Reporting to the University Director of Registration Operations-SEAM, we are seeking an Associate Director of Veteran Services who will serve as the University’s primary representative in all matters related to service members, veterans, and their families. This is a university-wide position responsible for the VA compliance requirements for all divisions and programs of Johns Hopkins University. The Associate Director will be the designee VA Point of Contact (POC) for all JHU campuses. This person must be able to respond effectively to a diverse population with a sensitive, broad spectrum of experiences. Provides strategic direction to the University’s initiatives that may affect the veteran students, current service members, and their families. Participate in the JHU institution-wide military and veteran support model and growth strategy. The Associate Director will also act as the supervisory school certifying official and will be responsible for the overall operations of the Veterans Education Office university-wide. Provide support for both prospective military students and current military students and act as an advocate for them when concerns arise—a key role in developing and implementing military-friendly policies.
Thorough knowledge of the university’s 470+ programs is essential for required Federal, State, and VA compliance reporting, as well as having the ability to advise Veteran benefit recipients properly. This position collaborates with other departments across all campuses and extension campuses, including those responsible for various aspects of compliance, to ensure GI Bill compliance standards are in line with Federal and State Legislation as well as all Veterans Administration policies, regulations, and rules as determined by the VA (Federal) and State Approving Agencies (SAA) in Maryland and DC.
The Associate Director of Veteran Services will supervise, train, and evaluate the staff of the Veteran’s Office (including official VA Work-Study positions). The Associate Director will also be responsible for managing the receipt and proper VA usage (Federal guidelines) of annual VA reporting fees university-wide. Additionally, the responsibility of this position is to serve as the primary School Certifying Official who can advise and assist military students on their education benefits and transition from the military to campus life. Provide parents and dependent students with information regarding the many options available under the Veterans Administration Educational Benefits. Upon appropriate guidance, the position will provide timely, accurate, and complete certifications within the VA Once system and respond to all inquiries from the Veterans Administration (Federal). Students will be thoroughly advised as to the type of benefits they may receive, how benefits are applied at a private institution, and the consequences of not complying with all VA policies and procedures. The Associate Director will also collaborate with the staff in the Third Party Payer Office, Student Accounts, and Financial Aid, as well as with academic advisors across campuses, submit accurate GI Bill certifications, and is required to make professional judgment calls per VA and JHU policy guidance.
This position reviews all university and department websites to ensure compliance with VA regulations and provides approved Catalog Submissions and ongoing program submissions for all divisions to the proper VA authorities. Responsible for completing required training related to VA policies/procedures and laws/regulations, as well as managing the newly required VA training for the certifying official team. Must be able to travel to conferences to remain current and expand the knowledge base of continuous changes with regulations. Must attend required VA and SAA Compliance Training (both online and in-person).
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure that all Veteran Affairs compliance requirements are met with National, Regional, and SAA VA offices.
- Supervises training and guidance for School Certifying Officials within the University, including the Veterans Work Study. Manage and train support staff. Thorough knowledge of federal rules and regulations of the VA and Active Military Benefits.
- Maintain awareness of legislative changes that may impact the military or veteran student population.
- Work closely with Financial offices, the Office of the University Registrar, and Academic Compliance within JHU on all compliance matters, any official external correspondence, and reporting to the VA.
- Evaluate the academic progress of student veterans as required by law.
- Thorough knowledge of all JHU degree and certificate programs (currently 470+).
- Provide required 85/15 VA compliance data for all JHU programs utilizing the GI Bill.
- Coordinate data gathering for the Veteran Services Annual Compliance Review for all campuses and synthesize reporting elements at the university level, where applicable.
- Work closely with external entities that relate to military students (SVA, NAVPA, Veteran Affinity Network).
- Maintain membership and voting privileges with the National Association of Veteran Program Administers.
- Knowledge of academic services throughout the University to support student needs.
- Liaison for other departments involved with the VA support process.
- Proficiency with the VA ONCE system and Military Portals.
- Submit grades and completions in the Military Portals.
- Awareness of sensitive military issues and a broad spectrum of experiences.
- Participate in VA and DOD webinars.
- Develop internal and external communication for events and outreach.
- Attend required VA training events and complete the online module of VA SCO training.
Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of veterans' benefit programs and their application; military portal knowledge.
- Demonstrated aptitude for advising and explaining complex federal regulations.
- Proficiency in the usage of personal computer and standard applications software (word processing, spreadsheet, and/or database management programs).
- Good organizational, communication, and public relations skills are required.
- Must be able to multi-task, have excellent communication skills, and explain complex regulations to various JHU offices.
- Must be detail-oriented.
- Work independently and use professional judgment.
- Must be able to identify and seek out resources when additional knowledge is required for unusual situations (JHU staff, VA State, VA regional).
- Gentle temperament to discuss sensitive information with military service members.
- Effective communication, both verbal and written.
- Ability to work well in a diverse environment.
- Strong customer service background.
Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certifications
- Up to date with necessary VA SCO training certification.
Supervisory Responsibility
- Two University VA School Certifying Officials; two VA Work Study employees.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- Four years of increasingly responsible student registration experience in a higher education setting is required.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five years experience as a VA School Certifying Official.
Classified Title: Associate Director Registration Operatio
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Associate Director of Veterans Affairs
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/ME
Starting Salary Range: $64,600 - $113,300 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Mon - Fri / 08:30am - 05:00pm (In person attendance expected for special events)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Remote
Department name: SEAM Registration
Personnel area: University Student Services
