Military Outreach and Communications Specialist

Position Summary

The Military Outreach and Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing outreach and communication strategies to engage military members, veterans, and their families. Position will focus on enhancing recruitment, retention, and support services for military-connected students, fostering strong relationships, and ensuring APSU remains a top choice for military-affiliated students.

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 10,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 180,000 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Military Outreach and Engagement

• Develop and implement outreach programs specifically targeting active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.
• Build and maintain relationships with Fort Campbell, military education offices, local veterans’ organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Represent APSU at military and veteran-focused events, recruitment fairs, and community engagement programs.
• Collaborate with the Director to coordinate targeted recruitment initiatives for military-affiliated students, ensuring strategic alignment with recruitment goals.

Communications and Content Development

• Create and assist with content for various communications channels, including social media, newsletters, email campaigns, web pages, and print materials, to promote APSU as a military-ready institution.
• Develop visually engaging and informative materials, adhering to APSU branding guidelines, to highlight APSU’s services and programs for military-connected students.
• Work closely with the Director and the Public Relations team to ensure consistent and effective messaging that resonates with military-affiliated audiences.

Program Development and Student Support

• Identify, promote, and assist students in accessing scholarships, financial aid, and educational resources specifically for military-affiliated populations.
• Support the planning and execution of events such as APSU Veterans Week.

Administrative Support for Marketing Budget

• Assist the Director in managing the marketing budget by tracking expenditures, processing invoices, and ensuring timely payments.
• Prepare budget reports and summaries.
• Coordinate with vendors and APSU’s financial office to ensure compliance with procurement policies and efficient budget utilization.

Partnership Development

• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure APSU programs are aligned with military-friendly policies and best practices.
• Collaborate with external military and veteran organizations to expand APSU’s reach and engagement with potential students from military backgrounds.

Reporting and Data Analysis

• Track and analyze data on military-affiliated student engagement, enrollment, and retention..
• Monitor compliance with university policies and federal regulations regarding veterans’ education benefits, assisting with any necessary reporting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to develop and execute outreach and engagement activities with a high degree of initiative.
• Strong relationship-building skills, particularly with diverse and military-affiliated populations.
• Proficient in multitasking, with effective time management to meet deadlines.
• Collaborative spirit, with the ability to work well across university departments to enhance support for military-affiliated students.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail for managing both communications and budget tracking.

Physical Requirements

• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Counseling, or related field and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in outreach, recruitment, or program coordination, preferably in higher education or military/veteran-related fields.
• Four (4) years of active duty military service in public relations or public affairs MOS/AFSC/Navy rating and honorable discharge as a noncommissioned officer/petty officer or above may be substituted for degree and required experience listed in the bullet above.
• Strong understanding of military and veteran communities, including experience with VA benefits and military culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience creating digital and print content.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media management tools.
• Ability to manage financial tasks and maintain budgetary records accurately.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally for outreach and recruitment events.

Preferred:

• Military background is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of VA educational benefits, military tuition assistance, and financial aid options for military-connected students.