JOB TITLE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF VETERANS SERVICES AND PROGRAMS, DMVA

JOB CODE: 48256

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible administrative and managerial work directing the Office of the Executive Director of Veterans Services and Programs in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

The employee in this job plans, directs, and oversees the development, implementation, outreach, administration, and evaluation of programs and services for Pennsylvania’s veterans and their beneficiaries. Work involves providing strategic and operational direction; developing policies, plans, goals, and objectives; proposing, creating, and promoting new programs and initiatives; overseeing the evaluation of program implementation and performance; and managing the preparation and control of program budgets. Work includes building partnerships with internal and external organizations and coordinating efforts on advocacy and emergent veterans’ issues; recommending and drafting veterans’ program legislation; and acting as an advisor to agency leadership. Supervision is exercised over managerial and administrative staff. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs (DAG-VA) and is reviewed through conferences and reports for effectiveness, accomplishments, and attainment of goals.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Directs and coordinates the activities and operations of the Bureau of Veterans Programs, Bureau of Veterans Outreach and Reintegration, and the Division of Grants, Analysis, and Initiatives.

• Provides strategic direction, oversight, and guidance for the administration and delivery of veterans’ benefits and services programs and corresponding outreach, advocacy, and reintegration efforts.

• Serves as a principal advisor to The Adjutant General (TAG), Executive Deputy Secretary (EDS), and DAG-VA on veterans’ matters and develops and influences changes in strategic plans, policies, goals, and objectives.

• Oversees and participates in the analysis of veterans’ needs and directs and participates in the proposal, development, implementation, and promotion of programs and initiatives in new and emergent areas.

• Oversees and participates in the development of performance measures, directs the analysis and evaluation of program performance, and works collaboratively with staff to develop plans to improve programmatic impacts and outcomes.

• Develops partnerships as a primary liaison with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other government agencies, state councils and commissions, the General Assembly, veteran organizations, and other stakeholders to coordinate, promote, and secure support for policy, legislative, and program priorities and objectives.

• Addresses highly visible and politically sensitive veterans’ matters independently and in consultation with agency leadership.

• Oversees the preparation and control of budget activities associated with veterans’ programs and plans the required resources to carry out those programs.

• Recommends and drafts new legislation and amendments to existing statutes concerning veterans and their activities to DAG-VA.

• Directs the grant application process to support veterans’ programs and oversees the administration and awarding of funds to grant recipients.

• Represents TAG, DAG-VA, and the EDS at meetings, conferences, hearings, and public events.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of veterans’ benefits and services program administration and coordination.

• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures governing veterans’ benefits and services programs.

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of policy and program planning, development, and evaluation.

• Knowledge of social and economic challenges experienced by veterans.

• Knowledge of the methods and resources utilized for veterans’ reintegration into civilian life.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of advocacy in public and administrative settings.

• Knowledge of effective outreach techniques.

• Knowledge of the principles of financial monitoring, analysis, and planning.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to analyze and interpret numerical information.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Five years of professional experience managing programs serving veterans that includes three years of supervisory experience, and a bachelor’s degree in human services, business administration, public administration, or a related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes three years of professional supervisory experience managing programs serving veterans.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The employee in this job must obtain active veteran service officer accreditation issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs within one year of hire and maintain accreditation for the duration of employment in this job.