Program Manager - Military and Veterans Center

Join our team of difference makers•Azusa, CA

7d•$26 - $30

About The Position

APU seeks employees who desire to contribute to our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and one another. The Program Manager for the Military and Veterans Center (MVC) serves as the central coordinator for programs, operations, communications, and student support initiatives that advance the success of military-connected (MC) students. This role provides comprehensive program management across MVC initiatives while functioning as the primary administrative and operational support to the Executive Director of the Military & Veterans Center and affiliated MVC leaders. The Program Manager partners closely with departments within Enrollment Management including; admissions, financial aid, and student services, to support recruitment, onboarding, retention, and persistence of military-connected students. In addition, the Program Manager oversees planning, execution, assessment, and continuous improvement of programs and services; manages communications and social media in coordination with the Division of Strategic Engagement and Communication, Public Relations department; and serves as a key customer and student-facing representative of the Military & Veterans Center. The position plays a critical role in supporting compliance, partnerships, and donor-grant obligations while promoting institutional alignment and service excellence. This position is fully donor funded and contingent on donor funding.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Three to five years of experience with higher education student services programs.
Experience working with military-connected or veteran populations.
Experience with student services, customer service, or advising environments.
Proficiency with social media platforms, content management, and digital communications.
Cultural competency and understanding of military-connected student experiences.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage details and multiple assignments.
Must be collaborative and an effective team member and team builder.
Strong program management, organizational, and project coordination skills.
Demonstrated ability to provide executive-level administrative support.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders with professionalism and discretion.
Possess a high level of initiative.
Ability to learn, retain, and document procedures and policy information.
Ability to cope with regular interruptions.
In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.
Requires repetitive motion and sitting at computer keyboard for extended periods of time.
Hearing and speaking on the telephone.
Meetings may require walking and/or driving to various university locations.
Availability to drive and travel locally and on occasion, nationally.
Must be currently licensed to drive in the state of California.
Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach and lift up to 20 lbs.
Ability to climb stairs multiple times in a work day.
Computer monitor and reading.
Proficient in Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel, proficient in social media platforms.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Knowledge of PeopleSoft software preferred.

Responsibilities

Program Management & Strategic Coordination Plan, implement, manage, and assess MVC programs, initiatives, and services that support military-connected students across the university.
Coordinate cross-departmental efforts to ensure integrated and responsive services for MC students within academic, enrollment, and student services functions.
Develop needs-based program solutions aligned with military-connected student populations, university priorities, and regional, online, or campus-based delivery models.
Oversee the planning and execution of orientations, workshops, leadership development opportunities, community-building activities, and ceremonial events for MC students.
Lead and manage partnerships with the Veterans Advisory Board and the Veteran Student Success Team, including meeting coordination, documentation, and follow-up actions.
Administrative Support Provide primary administrative support for the Executive Director of the Military & Veterans Center and affiliated campus leaders.
Manage calendars, scheduling, correspondence, meeting logistics, agendas, minutes, and follow-up communications.
Prepare reports, presentations, program documentation, and internal communications related to MVC initiatives and outcomes.
Track priorities, deadlines, and deliverables across programs, partnerships, and grant-related activities to ensure timely execution.
Customer Service Serve as a primary point of contact for military-connected students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners engaging with the MVC.
Provide individualized student advising, problem-solving assistance, and referrals related to academic, financial, and personal concerns.
Deliver high-quality, responsive customer service through in-person, phone, email, and virtual interactions.
Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment within the Military & Veterans Center.
Communications & Social Media Management Manage MVC communications strategy, including social media platforms, website content updates, newsletters, and promotional materials.
Partner closely with the Division of Strategic Engagement and Communication and the Public Relations department to ensure all social media content, marketing initiatives, and public-facing communications remain consistent with university messaging, branding, and APU editorial standards.
Create, schedule, and monitor compliant content that highlights MVC programs, events, student achievements, and available resources.
Coordinate approvals, timelines, and messaging alignment for campaigns, announcements, and outreach initiatives.
Use engagement metrics and analytics to inform communication strategies and continuous improvement.
Education, Outreach & Partnerships Educate faculty and staff on the unique needs, strengths, and experiences of military-connected students.
Develop and maintain relationships with campus stakeholders, Enrollment Management partners, community organizations, veteran service agencies, and external partners.
Represent the Military & Veterans Center at campus events, meetings, and community engagements as appropriate.