Job Description

Honoring Veterans with disabilities by providing

new levels of independence with professionally trained Service Dogs

Job/Position Title: Director of Veteran Programs Status: Exempt Date: March 2024

Primary Purpose: Provide leadership and oversight of all aspects of Veteran services, including Veteran relations, transport, follow-up, and outreach. This includes goal setting, staff management, budget development, and overall effectiveness of these areas. Under the guidance of the Chief Executive Officer.

Direct Report For: Veteran Relations Manager and Veteran Service Coordinators.

Essential Duties/Functions:

1. Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and assisting managers with employee performance appraisals, conducting interviews, and making hiring recommendations.

2. Manages staff according to company policies and employment laws and ensures relevant HR procedures are followed.

3. Oversee work activities and develop staff competence to optimize performance and ensure work satisfaction.

4. Set goals and priorities, monitor the status of work in progress, and inspect completed work; consult with assigned managers and staff, assist with complex/problem situations, and provide technical expertise.

5. Identifies and designates appropriate levels of labor to support departmental operations and programs.

6. Develops, maintains, and evaluates program standards for Veteran Relations.

7. Works in conjunction with the Director of Canine Programs to develop, maintain, and continually improve Veteran Training programs.

8. Creates policies and procedures for related departments. Responsible for the communication and maintenance of these standards to managers and staff.

9. Ensures client policies meet or exceed minimum standards set by accrediting organizations.

10. Plans, forecasts, and reports on the performance of relevant areas including overall trends and other pertinent information. Establishes, implements, and evaluates goals and objectives for related duties.

11. Maintains department budgets within organizational limits. Prepares annual draft budget for the department. Provides oversight/management of project budgets, financial planning and forecasting, and internal plans and processes.

12. Supervises and works with Veteran Relations on matters concerning Veterans. Ensures that needs are identified and met and are being performed following the organization’s policy and mission.

13. When requested, leads outreach initiatives and partnerships with other organizations as it pertains to client services, in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer.

14. Evaluates all systems and processes to track the organization’s impact, ensures organizational efficiency, and that all operation expectations defined are being met.

15. Evaluates and utilizes data monthly to review reports, system details, and needed changes along with complete reports detailing Veteran waitlist statistics, travel expenses, Graduate follow-up data, and Veteran Relations expenses. Addresses issues as needed.

16. Along with the Director of Canine Programs, manages the Veteran application process. Including verifying accurate information provided on applications, consulting with Veteran’s specific care providers, and conducting phone and in-person consultations.

17. Responsible for facilitating the collaboration and communications with the Director of Canine Programs and the training staff to ensure successful pairing of each Veteran-Dog team.

18. Receives and responds to questions and concerns from Veterans and Dog trainers to determine and implement appropriate solutions based on best practices.

19. Oversees the creation (and execution) of operations plans for the arrival of Veterans.

20. Conducts post-training surveys to Veteran clients to identify areas of continual improvement.

21. Reviews and approves verification for transportation mileage costs and subsequent costs related to travel.

22. Provides continual oversight of graduate follow-ups to ensure compliance with company standards.

23. Oversees waitlist timelines with the Director of Canine Programs to ensure the appropriate duration of client services until placed with a Service Dog.

Other Duties:

1. Interact with coworkers efficiently and courteously to ensure a cooperative team environment among departments. Address interdepartmental problems when necessary and related to areas of responsibility. Communicates with other departments as needed to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

2. Attend regularly scheduled team meetings to ensure successful team communication and Veteran enrollment in the program.

3. Attend and participate in departmental, management, and facility-wide meetings. Attend educational training/seminars as recommended/approved.

4. Participate in disaster preparedness and response activities for the facility as it pertains to Veteran and staff-related needs.

5. Understand emergency response plans (fire, power outage, earthquake, active shooter, bomb threat, etc.).

6. Understand and ensure infectious disease controls defined by the organization are communicated and take action to protect guest Veterans, staff, and dogs alike.

7. Communicate effectively with the Chief Executive Officer on relevant issues, keeping him/her informed promptly.

8. Develop and maintain positive relationships with partner agencies while presenting a positive and professional image of Liberty Dogs to the public.

9. Occasional public speaking to inform Veterans and the public about Liberty Dogs’ Mission.

10. Other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.

Working Conditions: Air-conditioned office with computer and internet access. May be required to attend events and other venues in a representative or working capacity. Occasional travel to and from the facility for various errands.

Equipment Use: Standard office equipment provided such as telephones, computers, printers, copiers, and scanners. May require the use of personal and company vehicles.

Work Hours: This is a salaried position that requires flexibility. A typical workweek will be 40 hours and may include weekends as well as opening/closing. Attendance at events and other functions, and/or emergencies may require longer hours or evening work.

Mental Demands: Requires the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and handle high levels of stress. Position requires excellent organizational skills, as well as a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Must have adequate judgment and self-confidence to handle decision-making and management duties. Must be able to meet deadlines and delegate appropriately. Must be a team leader able to instruct, guide, commend, and provide correction as needed for staff. Requires leadership skills necessary to determine goals and priorities and motivate staff to reach these goals. Requires exceptional attention to detail, courteous and professional demeanor, and extensive interaction with staff and others. Requires the ability to think clearly, act quickly, and utilize sound judgment in a variety of situations. Requires the ability to be self-disciplined and self-motivated. Must have the ability to create a cooperative team environment within their department as well as with other departments and volunteers. Requires a working understanding of the readjustment issues with Veterans including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, alcohol and drug dependency, military sexual trauma, and other mental health issues.

Physical Demands: This position involves desk & computer work. The employee is occasionally required to move between buildings on campus. Position may include (car) travel back and forth to venues and lifting of up to 35 pounds. Must be able to work at a fast and efficient pace.

Qualification Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

o Bachelor’s degree or significant relatable experience.

o Prior position in and working with executive leadership.

o Many years of broad management experience in business administration, sociology, psychology, or a closely related field.

o 3-5 years’ experience or knowledge of the non-profit/foundation industry.

o Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, observational, and leadership skills.

o Requires a high level of organization with a strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.

o Proven success with strategic planning, process evaluation/re-engineering, and project management.

o Ability to build a long-range organizational vision with other members of the executive team.

o Ability to lead and motivate groups and individuals. Able to think creatively and strategically, and to effectively manage a large staff, multiple deadlines, and tight time constraints.

o Strong knowledge of the Veterans community and issues regarding serving clients from this community.

o Professional in appearance and behavior.

o Must be a goal-oriented, self-starter with a willingness to go beyond prescribed work and time schedules.

o Confident with current computer skills including Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook), social media, databases, internet navigation, and research.

o Possession of a valid Driver’s license with a clean driving and criminal abstract.

General Qualifications:

o Must have a passion for animals and show empathy and compassion for Veteran clients as well as support the mission of the Liberty Dogs program.

o Must treat animals humanely, with love and concern both on and off the job, and transmit these values to others.

o Veteran status preferred.

o Must adhere to all local laws regarding personally owned animals.

o A positive attitude is a must!

Additional Qualifications that would benefit this position:

o Prior experience in Veteran Service Organizations and Department of Veterans Affairs.

o Bi-lingual a plus.

o Master’s degree in Social Work.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Reno, NV 89521: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person