Director of Military Student Engagement and Strategic Initiatives

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom.

We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.
** Benefits:
** We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.
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* Job Summary:

** The Director of Military Student Engagement and Strategic Initiatives serves as the university’s lead strategist, advocate, and connector for all military-affiliated students across undergraduate, graduate, and adult learner populations. Reporting to university leadership, this role is responsible for creating and executing a vision of military-connected student success through purposeful engagement, community building, and external partnerships. While this position is housed in Graduate and Professional Studies, the position serves all three student populations (Graduate, Accelerated Undergraduate, and Traditional Undergraduate).
Guided by a commitment to belonging and holistic student development, the Director builds programs that foster retention, leadership, and identity for military-connected students, including active-duty personnel, veterans, dependents, spouses, reservists, ROTC members, and tuition assistance recipients. The Director also plays a pivotal role in expanding PLNU’s visibility and presence through military outreach, community engagement, and recruitment support initiatives.
At PLNU, you won’t just be joining a role; you’ll be joining a team. The Graduate and Professional Studies division is a highly collaborative, agile, and resilient group of professionals who embrace change as a pathway to growth. We lead with a posture of collaboration, learning, excellence, and humility, seeking to honor God in all that we do.

This role offers not only the opportunity to impact the lives of military-connected students but also to grow personally and professionally. You’ll find ongoing support for development, upskilling, and leadership refinement. All within a culture grounded in purpose, faith, and service.
If you’re looking for a place where you can make an impact and grow with a team that truly cares, you’ll feel right at home here.
Salary:
Pay range $70,304 - $75,000 per year   Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.
Internal Classification:
Career Track - Professional, Job Level - 3
** Job Status:
** Full time   
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* Job Description:

** Responsibilities* Student Engagement & Belonging  + Design, implement, and maintain strategic initiatives that promote a strong sense of belonging, leadership, and personal development among military-connected students.  + Create and lead programs, workshops, and events that foster academic success, social integration, and career readiness.  + Build intentional engagement strategies for key populations (veterans, active duty, dependents, spouses, reserve, and ROTC).  + Support the development and leadership of student groups such as the Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter.  

+ Partner with campus departments (e.g., Wellness, Residence Life, Spiritual Development) to support the holistic development of military-connected students.  + Track and assess student engagement outcomes related to retention, satisfaction, and leadership involvement.  + Represents and advocates on behalf of military-connected students throughout the university community.
* Strategic Outreach & Partnerships  + Serve as the university’s representative to military-connected communities,…