Executive Director, Military and Veterans Affairs

About This Role

The Executive Director of Military and Veterans Affairs at Kansas State University leads the institution's comprehensive military and veteran engagement strategy, serving as the primary liaison between K-State and military/veteran organizations across local, state and national levels. This executive position cultivates strategic partnerships that simultaneously strengthen U.S. military capabilities and enhance university-military collaborations benefiting the region, state and nation. Reporting to the Executive Vice President for External Engagement and Chief of Staff, the executive director establishes formal agreements with military entities, secures funding through grants and philanthropy, and represents K-State at key military functions and installations. This role requires exceptional stakeholder management skills to coordinate university communication, build relationships with military leadership and establish measurable metrics for program effectiveness. The executive director champions the unique needs of military-affiliated populations while strengthening their connection to K-State, ultimately advancing initiatives that align with the university's land-grant mission and position the institution as a premier military educational partner.

About Us

The Executive Director of Military and Veterans Affairs serves as an integral member of K-State's External Engagement team, dedicated to advancing the university as the next-generation land-grant institution. Through strategic partnership development, the team builds meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships that amplify the university's impact well beyond traditional campus boundaries.

The External Engagement team operates with a dual mission: transforming K-State's academic strengths and research capabilities into valuable community assets while simultaneously bringing external perspectives, expertise and resources back to enrich our campus environment. The reciprocal approach creates a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration and innovation.

Central to the team’s work is strengthening the university's capacity to fulfill its historic land-grant mission in contemporary ways. The team is guided by a powerful vision that frames our efforts: when we do good in Kansas, we will do good for the world. This philosophy drives the team to create local impact that generates broader, far-reaching benefits for society.

Through K-State’s commitment to military and veteran communities, the university ensure that those who have served our nation receive the educational opportunities, support services and recognition they deserve while contributing their valuable perspectives and experiences to the K-State community.

Worksite Option

This position is on-site. 

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Seven years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred in a job related field.
• Ten years of experience in military, veteran affairs, higher education, or a related field.
• Prior military service or experience working directly with military and veteran populations will receive top consideration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of military organizational structures, funding structures, administrative laws, policies, regulations, protocols, and culture at local, state, and national levels is highly desired.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with senior leaders, demonstrating a high level of tact, judgment, and diplomacy when addressing both technical and non-technical matters is highly desired.
• Proven track record of understanding and transcribing professional military language competency.
• Familiarity with federal and state funding mechanisms for military and veteran programs.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Ability to travel, including some nights and weekends.
• Demonstrated success in securing external funding through grants, contracts, and philanthropic initiatives, with a proven track record of fundraising achievements.
• Established network of professional relationships within military leadership, veteran service organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Strong project management background with experience in program development and implementation as well as the assessment and management of an initiative’s data.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset with proven ability to identify emerging opportunities and develop innovative military partnership models.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and initiatives.
• Demonstrated communication and collaboration skills with a record of accomplishment in successfully interfacing with executives and internal/external influencers.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and disciplines to achieve common goals.
• Demonstrates skills as a self-starter and strong team player.
• Exhibits a strong commitment to the land grant mission of Kansas State University.

Other Requirements:

• Able to acquire Department of Defense access to military installations.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Three Professional References

Screening of Applications Begins

For best consideration, apply by July 8th.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$ 115,084.00 - $ 189,892.00 Annually