Senior Program Manager, UMKC Student Veteran Support Services

Student Veterans Affairs, within UMKC Student Affairs

Research and Outreach:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all military-affiliated students and veterans at UMKC
• Oversee VA education benefits, VA workforce reemployment benefits, DoD Tuition Assistance benefits
• Lead and support VA audit activities, including preparation of documentation, data verification, and timely responses to audit findings for the Veterans Support Office.
• Manage military-affiliated scholarships, including promotion, outreach, awarding, and tracking
• Revise and promote the Boots to Books Training throughout the year in order to increase campus and community awareness of best practices for supporting student veterans
• Collaborate with UMKC Strategic Marketing and Communications to develop marketing materials for veteran support programs
• Support recruitment and enrollment efforts by meeting with prospective student veteran students through Operation Enrollment to increase yield rates
• Serve as the co-advisor to the UMKC Student Veteran Organization (SVO)
• Maintain and update the student veteran support services website to ensure accurate and accessible information
• Work in collaboration with the UMKC Offices of Admissions, Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to develop a recruitment and onboarding for new and returning student veterans
• Provide oversight and management of the At Ease Zone to ensure a supportive environment for student veterans
• Conduct and evaluate the annual Student Veteran Needs Assessment, producing an executive summary with detailed analysis, process documentation, and high-level recommendations for program transformation and improvement.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement events, workshops, and outreach activities. Develop, facilitate, and collaborate with campus departments to deliver a wide range of workshops on topics such as transitioning to college, the application and registration process, student success, and scholarship applications. Provide referrals to appropriate on- and off-campus resources

Student Success, Compliance, and Strategic Initiatives:

• Build coalition and lead efforts to maintain Military Friendly Institution (Gold)
• Maintain the Orientation and Onboarding Program to support student veterans in their transition to college and increase awareness of available resources.
• Collaborate with UMKC Career Services to implement innovative programs and partnerships to promote education and career pathways for veterans. (VFW, American Legion, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Regional/US/International).
• Foster sense of community & school identity through coordination of co-curricular & curricular events
• Manage military-affiliated scholarships in promotion and awarding.
• Develop and lead facilitated discussions and workshops throughout the year for both the campus community and student veterans throughout the year on student veteran issues
• Develop and implement spouse and dependent programming and outreach
• Elevate support for transparency and accountability of student veteran retention and on-time graduation rates
• Lead Military social protocol advisor for all military events, ceremonies, observances and DV/VIP (Distinguished Visitor/VIP) visitors/guests
• Work with the Offices of Admissions, Financial Aid, Cashier's, Student Accessibility Services and Academic Advising to coordinate incoming student veteran's intake system including initial application, VA disability rating/accommodations, course enrollment/degree completion, and management of VA certification process, VA work-study, graduation, and support of transitional activities.
• Maintain compliance of the University in accordance to federal regulations related to all types of VA and DoD benefits

Community and Alumni Engagement and Recruitment

• Promote program offerings on social media (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, and GoArmyED).
• Coordinate with UMKC Alumni Office to ensure success UMKC Veterans Alumni Network
• Provide leads to the Development Office that will result in non-tuition revenue.
• Assist with efforts to raise money for scholarship support
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with military/veteran, city/ state/ federal agencies, local community resources, legislative leaders and organizations

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least four (4) years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Certifying Official Credentials preferred
• Military veteran experience and/or 3-5 years of prior experience working with active-duty service members, retired military personnel, veterans, spouse and dependents is essential.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently as a self-starter, and respond effectively to the needs of veteran students

$60,000 - $63,000 annually (commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity)

Application materials must include an updated resume or CV. Cover letters are highly encouraged, but not required.

For best consideration, submit application materials by February 6, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed until filled.

Travel:

• The senior program manager position is in-person and based at UMKC's Volker Campus; however, it requires occasional travel to UM System campuses in Columbia, MO, as well as participation in veteran recruitment events within and near the Kansas City metropolitan area.
• Attend professional conferences to maintain knowledge and training
• Local travel is required to fulfill outreach initiatives.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.