Associate Director of Military Outreach and Student Support

National Louis University • Chicago, IL

3d • $65,187 - $94,520

About The Position

The Associate Director, Military Outreach and Student Support is directly accountable for the growth, engagement, and success of NLU’s military-connected student population. This role provides strategic leadership and institutional oversight for the coordination, delivery, and continuous improvement of comprehensive wraparound support services for veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and their dependents. Serving both online and on-campus learners, the Associate Director leads cross-campus collaboration among enrollment, partnerships, academic affairs, student success, financial aid, compliance, career services, and student engagement to advance military-specific enrollment, retention, and engagement goals. The role also leads the development of high-impact external partnerships with military installations, veteran service organizations, and community agencies to strengthen recruitment pipelines and support student success across the lifecycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Military affiliation (i.e. veteran, reservist, military spouse/partner), required
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience supporting adult learners, military-connected students, veterans, and/or other nontraditional student populations, with demonstrated success driving growth, engagement, and retention.
• Strong understanding of military and veteran student experiences, including military culture, transition needs, and education benefits (e.g., GI Bill®, Tuition Assistance, Yellow Ribbon Program).
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the Chicagoland area.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to improve student support and retention outcomes.
• Proficiency with virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), CRM or case management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Navigate, or similar), Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint), and learning management systems.
• Thorough knowledge of designing and delivering workshops, webinars, and support groups for adult and/or military-connected learners.
• Experience in higher education, enrollment management, student success, or military/veteran services.

Responsibilities

• Military Outreach, Lead and Partnership Development Directly accountable for lead development through a comprehensive military outreach strategy to attract active-duty service members, veterans and military-affiliated students
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with military installations, veteran service organizations, government agencies and community-based organizations designed to grow enrollment.
• Oversee participation in military and veteran recruiting events, education fairs and community engagements.
• Analyze Outreach and Enrollment data to assess recruitment tactics and inform strategy.
• Represent university in local, regional and national military-affiliated networks and professional associations.
• Develop on-campus and virtual NLU events, designed to engage current military students and attract prospective military students through social and resource-driven activities.
• Student Success, Retention & Connection Serve as a visible institutional leader and advocate for military-connected students within the university and to key external partners.
• Be the first point of contact for enrolled military-connected students to understand benefits, resources and the NLU experience for military and veteran students.
• Direct tailored onboarding and holistic support throughout the student journey by monitoring student progress, implementing intervention strategies when necessary, and facilitating enriching programming.
• Foster a sense of belonging for both on-campus and online military-connected students through valuable content and high-impact engagement programs.
• Provide university with program specific feedback for expanding majors, certificates and credit for prior learning needs for this student demographic.
• Collaborate with and inform internal departments—including Career Bridge, Academic Advising, and Student Support Services—to create, strengthen and sustain a cohesive network of support for military-affiliated students.
• Lead the Military & Veterans Program Advisory Board.
• Training & Institutional Capacity Building Be informed and up-to-date on military-connected student needs.
• In collaboration with Marketing and Communications, drive efforts to raise awareness of veterans' programs, services, and impact through targeted messaging and outreach campaigns.
• Lead, in conjunction with Student Engagement, the necessary training and consultation for faculty and staff to enhance inclusive practices and military cultural competence.
• Keep relevant faculty and staff member aware of key updates related to military education benefits and policies.
• Assessment & Reporting Coordinate NLU’s Military Friendly® School submission process and other external recognitions.
• Lead Credit For Prior Learning initiatives to support military population.
• Monitor and report on student outcomes, engagement trends, and programming effectiveness.
• Use data to support strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts.
• Other Administrative Direct operations of the Veteran Resource Center, including supported hours, resources on-site and provisions.
• Provide direction and leadership to student workers, interns, and/or an AmeriCorps VISTA member, aligning their work with military student success priorities.
• Assist Student Engagement Leadership with managing the budget for military and veterans’ programs, ensuring responsible and strategic use of resources to maximize impact.
• Define and conduct assessment plans and reports.

Benefits

• NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director