Job Title: Director
Department/Agency: Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA)
Closing Date: December 13, 2024
Type of Position: Political Appointee
Posting Type: Employment Opportunity/Open to the Public
Pay Grade and Salary Range: GS-18/$65,000 - $75,000 p.a.
Email Your Resume, Cover Letter and References to: OfficeGovElectASG@gmail.com
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Submit a Cover Letter and Headshot - Include a personalized cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the role. Be sure to include a recent headshot photo.
Provide Professional References - Send a list of at least three professional references. Include their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. You are welcome to include letters of reference if available.
General Description
The Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) for the American Samoa Government is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and implementation of veterans’ services and programs throughout American Samoa. The OVA operates within the framework of the American Samoa Government and is responsible for administering local programs that assist veterans and their families, ensuring they receive necessary support in alignment with territorial policies and priorities. The Director will work closely with government agencies, community organizations, and veterans' groups to advocate for veterans, promote their welfare, and enhance their quality of life.
This position reports directly to the Governor and serves as the principal liaison between the American Samoa Government, local veterans’ organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. The Director will also ensure that services provided align with the needs of veterans within the context of American Samoa, complementing but not overlapping with federal veterans' programs.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Management:
Lead the Office of Veterans Affairs in its mission to serve the veterans of American Samoa by managing day-to-day operations, program implementation, and long-term strategic planning.
Provide guidance and supervision to OVA staff, ensuring all personnel are well-trained, motivated, and aligned with the agency’s objectives.
Oversee the allocation of resources, including budgeting, financial planning, and staffing to ensure efficient operation of the office.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including other government agencies, local veterans’ organizations, federal veterans' agencies, and community leaders.
Serve as a representative of the Governor's office on issues affecting veterans, presenting briefings, reports, and recommendations to senior leadership as needed.
Program Development and Coordination:
Design, implement, and monitor veterans’ support programs, including healthcare coordination, financial assistance, educational benefits, housing support, and mental health services.
Develop local programs and initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and access to benefits for veterans and their families in American Samoa.
Coordinate outreach activities and community programs designed to improve veterans’ awareness of available services and facilitate access to both local and federal resources.
Manage veterans' health services in partnership with local providers and facilitate access to healthcare programs provided by the U.S. Veterans Affairs where applicable.
Policy Development and Advocacy:
Collaborate with the Governor’s office and relevant stakeholders to develop policies and legislation aimed at improving veterans' services and advancing the interests of veterans in American Samoa.
Advocate for veterans by ensuring that their needs are addressed in policy discussions, budget allocations, and legislative agendas.
Monitor and stay abreast of federal and territorial veterans’ policies to ensure the OVA’s activities align with broader policy trends and the evolving needs of veterans.
Stakeholder Engagement and Community Relations:
Engage regularly with local veteran organizations, families, and communities to assess their needs, address concerns, and promote collaboration.
Represent the Office of Veterans Affairs in public forums, conferences, and meetings to ensure that veterans' needs are effectively communicated to policymakers, other agencies, and the public.
Organize and participate in major community events, such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other commemorative ceremonies, to honor and recognize veterans for their contributions.
Resource Management and Financial Oversight:
Manage the OVA's budget, ensuring proper allocation of resources across programs and services to maximize impact and efficiency.
Oversee the application for and management of grants, funding, and partnerships to ensure the continued sustainability of veterans’ programs.
Ensure that all financial operations comply with American Samoa Government policies and standards, maintaining transparency and accountability in all financial dealings.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance:
Regularly assess and evaluate the performance of veterans’ programs to ensure they meet the objectives and needs of the veteran population.
Prepare and submit detailed reports on program outcomes, challenges, and fiscal performance to the Governor and other key stakeholders.
Ensure that the OVA complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing veterans’ services in both the territorial and federal contexts.
Lead audits and internal evaluations to ensure continuous improvement of services and adherence to best practices.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
In-depth understanding of veterans' issues, including healthcare, mental health, compensation, education, and legal rights.
Familiarity with both territorial and federal laws governing veterans' services, including how local programs can complement but not conflict with U.S. Veterans Affairs functions.
Expertise in community outreach and program development, with the ability to adapt services to meet local needs.
Knowledge of budgetary processes, grant writing, and financial oversight.
Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a team to achieve the agency's goals.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with diverse groups and foster collaboration among multiple stakeholders.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
Proficient in project management, program evaluation, and strategic planning.
Ability to advocate effectively for the needs and rights of veterans at all levels of government.
Ability to handle multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously, exercising sound judgment and decision-making.
Capacity for independent work and problem-solving, while maintaining the ability to collaborate and build consensus.
Academic and Experience Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Veterans' Affairs, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
Experience:
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a leadership or management role, ideally in veterans’ services, public administration, or a similar field.
Experience in managing programs or services that serve vulnerable populations, especially veterans or other military personnel.
Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, overseeing operations, and working within a governmental or nonprofit setting.
Certifications:
Relevant certifications in veterans’ services, public administration, or nonprofit management are a plus.
Salary
The salary is competitive and based on experience and qualifications. Specific compensation details will be provided upon request.
Additional Information
For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact the Office of the Governor-Elect directly via email at officegovelectASG@gmail.com
*The American Samoa Government is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for political appointments without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and territorial laws. Appointments will be made based on qualifications, experience, and the ability to serve effectively in alignment with the policies and goals of the administration.
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