Director of Military & Veteran Affairs - Cookeville, TN

Manage the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs Coordinator of Veteran Educational Benefits to ensure proper certification and enrollment verification is compliant with federal, state and university directives in relation to veterans and dependent education benefits and concerns. Oversees the work of VA-sponsored work study staff within the Veterans Center. Acts as secondary School Certifying Official. 

Ensures the University is compliant with state and federal agencies by maintaining a thorough knowledge of veterans’ affairs policies and procedures. Prepares and submits reports to the appropriate federal and state entities. Develops programs, policies, and tools to ensure the campus maintains federal and state compliance while providing optimum direct service to the university’s veteran and military student community. Manages the departmental budget and allocate responsible use of the restricted annual reporting fees. Maintains purchases and process vendor contracts. 

Acts as a liaison between the Department and all of University Departments as well as a liaison between veteran and dependent students and the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA). Directly collaborates with university faculty, staff and advisors to ensure students are properly certified under all Department of Veteran Affairs policies and procedures. Serves as Academic Advisor for the Student Veterans Organization. 

Acts as primary advocate for student veterans during transition into educational institution by meeting directly with prospective students and families to provide knowledge, insight, and ability to utilize VA educational benefits. 

Cultivate relationships with local/regional military installations for outreach and recruitment purposes. Collaborates with the Tech ROTC program as well as local Veteran Service Organizations to support student veterans.

At least seven (7) years of related professional experience to include experience working with veteran’s educational benefits. Must have served in any of the U.S. Military Branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force) with honorable discharge or have significant experience supporting military and veteran populations.

Prior experience as a School Certifying Official. Experience with public speaking and presentation. Experience in recruitment, training and supervising. Knowledge of DVA educational benefits; federal; and state benefits pertaining to veterans.