Enrollment and Veteran Certifications Specialist

Department: Academic Affairs

Classification: Education Support Spec 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Office of the University Registrar implements academic policy of George Mason University, as well as applicable federal and commonwealth laws. Provides high-level, customer-oriented services to students, faculty, and administrative customers. Balances competing needs of various constituencies as fairly as possible and within the confines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended. Functional areas include academic records, transcripts, certification, domicile appeal, graduation, registration, scheduling, and reports on student data.

About the Position:

The Enrollment and Veteran Certifications Specialist is responsible for serving as a Veterans Educational Benefits School Certifying Official (SCO) providing timely and accurate certifications of enrollment regarding veteran students' eligibility for educational benefits; maintaining educational veteran student records and updating data according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requirements; preparing for agency annual audits (by federal and commonwealth departments); and assisting the Registrar's Office in meeting program requirements and customer service needs, including high-level, customer-oriented services to students, faculty, and administrative customers while balancing competing needs of various constituencies as fairly as possible, consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, and other applicable laws.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as school certifying official (SCO) for credit and non-credit students eligible to receive veterans' educational benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA);
• Coordinates the enrollment verification process in accordance with VA rules and procedures;
• Provides customers with procedures and guidance for establishing and reporting special assistance to Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 33, Chapter 35, 1606, and 1607, and Yellow Ribbon veterans and their dependents;
• Serves as a Registrar's certification official to ensure the accuracy and compliance of student files;
• Fulfills federal and state system requirements for ensuring accurate and complete veteran data, institutional approvals, and compliance requirements;
• Utilizes Workflow, Patriot Web, Banner, WebXtender, and other systems used in certifying students;
• Participates in trainings regarding veteran matters, and certification and coordination developments;
• Requests reports from Registrar's IT staff that are helpful in managing veteran students' needs;
• Acts as the Chapter 31 SCO, handling all inquires, certifications, reporting, and communications with the counselors and other stakeholders at Mason. Uses Enrollment Manager to update student status based on reports;
• Develops metrics to track progress in executing and coordinating veteran certifications;
• Provides assigned services and office support, including efforts to improve office operations and enhance efficiencies;
• Engages in cross-training sessions with other Certifications Services staff to provide cross-functional assistance, backup capabilities during absences and busy periods, and support as needed;
• Maintains currency with policies and procedures; and
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Assistant Registrar, Associate Registrar, or the Registrar.

Required Qualifications:

• Significant experience in student academic services;
• Experience with programs addressing student needs and eligibility requirements;
• Experience serving veteran populations;
• Experience in working as a veteran educational benefit certifying official;
• Experience in customer service settings;
• Experience managing transactional work through a complex and integrated computerized student information system;
• Experience with maintaining and using student data and reporting systems;
• Experience in coordinating information, problem-solving, and demonstrating initiative;
• Experience in preparing for agency annual oversight audits;
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite, including spreadsheets;
• Experience with Banner and Enrollment Manager;
• Familiarity with program needs, including financial and regulatory compliance;
• Strong customer service skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Demonstrated ability to process work during periods of high demand;
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities;
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and customer service-based environment;
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of university clientele;
• Ability to quickly learn and use specific software packages related to the fulfillment of responsibilities;
• Willingness to perform other duties as assigned; and
• Complete VA required SCO training as required by law.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Enrollment and Veteran Certifications Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  April 16, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  April 30, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes