Director of Military & Veteran Affairs (Admissions and Enrollment Specialist IV)

Tennessee Tech•Cookeville, TN

About The Position

The Director of Military & Veteran Affairs directs and manages the University’s veteran student services and ensures compliance with federal, state, and university directives concerning educational benefits for veterans and dependents. The role works with the Registrar, Bursar, and Financial Aid departments to ensure students are properly certified for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits and to maximize financial incentives. The Director also provides academic program advising and manages the Coordinator of Veteran Educational Benefits. The position reports directly to the AVP of Enrollment & Student Success. The Director oversees benefit certification and enrollment verification, VA-sponsored work-study staff, compliance reporting, departmental programs and policies, budget allocation, purchases, and vendor contracts. The role serves as a liaison among the department, university units, students, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and advocates for prospective and current veteran students. Outreach and recruitment efforts include relationships with local and regional military installations, the Tech ROTC program, and local Veteran Service Organizations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field.
At least seven years of related professional experience, including experience working with veterans’ educational benefits; a master’s degree may substitute for two years of experience.
Must have served in a U.S. military branch with an honorable discharge or have significant experience supporting military and veteran populations.
Applicants must electronically submit a cover letter, resume, transcript copy, and contact information for three references; official transcripts are required upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
Prior experience as a School Certifying Official.
Experience with public speaking and presentations.
Experience in recruitment, training, and supervision.
Knowledge of Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits and federal and state benefits pertaining to veterans.

Responsibilities

Manage the Coordinator of Veteran Educational Benefits to ensure certification and enrollment verification comply with federal, state, and university directives.
Oversee VA-sponsored work-study staff within the Veterans Center and act as a secondary School Certifying Official.
Maintain knowledge of veterans’ affairs policies and procedures and ensure compliance with state and federal agencies.
Prepare and submit reports to appropriate federal and state entities.
Develop programs, policies, and tools to maintain compliance and provide direct services to veteran and military students.
Manage the departmental budget and allocate restricted annual reporting fees responsibly.
Maintain purchases and process vendor contracts.
Liaise with university departments and with veteran and dependent students and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Collaborate with university faculty, staff, and advisors to ensure students are certified in accordance with Department of Veterans Affairs policies and procedures.
Serve as Academic Advisor for the Student Veterans Organization.
Advocate for student veterans transitioning into the university by meeting with prospective students and families and explaining VA educational benefits.
Cultivate relationships with local and regional military installations for outreach and recruitment.
Collaborate with the Tech ROTC program and local Veteran Service Organizations to support student veterans.