TITLE: Veterans Affairs Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Academic Affairs

REPORTS TO:

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: The Veterans Affairs Coordinator directs, plans, and organizes all veterans’ services initiatives for currently serving military and those who have served with the ultimate goal of student success. The Veterans Services Coordinator works with the Office of Academic Affairs to ensure the departments vision, goals, and objectives are met. 

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Coordinator is responsible for the coordination and daily operation of Veterans Affairs, which is committed to supporting military students, Veterans, and dependents with academic and overall student success.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Develops and leads the departmental vision, mission, goals, programs, services, and budget
• Serves as point of contact for military and veteran students in creatively problem solving barriers through excellent customer service and student-oriented approach using College and external resources
• Leads and collaboratively partners with other units on campus to promote a veteran-friendly campus
• Ensures that eligible and prospective students are informed about their benefits, new and existing laws, and services available to them through the department
• Coordinates the outreach, recruitment and retention services to veterans and military-affiliated students
• Serves as the primary resource and advocate for veterans regarding their academic concerns
• Provides accurate information to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regarding certification of students eligible for VA benefits
• Establishes liaison relationships between local, civic, and veterans’ groups 
• Serves as a liaison and representative of the University at state, regional, and national organizations, boards, councils, and committees
• Collaborates with staff in other campus offices to ensure student issues are resolved and process changes are implemented to increase effectiveness and student success
• Develops and administers programs and services at the university to raise awareness and understanding of the unique needs of veteran and active military students to remove barriers to their success
• Facilitates and ensures compliance with federal, state, and other agencies by developing policies, procedures, and forms to meet the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs laws governing veterans’ educational benefits
• Designs comprehensive marketing to promote the University as a veteran-friendly institution to prospective and enrolled veterans and their families
• Remains knowledgeable about proposed and enacted federal legislation which affects veterans’ education programs by maintaining membership in professional organizations and participating in national and regional conferences
• Oversees social media accounts for Veterans Services

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge

• Knowledge of trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to veterans and higher education
• Proficiency with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Strong planning and organizational skills, accompanied by strong attention to detail
• Skilled in developing and delivering reports and presentations 
• Skilled in working with students in distress and compassionately problem solving while making use of multiple resources
• Ability to work through processes quickly and prioritize responsibilities 
• Ability to interpret Veterans Administration regulations 
• Ability to develop and maintain program records
• Ability to conceive of, plan, and effectively execute programs and services

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT: 

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment
• No or very limited physical effort required
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk

OTHER DUTIES: Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution required; Masters preferred
• 5 or more years of military and/or knowledge of and familiarity of sociological, cultural, and transitional issues of military and veteran students required. Former military experience strongly preferred
• 3 or more years of higher education experience with veterans services office and related issues preferred
• 3 or more years of career advising, training, event management, program planning and retention programs is preferred 
• Knowledge of federal rules and regulations by the Veterans Administration
• Knowledge of special needs of veterans and available financial aid benefits

Licensing and Certifications: Not required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to continuously stand or walk
• Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs and life frequently
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.