Veterans Affairs Coordinator

Department of Student Affairs

POSITION SUMMARY:

Rogers State University is accepting applications for the Veterans Affairs Coordinator. This position manages the veteran education benefit programs, acting as a liaison between student-veterans and the university, overseeing certification and compliance with federal and state regulations, providing academic and financial advising, and developing supportive resources and programming to promote veteran student success. Key responsibilities include processing VA benefits, helping with admissions and registration, coordinating with campus offices like Financial Aid and Career Services, and creating an inclusive environment for military connected students.

PRIMARY DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as the School Certifying Official (SCO), processing and verifying student enrollments for federal and state VA educational benefits, including the GI Bill® and Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Displays a clear understanding of the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, regarding the privacy of student records and general information. Maintain the confidentiality of all conversations, incidents, and information processed and maintained by the University. Be capable of explaining the basic elements of FERPA to the public, students, faculty and staff.
• Acts as the main point of contact for the Department of Veterans Affairs and other external agencies to resolve benefit and payment issues.
• Oversees the daily operations of the campus veteran center, ensuring it provides a welcoming and functional space for student veterans.
• Manages and updates associated databases with regard to VA specific information.
• Plans and implements events, workshops, and orientation sessions tailored to the needs of military students.
• Develops strategies and conducts outreach to recruit and retain veteran and military-affiliated students.
• Collaborates with recruitment and retention teams to develop and carry out recruitment, enrollment, and retention activities for military connected students.
• Reviews and maintains degree plans for students receiving Department of Veteran Affairs educational benefits.
• Prepares and submits various reports to federal and state agencies regarding veteran enrollment and benefits.
• Prepares paperwork for annual school audit by the Department of Veteran Affairs or their designate.
• Stays current on new or pending legislation and policies related to veteran and military educational benefits.
• Oversees the budget for the Veterans Affairs Office.
• Hires, trains, and supervises VA work-study student employees.
• Supports the recruitment process for military connected students.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• A comprehensive understanding of VA educational benefits, including eligibility requirements and procedures.
• Must be organized and detail oriented.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, as well as strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able and willing to work independently and effectively with various campus partners.
• Strong personal computer skills and the ability to learn new technology are required.
• Must be enthusiastic, professional, and a good ambassador for the University at all times.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in any academic discipline.
• One to three years of professional work experience in related fields.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience specifically in higher education, financial aid, university admissions, or student services.
• Two years of experience as a VA Certifying Official.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift 20-40 lbs. on occasion
• Ability to stand for extended time at events
• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle (Oklahoma Class D license)

REPORTS TO:

Director of Financial Aid

SUPERVISION GIVEN TO:

VA student employees

HOURS:

Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Evenings and weekends as necessary.

POSITION:

FLSA Exempt