Job Description
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Req Id:  40563
Job Title:  Director of the Dorothy Stratton Veteran and Military Success Center
City:  West Lafayette
Job Description: 

Job Summary

Updated 2.13.26: Purdue University is seeking an experienced higher education leader to assume the role of Director of its Dorothy Stratton Veteran and Military Success Center (VMSC). This is an excellent opportunity to lead a well-resourced and supported team who serves nearly 3,000 military-connected students. The center is located at the main Purdue location in West Lafayette, Indiana but also serves students at Purdue in Indianapolis and at 9 Statewide Technology sites. The Director leads the efforts of Purdue’s 8-person VMSC Team. The team consists of the Assistant Director, the Program Manager for Service Benefits, and 5 School Certifying Officials (SCO). The Director collaborates closely with faculty and administrative leaders at all levels, numerous campus partners, and state and federal officials. The Director also manages a budget, develops and refines the VMSC’s strategic initiatives and is a member of the Student Success Programs department’s leadership team. This position is primarily in-person and located in West Lafayette, Indiana.

 

The priority deadline to apply is February 20, 2026. Cover letters are required with all applications.

 

At Purdue, you’ll join a community where unrivaled pride and unlimited potential are more than just words—they’re the foundation of how we work and grow, together. 

About Us:

 

Purdue’s VMSC is a highly collaborative working environment. It is focused on supporting all military-connected students, facilitating career exploration and social connection, and processing veteran education benefits. The VMSC is housed in the historic Purdue Memorial Union which was built and dedicated to the memory and service of Purdue student veterans. Purdue leadership enthusiastically supports the VMSC’s work and has continually provided necessary resources to respond to growth in the population to be served and support VMSC staff. Candidates should explore the VMSC website and review the VMSC annual report from 2024-25.

 

 

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience
Qualified candidates will need:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field

  • Six years of professional experience in student affairs/services in a higher education setting, or professional experience supporting military service members

  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

 

Nice to Have:

  • Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Affairs, Education, Management
  • Experience in processing military-connect educational benefits

 

As the Director, you would bring:

  • Understanding of and appreciation for collaboration, including ability to work with students, faculty, and staff from broad backgrounds and identities
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, time management, and budgetary skills 
  • Ability to balance varied tasks and handle confidential information with discretion
  • Capability to take the initiative to solve problems, assume responsibility and establish and maintain quality standards
  • Experience supervising staff
  • Ability to work autonomously and creatively while having a high level of analytical skills to manage details and multiple deadlines
  • Working knowledge of service member education benefits

 

Additional Information:

  • Purdue's benefits package is generous and includes tuition remission opportunities for the main campus and for Purdue University Global programs
  • Purdue will also provide support for professional development and relocation
  • The targeted annual salary range for this position is $80,000-$85,000
  • Purdue's benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately

 

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Career Stream

 

Management 4
Pay Band S075

Job Code#20002620
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

 

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University
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Posting Start Date:  2/13/26