Manager of Veterans Resource Center

NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY•Las Vegas, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Manager of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), provides strategic leadership and comprehensive student-centered support services for student veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and military-affiliated students, including dependents. The Manager ensures compliance with federal and state veterans’ education regulations while fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and identity-affirming environment for military-connected students in a brand-new center at the Las Vegas campus, while supporting students who learn at a distance. The VRC Manager will work proactively to support students through collaboration with student service offices, establish external relationships with military-affiliated organizations, and organize events that honor and recognize veterans. This role is ideal for someone who is a veteran and who has direct experience working with veterans and their dependents, as well as someone who has experience working in higher education and developing services.

Requirements

Ability to submit/process and transmit information for VA certification using appropriate technology.
Demonstrate respect for all individuals and sensitivity to cultural and language differences.
Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint etc.).
Considerable knowledge of English, grammar, and spelling with excellent proof-reading skills.
Ability to work with sensitive, confidential data, and records.
Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to create presentations and communicate both orally and in writing at a high level.
Ability to utilize independent judgment.
Ability to work with minimal direction and supervision.
Ability to exercise patience and maintain composure during stressful situations.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in any discipline
Must be designated as a VA Certifying Official within 3-6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

EDUCATION: Master’s degree preferably in a helping profession such as counseling or social work
EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years’ higher education experience in administrative work or advising.
Demonstrated experience working with veteran’s, military members, and their families.
Knowledge of veteran’s education programs and options for active duty, National Guard, and Reservist.

Responsibilities

Serve as a Veteran Affairs (VA) School Certifying Official (SCO) in the coordination and maintenance of VA records and required reporting within the allocated timeframe, as necessary.
Oversees successful implementation of Veteran Education benefits for all eligible veteran and dependent students and each variation of programming consistent with serving this population.
Responsible for successful compliance of all administration of Veteran’s Educational benefits program, to include and not limited to successful compliance surveys and audits.
Maintain and coordinate updates and information submission to necessary databases and changes to the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding and participation.
Must remain in compliance with all VA mandatory trainings and certifications annually.
Guide students through student lifecycle processes which may include registration, transfer process, scholarship applications, appeals, VA paperwork, housing, consortium agreements, applications for degree, and transcript requests, etc.
Create and sustain a welcoming, veteran-affirming space that promotes belonging, connection, and access to resources for student veterans and their dependents.
Utilize software programs on a regular basis to process necessary actions to support Veteran Students and their dependents with, Business Office, Financial Aid, Registrar, and advisement functions, etc.
Support and participate NMHU in recruitment and retention efforts.
Connect students with appropriate mental health and wellness resources and partner to increase access to services.
Maintain timely and accurate records of student and prospective student interactions while maintaining student record confidentiality in accordance with federal regulations, and university policy.
Collect and analyze data related to retention, persistence, and graduation of military-affiliated students.
Identify and address systemic barriers impacting veteran and military-connected student populations.
Meet regularly with appropriate student services offices to provide necessary support to students.
Understand and advise on MOUs and articulation (transfer) agreements with partner schools.
Maintain opportunities for a VA paid student employee per VA requirements and standards.
Build partnerships with local military installations, veteran-serving organizations, and community agencies.
Collaborate with campus units to embed veteran-supportive practices across departments.
Represent the university in veteran-focused networks and state or regional initiatives.
Maintain regular attendance.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.