Coordinator, Military Veterans Affairs

University of North Alabama•Florence, AL

About The Position

This position serves as the School Certifying Official in educational matters related to the Veterans Administration (VA) and ensures all university processes align with VA requirements. This position is responsible for assisting veterans and their dependents with academic direction, VA benefit utilization, as well as serving as a liaison between the University and the veterans’ and military community, including promoting university services to veterans throughout the campus community as well as reaching out to recruit veterans in the greater surrounding areas. The essential functions of this position are the processing of documents for prospective and currently enrolled students who are veterans or other qualified beneficiaries. Other duties include confidential record keeping, budgeting, collaborating with military students and the Student Veterans of America registered student organization while supervising the Military Veterans Affairs center. This position oversees all duties related to the successful processing and direction of military students, veterans, and dependents from registration to graduation. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, required
Experience working with university military units required
Ability to communicate effectively with a varied array of students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, visitors, vendors, and the community at large
Working knowledge of general office practices and procedures
Ability to work with minimum supervision
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Knowledge of data processing as it relates to personal computer applications
Ability to interact effectively with students who are veterans
Knowledge of military and veteran educational benefits, specifically the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, and Alabama GI Scholarship
Interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Excellent decision-making and time management skills
Willingness and ability to travel to conferences and assist in recruitment of prospective students

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree, preferred
Knowledge of and experience with Banner is preferred
Veteran status with at least five years of prior military service is preferred
Knowledge of student advising practices for student organizations is preferred

Responsibilities

Direct, develop, and coordinate strategies/programs to assist with the education and development of US service members, veterans, dependents, and survivors
Oversee the implementation of a comprehensive education and development center, including methods to be followed, resources to be allocated, and the mechanism for its regular evaluation and reporting
Work closely with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), State Veterans Affairs, and other university departments/offices regarding the availability of resources and opportunities to assist veterans in education and civilian career advancement
Foster and support a “user-friendly” environment for veterans, service members, dependents, survivors, and their families, as well as provide assistance in the location of financial, cultural, and social support services
Responsible for budget oversight and acting as cost center head for the center’s overall budget
Responsible for implementation and assessment of programs that increase veteran enrollment, retention, and graduation
Establish and implement short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures
Monitor and evaluate programmatic/operational effectiveness as well as effect changes required for improvement
Develop and recommend policies to university leadership in support of student veterans, service members, dependents, and their survivors
Develop and maintain university military veterans, service members, and dependent and survivor alumni information and relations
Develop and implement programming to increase awareness of veteran’s concerns and challenges (both on- and off-campus and how they relate to higher education) as well as increase the visibility and awareness of military and veteran-related holidays
Perform all VA Certifying Official duties
Perform a variety of technical duties to ensure eligible students receive available veteran benefits/educational services, including: Evaluate military experience and advise student applicants on veterans’ educational benefits; Communicate program regulations and policies; Provide assistance and information in person and on the telephone regarding various GI Bill programs; Serve as a resource to students, faculty, staff, and the public regarding veteran-related educational functions; Process changes in enrollment status for adds, drops, and schedule changes; Monitor and follow-up on student enrollment petitions, withdrawals, grade changes, degree/enrollment verifications, and academic probation and suspension to ensure VA procedures and requirements are met; Review documents to confirm students meet University course, enrollment, major, degree, certificate, GPA, residency, program, and service requirements; Assist students applying for programs, services, and benefits including veterans and dependents; Assist students to establish and meet educational goals; Refer students to university programs and services; Determine qualification for tuition assistance for qualified veterans and process military tuition requests for assistance; Distribute and monitor VA-funded payments to students, provide assistance with resolving tuition payment and discrepancy issues, and investigate delays and clarification of payments; Respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning related standards, requirements, practices, policies and procedures; Submit reports to the VA; Communicate with academic advisors to ensure accuracy of academic plans and advise students regarding individual education plans; Review student study programs and unit certification to ensure compliance with established requirements; Certify the educational plans of students accurately to ensure receipt of benefits for applicable course work and compliance with applicable VA/university policies; Coordinate concurrent enrollment with other colleges; Prepare documentation for "early-outs" through the VA office; Maintain current knowledge of VA and other applicable policies, procedures, and regulations; Prepare for and assist with VA audits as directed; Notify students of changes in applicable policies, procedures, and regulations, as needed, as well as implement and report changes in student status and VA services; Communicate with students, university personnel, and various outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns; Serve as a liaison between the university, students, and the Department of Veterans Affairs; Compile information, prepare, and maintain records and reports related to students, veterans, dependents, degrees, certificates, benefits, Veteran's Affairs (VA), and assigned activities; Assist with continuous improvement efforts in the office regarding recruitment and retention of students; Attend veterans’ meetings and participate in local and federal workshops and committees as assigned; Assume full supervisory responsibility for student employees, in training, evaluation, and making or recommending employment decisions; Prepare and distribute a variety of correspondence; Perform all other duties as assigned.
Additional duties to be determined.