Chief Veteran Services Officer (CVSO)

Job Description

Job Description

Honoring Veterans with disabilities by providing new levels of independence with professionally trained Service Dogs

Job Title: Chief Veteran Services Officer (CVSO)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About the Organization

Liberty Dogs™ is a premier Service Dog training program whose goal is to empower Veterans with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives - enhancing their well-being through the unconditional support that Liberty Service Dogs provide.  Located on a 27-acre campus, it includes a training facility, dog housing, an administrative and multipurpose building, and accommodations for Veterans staying on campus to train with their Liberty Service Dogs.

Position Summary:

Serve as the executive leader and ambassador for all things Veteran. This is not simply a program-management role. The CVSO will help shape the future of Veteran wellness at Liberty Dogs, strengthen our voice in the Veteran community, and position the organization as a nationally respected leader in service dog partnerships, integrated wellness, and lifelong Veteran support.

The CVSO must be a visible, credible, forward-looking leader: a self-starter who anticipates issues, builds relationships, creates opportunities, and holds an uncompromising commitment to excellence. This leader will stay current on the issues affecting Veterans locally, regionally, and nationally—including mental health and wellness, suicide prevention, transition and reintegration, disability, access to care, public policy, and emerging Veteran needs—and translate that knowledge into strategy, partnerships, programs, and measurable outcomes.

What the CVSO Will Lead

• Set and execute the strategic vision for the full Veteran experience—from outreach and application through wellness programming, service dog pairing, graduation, and lifelong support.
• Serve as Liberty Dogs’ senior Veteran ambassador and subject-matter leader with Veterans, military and Veteran organizations, government leaders, the VA ecosystem, community partners, healthcare and wellness organizations, and national stakeholders.
• Build a strong local, regional, and national network that expands Liberty Dogs’ credibility, referral pipeline, partnerships, visibility, and influence.
• Maintain a current understanding of Veteran trends, legislation, public policy, current events, mental health and wellness challenges, and emerging best practices; brief executive leadership and recommend proactive organizational responses.
• Advance an integrated Veteran wellness model that supports emotional, physical, social, and community well-being while ensuring appropriate clinical oversight, referral, crisis, safety, privacy, and compliance practices.
• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary Veteran Services team with clear expectations for accountability, collaboration, responsiveness, innovation, and exceptional service.
• Establish meaningful performance measures for Veteran outcomes, pairing success, wellness improvement, satisfaction, pipeline development, graduate engagement, and long-term impact.
• Represent Liberty Dogs confidently at conferences, public forums, media opportunities, government and community meetings, and other settings where a strong Veteran voice is essential.
• Partner across Canine, Operations, Marketing, Development, HR, and executive leadership so the Veteran perspective is integrated throughout Liberty Dogs.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Visionary and strategic, but equally capable of execution and follow-through.
• Deeply credible with the Veteran community and able to build trust across diverse generations, branches, backgrounds, disabilities, and experiences.
• Current, informed, and intellectually curious about the changing Veteran landscape.
• A proactive self-starter who does not wait to be told what needs to happen.
• An exceptional communicator, relationship builder, collaborator, and public representative.
• Data-informed and outcomes-focused, with the ability to turn mission into measurable impact.
• Comfortable operating at the executive level with boards, donors, government officials, community leaders, and national partners.
• Committed to excellence, integrity, accountability, innovation, and Veteran-centered service.
• Develop and execute the strategic vision for Veteran Services in alignment with Liberty Dogs' mission, values, and organizational objectives.
• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, contributing to organizational planning, policy development, risk management, and long-term growth strategies.
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs that support Veterans with PTSD, TBI, MST, physical disabilities, and other service-related challenges.
• Identify emerging needs, industry trends, and evidence-based practices to enhance Veteran outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
• Provide leadership recommendations and data-driven insights to executive leadership and the Board of Directors regarding program performance, opportunities, and risks.

Program Leadership & Oversight

• Provide executive oversight for all Veteran Services functions, including applicant screening, client engagement, clinical support, wellness programming, class participation, and long-term Veteran support.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, Veteran-centered services across all programs and touchpoints.
• Establish and maintain program standards, operating procedures, quality assurance measures, and service delivery expectations.
• Monitor program effectiveness and implement continuous improvement initiatives to maximize Veteran success and satisfaction.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, and best practices related to Veteran Services operations.

Clinical & Wellness Program Oversight

• Provide executive oversight of clinical and wellness services delivered by licensed professionals and support staff.
• Partner with the Licensed Clinical Social Worker to ensure ethical, compliant, and effective delivery of clinical services and mental health support.
• Promote integrated approaches to Veteran wellness that address emotional, physical, social, and community reintegration needs.
• Ensure appropriate protocols exist for crisis intervention, safety concerns, referrals, accommodations, and Veteran support services.
• Support the incorporation of evidence-based and trauma-informed practices throughout all Veteran-facing programs.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team, including managers, clinical staff, coordinators, and facilitators.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, professionalism, and mission-driven service.
• Establish performance expectations, professional development plans, succession strategies, and leadership development opportunities.
• Ensure staff receive ongoing education and training related to Veteran populations, mental health, disability awareness, compliance requirements, and emerging best practices.
• Promote employee engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness within the Veteran Services division.

Outcomes, Compliance & Data Management

• Establish measurable performance indicators and outcome metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and Veteran impact.
• Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of Veteran Services data to support organizational decision-making and strategic planning.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and organizational requirements, including HIPAA, privacy regulations, and data security standards.
• Maintain systems that ensure accurate documentation, confidentiality, and integrity of Veteran records and program information.
• Lead departmental audits, quality reviews, and compliance initiatives as needed.

Community Relations & Strategic Partnerships

• Serve as a senior representative of Liberty Dogs with Veterans, families, government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, donors, and strategic partners.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with Veteran-serving organizations, referral sources, mental health providers, and community stakeholders.
• Support organizational fundraising, grant initiatives, public relations efforts, and community engagement activities by serving as a subject matter expert on Veteran Services programs and outcomes.
• Represent Liberty Dogs at conferences, events, meetings, and community forums as needed.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee departmental budgets, resource allocation, staffing plans, and operational priorities.
• Lead efforts to improve operational efficiency, service quality, and cross-functional collaboration across departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Liberty Dogs' mission and strategic objectives.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in Veteran services, military affairs, behavioral health/wellness, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, public service, or a related field; senior executive leadership experience strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of senior executive leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programs.
• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or a related field preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives, organizational change, and program development.
• Strong understanding of Veteran populations and the challenges associated with PTSD, TBI, MST, physical disabilities, and community reintegration.
• Prior Military service or substantial professional experience working directly with Veterans.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in complex and sensitive situations.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and successful completion of background screening requirements.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Professional office environment with frequent interaction with dogs, dog dander, and animal hair.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and technology systems.
• Requires standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and use of hands for extended periods.
• Occasional travel may be required for conferences, meetings, outreach activities, and organizational events.
• Full-time, onsite position requiring flexibility, including occasional evenings, weekends, special events, and emergency response situations.
• Must be able to navigate a 27-acre campus and multiple facilities safely and effectively.

Compensation: $180,000 - $230,000 annually

Why Join Liberty Dogs?

At Liberty Dogs Foundation, we live by a simple truth: We take care of those who have taken care of our great nation. This role is your opportunity to shape a program that will set a national standard in Veteran wellness and service dog partnerships—changing lives, one Veteran and one dog at a time.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law .