Assistant Director of Financial Aid for Veterans Affairs

Cameron University • Lawton, OK

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About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director of Financial Aid for Veterans Affairs administers and oversees Cameron University’s Veterans Affairs benefit program to ensure efficient, equitable, and student-centered service delivery. The position supervises two full-time professional staff members and up to four student workers employed by the Federal Veterans Affairs Office.

The role ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and university regulations; submits approvals and supporting documentation to state and federal veterans agencies; and completes enrollment certification documentation. It also verifies military-affiliated students’ enrollment, monitors attendance and academic progress, advises students on benefits and certification issues, and connects them with relevant resources.

The Assistant Director recruits, supervises, supports, and evaluates staff; promotes professional development and excellent customer service; collaborates with campus and community stakeholders; develops presentations; plans veteran-focused events; supports the university’s military-friendly recognition efforts; serves on committees; and participates in professional development. Other duties may be assigned.

Cameron University is a state-supported regional institution in Lawton, Oklahoma, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. The salary is commensurate with experience. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Experience utilizing best practices in serving military-affiliated students.
• Proven track record of excellent customer service.
• Ability to communicate diplomatically, clearly, and effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to multitask while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Proficiency in processing high volumes of data from varied sources and analyzing complex information for decision-making.
• Strong attention to detail, including when performing routine and repetitive tasks.
• Ability to complete tasks and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Prior experience processing VA education benefits and extensive knowledge of VA School Certifying Official duties.
• Military affiliation.
• Three years of accounting experience.
• One or more years of experience using the Ellucian (Banner) software system.
• Demonstrated understanding of educational, administrative, and personnel policies and practices in a higher education setting.
• Understanding and appreciation of the missions of public regional universities and the unique needs of military-affiliated students.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations and laws affecting Cameron University students.
• Submit approval requests and related documentation to the Oklahoma State Approving Agency and the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Complete documentation for regional and state veterans offices to certify enrollment of veterans and eligible dependents.
• Verify military-affiliated students’ enrollment, including whether courses are required for their approved major and are not being repeated; monitor attendance and progress toward course and degree completion.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy changes affecting military-affiliated students and communicate updates to campus partners.
• Advise military-affiliated students and help resolve certification problems and issues related to benefit payments.
• Connect students with campus and community resources that can support academic success.
• Maintain working knowledge of admissions, advising, financial aid, student accounts, and registrar operations and procedures to provide accurate information.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, support, and evaluate two full-time professional staff members and students in the VA Work Study program.
• Promote staff participation in professional development opportunities.
• Provide staff with resources that support excellent customer service and coordinated military and veteran support across campus.
• Collaborate with campus and community stakeholders in support of the Enrollment Management Division’s mission and goals.
• Develop presentations about military-affiliated program opportunities.
• Plan and execute events such as VetFest, Veterans’ Week Celebration, and Come Ask VA a Question.
• Nurture relationships that advance the university’s military-friendly status and submit survey data for military-friendly and best-for-veterans recognition efforts.
• Serve on University committees as required.
• Participate in professional development to stay informed about current higher education issues, especially those related to Veterans Affairs.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid medical coverage for employees.
• Ample time off.
• Employee tuition waiver program.
• A wide variety of additional employee benefit programs; details are available through the university’s staff benefits summary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager