Manager Military Veterans Affairs

Who we are:

The University of New Haven, founded in 1920, is a private university whose mission is to prepare students to excel and lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society. The university offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs and has been recognized for academic excellence, nationally and internationally. In addition to its main campus in West Haven, the university has a campus in Tuscany, Italy. Learn more at newhaven.edu.

The Manager, Military & Veteran Affairs provides comprehensive, student-centered support for military-affiliated students, including active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, veterans, military and veteran dependents, and ROTC cadets. The Manager serves as the primary campus resource from inquiry through graduation for questions related to recruitment, enrollment, military and veteran educational benefits, regulatory compliance, referrals, engagement, and student success. The position leads the Office of Military & Veteran Affairs, manages the Veteran Center and VA Work Study program, and collaborates across the University to strengthen recruitment, retention, communication, compliance, and community-building initiatives.

You will:

Compliance, Certification and Benefits

• Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and state requirements, working with the State Approving Agency and Education Liaison Representative.
• Serve as the primary School Certifying Official and submit enrollment certifications for VA education benefits.
• Assist students with benefit eligibility and application processes, and maintain benefit information in applicable VA, DOD, and University systems, including the VA Enrollment Manager and related portals.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy changes affecting military-affiliated students and communicate pertinent updates to relevant campus partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for disbursement of the Veterans Emergency Loan Fund under Bursar supervision.

Student Support and Enrollment

• Serve as the focal point of contact from inquiry through graduation for military-affiliated students seeking guidance on educational benefits, compliance, University resources, and campus points of contact.
• Serve as primary enrollment recruiter for military-affiliated students and support undergraduate and graduate recruitment efforts, recruitment events, outreach initiatives, and military- or veteran-related college fairs as needed.
• Partner with Student Success and Student Affairs to orient students to University life, monitor academic progress, make referrals, and share appropriate concerns through Navigate.
• Coordinate an outreach plan with Student Affairs and the One Stop Office to maximize communication and support for all military-affiliated students, regardless of VA educational-benefit coverage.
• Maintain working knowledge of Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, Bursar, and Registrar operations and procedures to provide informed referrals and coordinated support.

Office, Program and Community Leadership

• Manage the Office of Military & Veteran Affairs and the campus Veteran Center.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, schedule, and support participants in the VA Work Study program.
• Serve as Service to Scholar Program Director.
• Maintain and co-chair the Veterans Advisory Board, convene recurring meetings, and collaborate on community-building initiatives.
• Plan and execute the annual Salute to Service Awards Banquet celebrating student veterans and community partners.
• Develop and deliver University-sponsored Green Zone Training for pertinent departments and student leaders.
• Distribute the OMVA newsletter to military-affiliated students and, when appropriate, the larger campus community, including timely VA updates and University information.
• Manage military and veteran program budgets and related resources.

Partnerships, Engagement and Institutional Support

• Serve as the University liaison for ROTC and the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society.
• Advise the Charger Vets student organization and support academic, service, community-building, and recreational programs for military-affiliated students.
• Coordinate and lead meetings for faculty and staff involved in supporting military-affiliated students.
• Manage and submit surveys related to military-friendly and best-for-veterans recognition efforts in collaboration with Institutional Research.
• Provide staff with resources that promote excellent service and coordinated military and veteran support across campus.
• Support the goals and mission of Enrollment and Student Success and the University.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor and Enrollment Vice President that are in accordance with the goals and mission of the University.

You need:

• Bachelor's degree and two to four years of relevant experience.
• Prior service in the United States Armed Forces.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel on behalf of the University.
• Availability to work non-traditional hours, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated appreciation for the experiences and needs of individuals from military and veteran backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with a professional presentation and demeanor.
• Ability to safeguard sensitive and private information and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Good judgment, tact, diplomacy, discretion, reliability, flexibility, and consistent follow-through.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate effectively across departments, contribute as a team member, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience working in a higher education environment preferred.

What's in it for you:

• Health & Welfare Programs: Employees and their eligible family members, including spouses and dependent are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Programs.
• Wellness & Fitness: On-campus Recreation and Fitness Center for employees and families; Employee Assistant Program
• Commitment to Educational Excellence: Tuition assistance for employees and eligible dependents; Tuition exchange opportunities
• Employee Discounts on products, services and educational opportunities
• Work/Life Benefits: Generous paid time off programs; progressive paid holiday schedule (including holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s); 4 weeks of parental paid leave; flexible work schedules including summer hours where applicable

*The University of New Haven is not a qualifying E-Verify employer and its use of E-Verify is limited to specific government projects. For that reason, candidates with STEM OPT authorization cannot be considered for employment.