Executive Director of Veterans Affairs (#MDDZ72)
$66,489.00 Yearly Min / $83,111.00 Yearly Mid / $99,733.00 Yearly Max

An incumbent in this class reports to the Chairman, Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of State. The class incumbent works in cooperation with the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs to establish short and long term goals and objectives designed to address veteran related issues and needs in the areas of death benefits, burial rights, education, employment, training, medical and financial benefits and entitlements. Work includes managing, planning, coordinating and implementing various programs and services for Delaware's veterans and their families. An incumbent also is responsible for directing and making decisions for the Administrative Office, Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries and the Veterans Home. An incumbent interacts with local, state and federal agencies and organizations, legislators, congressional committees and the media regarding programs, benefits and issues. A class incumbent is also responsible for developing and managing the Administrative Office, Cemeteries and Veterans Home budgets and ensuring operations comply with statutory requirements, policies and procedures.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Manages the operations of the Administrative Office, Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries and Veterans Home.
  
  
• Coordinates and implements the Commission's programs; implements state and federal regulations concerning Veterans death benefits, burial rights, education, training, employment, medical and financial benefits as well as all other matters of concern to veterans and their families.
  
  
• Provides consultative and advisory services to Delaware's veterans and their family members.
  
  
• Provides liaison between the Commission and veterans, local, state and federal agencies and organizations, legislators, congressional committees, and the media regarding veteran death benefits and burial requirements, and issues relating to construction projects, veteran programs, legislation, financial benefits, issues, and interests.
  
  
• Develops, prepares and manages the budgets of the Commission.
  
  
• Ensures Commission operations comply with statutory requirements including state and departmental policies and procedures in the areas of programming, budgeting, administration, finances and personnel.
  
  
• Prepares administrative, financial, programmatic and related reports.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of veterans programs, affairs, benefits and issues.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing veterans.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques for developing and successfully promoting legislative initiatives.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of program administration.
• Knowledge of appropriate referral sources including but not limited to state and federal agencies, veterans' service officers and their duties.
• Knowledge of contract administration and negotiation.
• Skill in budget preparation, funds management and strategic planning.
• Skill in evaluative thinking and effective decision-making.
• Skill in public relations including handling sensitive matters and opposing views.
• Skill in directing, planning, and coordinating resources and programs.
• Skill in developing policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other State agencies and officials, State staff, the public, veterans and veterans organizations.
• Ability to analyze present needs and forecast future needs in order to develop and recommend short and long range goals and programs.
• Ability to maintain and write accurate records and reports.

1. Three years experience in veterans programs, affairs and benefits administration which includes establishing short and long term goals and objectives, addressing veteran related issues and needs in areas such as death benefits, burial rights, education, employment, training, medical and financial benefits.
2. Six months experience in budget administration which includes managing, developing, analyzing and implementing budgets; developing strategic plans and establishing internal control.
3. Six months experience in developing policies and procedures.
4. Six months experience in operations management which includes planning, directing, coordinating, controlling and evaluating operations typically through subordinate supervisors.