA Center’s ESTEEM graduate program.

2. Mental Wellness & Leadership Initiatives 

Direct the flagship Mental Wellness and Leadership Initiative in partnership with the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN):

• Collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts to design, deliver, and evaluate virtual learning courses that certify military spouses nationwide in mental health advocacy and leadership.
• Plan and execute on-campus seminars and symposiums to deepen engagement between Notre Dame and MSAN.

3. Strategic Outreach & External Engagement 

Serve as a primary ambassador for OMVA, expanding its footprint locally and nationally:

• University Strategic Partners: Collaborate with Public Affairs & Communications, Development, and the Notre Dame Alumni Association (specifically the Military/Veteran Alumni Affiliate Group and Veterans Engagement Initiative).
• National & Institutional Partners: Build active relationships with DoD officials, veteran service organizations (VSOs), and peer military/veteran offices across higher education.
• Thought Leadership Events: Conceptualize, host, and evaluate high-level lectures, conferences, and symposiums addressing key issues impacting the military and veteran community.

4. Operations, Leadership & Data Analytics 

• Partner with the co-Assistant Director to manage day-to-day OMVA operations and foster strong cross-university collaborations.
• Supervise, mentor, and empower student staff in executing seamless on- and off-campus events.
• Build and own robust data reporting tools to track program efficacy, measure long-term impact, and inform strategic decision-making.

What Success Looks Like:

• Impact: You measure success through student outcomes, participant growth, and program efficacy.
• Collaboration: You navigate complex institutional structures effortlessly, bringing diverse groups together around a shared mission.
• Leadership: You are equally comfortable mentoring student staff, facilitating virtual courses, and presenting to senior university or Department of Defense leadership.

Domestic and international travel