Veteran Certification and Recruitment Specialist

Position Summary

As a member of the Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Veteran and Military Student Services team, under the supervision of the Director of Veteran and Military Student Services, the Veteran Support and Recruitment Coordinator advises current and prospective veteran, military, and dependent students in procedures to utilize GI Bill educational benefits offered through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and leads all aspects of undergraduate and graduate recruitment of veteran/military students and dependents. This individual also plans veteran-specific new student orientations, oversees student veteran peer mentoring program, assists the Office of Admissions with special projects as needed, and maintains department website and social media outreach efforts. The Veteran Certification and Recruitment Specialist plays an integral role in creating a sense of belonging for Veterans of all identities

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Duties/Responsibilities

40% - GI Bill educational benefit certification 

• Works with Associate Director of Veteran and Military Benefits to provide accurate, up-to-date, and relevant benefits information and processing in a professional, timely, consistent, and engaging manner. Develops and follows internal processes for VA paperwork submission and certifies veteran student enrollment to the VA by means of the VA web portal. Maintains status and training requirements to be a designated school certifying official with the VA. Identifies and determines which GI bill chapter is most appropriate for each student’s situation. Answers questions about how students may maximize their education benefits via phone, email, and in person. Approves or denies requests for paid tutoring. Stays abreast of and responds to changes to VA regulations, state law, and MSU Denver policy affecting Veteran/Military and dependent students to remain in compliance with the VA (especially important as non-compliance may bring financial liability to MSU Denver). Helps implement policy, procedural and programmatic modifications in response to changes in federal or institutional regulations. Helps determine when and how applicable fees for tuition are reported to the VA.  

20% - Recruitment and Outreach 

• Manages and participates in recruitment and outreach activities. Plans and executes on-campus and off-campus recruiting events, including open house events and one-on-one advising, as well as institution-wide recruiting events such as local military installation education fairs, in addition to other opportunities for institutional exposure and recruitment. Responds to email and telephone inquiries by prospective Vet/Mil students. Refers between MSU Denver and outside agencies and appropriate academic advisors, faculty, and staff. Maintains department website and social media outreach efforts. 

15% - Orientation, Retention and Counseling 

• Collaborates with Orientation, Transition, and Retention Office to offer veteran orientation sessions: presents information regarding VA education benefits, veteran-specific programming, and resources available for military veterans in the local area. Provides walk-in counseling/advising services for prospective and continuing veteran/military students. Builds relationships with applicants and assists them with the application process. Facilitates correspondence between prospective and current students and academic advisors, Admissions personnel, Prior Learning Specialists, Residency Specialist, VR&E (Chapter 31) counselors, Care Center team members, Counseling Center staff, Auraria Health Center staff, CU Denver and CCD Veteran staff, the faculty, and other relevant MSU Denver, Auraria, and external personnel when appropriate. Maintains knowledge of the university and its various program offerings and admission requirements, keeping up to date with new programs and varying admission requirements across programs and partner agreements. 
• Work in collaboration with Veteran Center team to create, facilitate, and implement student-centered programs that promote a sense of belonging and community at MSU Denver and the Auraria Campus, Such programs should be targeted to address equity-gaps at MSU Denver and within the Veteran/ Military community in general.  

15% - Vet/Mil Center Activities Planning and Programming  

• Assists in the planning, development, and implementation of annual programming such as Veterans Week activities, bi-annual veteran student Graduation Ceremonies, and various other programs throughout the calendar year. Serves as advisor to student veteran organizations, as required.  

5% - Professional Development 

• Participate in relevant training and professional development opportunities related to supporting Veteran/ Military students as well as best practices for student-centered retention strategies that promote a sense of belonging, academic, and career success.  

5% - Other Duties as Assigned 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or four years’ experience working with a diverse population of nontraditional and/or veteran/military students, preferably in student affairs in a college/university setting and/or customer service, sales or marketing experience in the private sector. 
• A valid Colorado driver’s license is required, due to the occasional need to table at remote events (military bases, other schools, etc.). 

​​Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Recognition as a VA Certifying Official (approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs) for at least one year. 
• Demonstrated successful experience with outreach and recruitment efforts of underrepresented students including but not limited to first generation and students of color. 
• Experience using a Student Information System database or Customer Relationship Management system. 
• Experience in customer service including the ability to respond efficiently and effectively to customer requests and to use sensitivity and discretion when dealing with customers. 

Work Hours

• Full-time, 40 hours per week, Exempt
• Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Evenings and weekends as needed.
• Hybrid schedule (on-campus and remote) available for this position
• Travel: Rarely

Salary for Announcement

The minimum of the pay range for this position is $41,200. We anticipate the qualified candidate to be placed between $47,300 - $51,500. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. Additionally, Student Affairs has committed to tying our salaries to an understanding of a living wage. To that end, we will not pay less than $47,300.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire. 

If you are an Internal applicant, please apply via the Career tab within the WorkDay Menu

​​Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.