Description:
 

Job Description Summary:
 

The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) Advisor serves as the institution’s primary and designated School Certifying Official (SCO) and is responsible for the administration of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits.

This position provides advanced coordination of veteran and military-connected student services, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while supporting student success and institutional integrity.

The SCO Lead functions as the institution’s subject matter expert and primary liaison to the VA and State Approving Agency (SAA), exercising independent judgment in interpreting and applying regulatory requirements. This role operates as a senior individual contributor with institution-wide responsibility for certification, compliance, audit readiness, and veteran student engagement.

This position reports to the Dean of Students, with regular collaboration with Student Affairs, the Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Academic Affairs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

VA Certification & Compliance (Primary Function)

• Serve as the institution’s designated School Certifying Official (SCO).
• Certify student enrollment, program changes, and status updates accurately and in accordance with VA regulations.
• Monitor and report changes (e.g., withdrawals, reductions, program changes, graduation) within required timelines.
• Interpret and apply federal VA education benefit regulations (Title 38) and institutional policies.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready student certification records in compliance with FERPA and VA standards.

Program Approval & Regulatory Coordination

• Coordinate the submission and maintenance of academic program approvals with the State Approving Agency (SAA).
• Ensure all programs eligible for VA benefits meet federal and state requirements.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs and the Registrar to validate program data, catalog alignment, and reporting accuracy.
• Track program approvals, updates, and renewal requirements.

Audit & Compliance Management

• Serve as the primary institutional contact for VA and SAA audits, compliance surveys, and reviews.
• Prepare and organize documentation required for audits and compliance reporting.
• Respond to audit inquiries and coordinate corrective actions as necessary.
• Maintain institutional readiness for ongoing compliance monitoring.

Institutional Liaison & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Act as the primary liaison between the institution and the VA.
• Collaborate with the Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Academic Programs to ensure compliance and data accuracy.
• Provide guidance to campus partners on VA regulations, certification processes, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure consistent application of policies affecting veteran and military-connected students.

Student Support & Case Management

• Advise veteran and military-connected students on education benefits, eligibility requirements, and available campus resources.
• Maintain a caseload of students using VA benefits, monitoring academic progress and enrollment status.
• Support veteran student success through holistic advising, referrals, and engagement opportunities.
• Provide support aligned with FERPA guidelines and institutional privacy standards.

Veteran Engagement & Programming

• Develop, coordinate, and implement programming and engagement opportunities that support the success, retention, and sense of belonging of veteran and military-connected students.
• Plan and execute veteran-focused events, including orientations, workshops, and recognition events.
• Collaborate with campus partners to integrate veteran-inclusive practices into broader student success initiatives.
• Foster connections between veteran students and campus resources, community organizations, and peer networks.
• Assess program effectiveness and recommend improvements to enhance participation and outcomes.
• Promote awareness of veteran and military-connected student needs through outreach, presentations, and campus education.

Operational Leadership (Non-Supervisory)

• Provide functional oversight of veteran benefits processes, workflows, and engagement efforts.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and student engagement.
• Develop internal procedures and training resources related to VA certification, compliance, and veteran services programming.
• Support continuity planning, including training and coordination with a designated backup SCO.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, Education, Counseling, Social Work, Public Administration, Health Sciences Administration, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years of prior experience serving as a designated School Certifying Official (SCO), within the past 5 years, at an institution of higher education, with responsibility for certifying VA education benefits.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in student services, academic advising, enrollment/registrar operations, financial aid, veteran services, or compliance functions within a higher education environment.
• Experience supporting VA and SAA audits, compliance surveys, and reviews.

Work Environment:

Office Location: Oakland Campus – Onsite

• This is an onsite position based in Oakland, CA, requiring regular in-office presence to support daily operations, collaboration, and student or team engagement.
• Work is performed primarily on campus in a dynamic academic environment, with direct interaction across multidisciplinary teams.

Travel Requirements:

• Regular travel to SMU’s regional campuses in California (Sacramento, Fresno and Foster City).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of VA education benefits and compliance requirements.
• Ability to accurately interpret and apply VA, institutional, and academic policies, preferably in non‑standard terms and clinical education settings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated strong attention to deadlines, ensuring all time‑sensitive responsibilities, particularly those related to compliance, certification, and student support, are completed accurately and without delay.
• Proficiency with Student Information Systems (SIS) and complex databases for reporting and analysis.
• Technical proficiency and the ability to quickly learn, adapt to, and effectively utilize a variety of software applications, information systems, and technology platforms.
• Knowledge of FERPA and student records management requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and policies.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and decision-making authority.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and influence without formal authority.
• Commitment to serving veteran and military-connected student populations.
• Candidates must possess a baseline level of competencies for Student Affairs educators, as outlined by ACPA/NASPA:
  • Personal and Ethical Foundations
  • Values, Philosophy, and History
  • Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
  • Law, Policy, and Governance
  • Organizational and Human Resource
  • Leadership
  • Social Justice and Inclusion
  • Student Learning and Development
  • Technology
  • Advising and Supporting

Certifications & Training

• Must be currently eligible and qualified to serve as a VA School Certifying Official.
• Must have successfully completed VA SCO training in accordance with Section 305of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017.
• Must maintain annual VA SCO training compliance to retain certifying authority throughout employment.

Employee Status:

Regular

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Job Shift:

Pay Range:

up to $95,000 [annually/exempt], depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors.

Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.