Director of Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF)
Date Posted: Jun 8, 2026
Requisition ID: 478743
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA):
The Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) is committed to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community - including veterans, their families, caregivers, and Indiana National Guard members. Guided by our vision to Serve More, Serve Better, Serve Together, IDVA works tirelessly to expand access to services, continuously improve program quality and outcomes, and build strong collaborative partnerships that deliver comprehensive support to those who have served.
Role Overview:
The Director of the Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the MFRF program at the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs. This critical role advances the agency's mission to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community by managing a grant program that provides timely financial assistance to veterans and their dependents experiencing financial hardship. The Director ensures compassionate, efficient, and compliant administration of the program while aligning services with broader veteran-centered outcomes, including suicide prevention through reduced financial stress and strengthened protective factors such as housing stability, healthcare access, and community connections.
This senior leadership position is responsible for day-to-day program operations, policy development, staff supervision, technology modernization, stakeholder collaboration, legislative coordination, and data-driven continuous improvement. The Director serves as the agency's subject matter expert on MFRF matters, testifies at appeal hearings, and represents the program at outreach events, trainings, and high-level internal and external engagements. The role demands strong leadership, analytical and policy expertise, empathy, and a commitment to maximizing program impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance.
The standard work week is 37.5 hours, though this exempt position may require additional hours (including evenings or weekends) to meet business needs without overtime compensation. The role involves a mix of office-based strategic and administrative work at IDVA headquarters in Indianapolis, occasional statewide travel for outreach and events, and flexible scheduling.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/0) to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to execute the following duties at a high level of proficiency.
Program Operations and Leadership
Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the MFRF Program, ensuring efficient, compassionate, and compliant processing of applications for financial assistance related to housing, utilities, food, medical services, education, employment, childcare, transportation, and other essential needs.
Drive innovation and technology use to modernize claims processing, including enhancements to the MFRF Case Management System (Salesforce), the IDVA application portal, and the IDVA website.
Identify complex or unique applications and collaborate with the IDVA General Counsel & Chief of Staff to determine appropriate outcomes.
Supervision and Team Management
Provide direct supervision and leadership to the MFRF Assistant Director and two MFRF Case Managers.
Set performance expectations, provide coaching and feedback, conduct evaluations, support professional development, and ensure high standards of customer service and program compliance.
Policy, Compliance, and Appeals
Develop, implement, and update program policies and procedures for the MFRF Program.
Testify at MFRF appeal hearings as IDVA's subject matter expert.
Analyze appeal outcomes and recommend policy or procedural changes to ensure future compliance and program integrity.
Coordinate with the IDVA Legislative Team to identify necessary changes to the Indiana Code and assist in implementing resulting programmatic enhancements.
Reporting, Data, and Strategic Oversight
Prepare reports, data analyses, and graphics for the IDVA General Counsel & Chief of Staff, IDVA Executive Team, and/or the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission.
Monitor program performance, financial expenditures, and outcomes; recommend adjustments to maximize reach and impact while adhering to the lifetime maximum award limit ($2,500 unless approved by the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission).
Stakeholder Engagement, Outreach, and Collaboration
Collaborate with partner agencies, key stakeholders, County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs), veteran-serving nonprofits, and others to expand program reach and awareness.
Attend outreach events to identify eligible Indiana veterans and educate them about the MFRF Program.
Present training and information sessions to various groups (conferences, GVS grantees, veteran-serving organizations, CVSOs, etc.).
Work with the IDVA Communications Team on promotion of the MFRF Program through the IDVA website, social media, paid advertising, and promotional materials.
General Responsibilities
Serve as administrator and subject matter expert for the MFRF Case Management System (Salesforce).
Maintain accurate records, ensure data integrity, and uphold strict confidentiality.
Represent IDVA professionally in all interactions, embodying a commitment to veteran-centered service, operational excellence, and agency core values.
Perform any other duties as assigned by the General Counsel & Chief of Staff or IDVA leadership, including special projects, budget support, or cross-divisional initiatives.
What You'll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
Pursuant to IC 10-17-1-11, the employee must satisfy the requirements set forth in IC 10-17-1-5(a).
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent relevant work experience is required.
Ability to supervise others by assigning and directing work, conducting employee evaluations, training and developing staff, taking appropriate disciplinary/corrective actions when necessary, and making hiring/termination recommendations.
Demonstrated commitment to veteran-centered service, customer service excellence, and addressing financial hardship as a protective factor against veteran suicide.
Strong knowledge of the MFRF Program, including eligibility criteria (honorable discharge standards, income limits, dependency rules, financial hardship determination), required documentation, and related Indiana Code and Administrative Code provisions.
Experience in policy development, program administration, grants management, or veteran/human services preferred.
Excellent analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to testify effectively and present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, electronic case management systems (Salesforce experience preferred), data analysis, and report preparation.
Ability to interface effectively at all organizational levels and maintain strong working relationships with IDVA leadership, staff, external partners, veterans, and stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to continuous improvement, technology innovation, and collaborative program expansion.
Ability to work flexible hours based on business needs, including occasional evenings or weekends.
Ability to treat all veterans, families, employees, and partners with courtesy, empathy, and respect.
Ability to discharge all job responsibilities with integrity and maintain strict confidentiality.
Broad knowledge of IDVA's mission, veteran benefits systems, and state government operations.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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