<p>Syracuse University has been supporting veterans, military, and their families to achieve their academic goals since World War I. Today, over 1300 veteran and military-connected students are enrolled at the university with many students using Veteran Education (VA) benefits. The Director of the Office of Veteran Success (OVS), who reports to the Executive Director, Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, leads a high-caliber team of school certifying officials (SCOs) and staff that provide the day-to-day operations, supporting our student population to successfully navigate their education benefits. The Director of OVS also collaborates with the 13 university schools and colleges and university to staff, connect students to on and off-campus resources, and manage the University's VA work study programs to allow Syracuse University to be the "Best Place for Veterans."</p> <p>Education and Experience</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree is preferred. </li><li>Ten (10) plus years of progressive experience in higher education, with a strong emphasis on student services and veterans' affairs. </li><li>Eight (8) plus years of direct experience working with VA education benefits in a college or university environment. </li><li>Five (5) plus consecutive years of experience as a fully trained and qualified School. </li><li>Certifying Official (SCO), in full compliance with VA training requirements. </li><li>Demonstrated supervisory or management experience is required, including the ability to lead teams and manage complex processes. </li><li>Military service experience is preferred but not required. </li></ul> <p>Skills and Knowledge</p> <ul> <li>Demonstrates strong knowledge of applicable VA laws and regulations; ability to develop and interpret complex regulatory requirements. </li><li>Innovative leader with the ability to build, mentor, and manage effective, high-performing teams. </li><li>Exceptional organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills. </li><li>Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication. </li><li>Deadline focused and adept at time management. </li><li>Knowledge of PeopleSoft, OnBase, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Enrollment Manager, and Microsoft Office 360. </li><li>Knowledge of the transitional and educational issues that apply to veteran and military-connected students. </li><li>Experience in working with veteran and military-connected students. </li></ul> <p>Responsibilities</p> <p>Leadership</p> <ul> <li>Lead the day-to-day operations of the Office of Veteran Success (OVS). </li><li>Develop and lead the departmental vision, mission, goals, programs & services, and annual budget. </li><li>Supervise, train, and professionally develop six permanent full-time staff members including four School Certifying Officials (SCO), one Reconciliation Specialist, and one Office Coordinator. </li><li>Manage the university's U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) work-study program consisting of 12-15 students which includes the hiring, onboarding, training, professional development, and related personnel matter. </li><li>Direct and manage the certifying, reviewing, and accuracy of all VA education benefit certifications for over 1,300 veteran and military-connected students covering 25 separate enrollment periods during the academic year. </li><li>Direct the submission of original and revised VA certifications based on enrollment and add/drop activity that averages 4,800 per year. </li><li>Responsible for remaining knowledgeable about proposed and enacted federal legislation which affects veterans' education programs by maintaining memberships within professional organizations and participating in national and regional conferences. </li></ul> <p>Compliance and Reporting</p> <ul> <li>Responsible for the compliance of an annual 22 million-dollar receivable account for all VA education benefits payable from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to the university. </li><li>Direct the timely and accurate submission of over 1,300 veteran and military-connected students' VA education benefits to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. </li><li>Responsible for ensuring the university is within compliance with all 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. </li><li>Responsible for the mandatory annual federal and state VA audit compliance visits, reapproval of existing and new university education programs, and risk-based surveys as directed. </li></ul> <p>Direct Student Support Management</p> <ul> <li>Manage, liaise, and inform all university departments (i.e. financial aid, bursar, registrar, etc.) and its 13 schools and colleges about VA education benefits and regulatory mandates. </li><li>Collaborate across campus with departmental staff to ensure all veteran and military-connected student success challenges are resolved expeditiously. </li><li>Develop, direct, and administer veteran and military-connected student programs and services to enhance student retention, persistence, and success. </li><li>Advise prospective and current veteran and military-connected students and family members using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Educational benefits and links this student population to other university resources. </li></ul> <p>Budget and Fiscal Management</p> <ul> <li>Responsible for the financial planning, management, and execution of an annual operating budget of $500k. </li><li>Responsible for the reconciliation and processing of direct team's university ProCards with an annual expenditure of $50k. </li></ul> <p>Other duties as assigned</p> <ul> <li>Participate in professional development activities to ensure continued expertise and knowledge needed to provide effective leadership and program innovation. </li><li>Participate in various professional events, organizations, and veteran-focused initiatives on the local, regional, and national levels. </li></ul> <p>Physical Requirements</p> <p>Not Applicable</p> <p>Tools/Equipment</p> <p>Not Applicable</p> <p>Application Instructions</p> <p>In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.</p>