Manager of Veteran Affairs

Training Tomorrow's Technicians to Become Skilled, Employable, and Essential ABOUT US - Big Changes, Better Benefits - Join us today! At Cotulla Education, home to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, Tidewater Tech, and American Lineman College, we are dedicated to transforming lives through hands-on, career-focused education. Our mission is to empower students to achieve their professional dreams in high-demand fields like aviation, healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. With experienced faculty providing personalized support, our graduates emerge as future leaders ready to make a significant impact in their communities. Join us in shaping the careers of those who will build and maintain our world and embark on a transformative journey towards a fulfilling career. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday Compensation: $80,000 - $87,000 annually, based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors. Most candidates expected to land in the middle We are seeking an experienced, compliance-focused Manager of Veteran Affairs to oversee VA-related operations across our campuses and serve as the institution’s primary School Certifying Official (SCO). This role is responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of VA educational benefits while leading a centralized team of VA Specialists. The Manager of Veteran Affairs will oversee certification, reporting, audit readiness, program approvals, and regulatory compliance while partnering with campus and academic leadership to provide a consistent, high-quality experience for our military-affiliated students. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of VA education benefits and regulatory requirements, experience leading VA operations within higher education, and the ability to develop standardized processes and internal controls across multiple campuses. Key Duties Serve as the institution’s primary School Certifying Official (SCO) and oversee VA operations across all campuses Lead, develop, and manage a centralized team of VA Specialists/SCOs, including training, performance management, and accountability for processing and compliance standards Oversee certification and administration of approved military and veteran education benefit programs, including: Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Montgomery GI Bill (Chapters 30 and 1606) Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) Military Tuition Assistance MyCAA Ensure timely and accurate submission of enrollment certifications, adjustments, student status changes, program completions, and other required reporting Conduct regular audits of student enrollments, curriculum changes, program adjustments, and VA records to maintain compliance and data integrity Maintain compliance with key VA requirements and audit-risk areas, including the 85/15 rule, enrollment reporting, 35% exemption renewal, and required SCO training Lead preparation for VA audits, compliance reviews, and Risk-Based Surveys, maintaining organized and audit-ready documentation Develop and implement standardized processes and internal controls to reduce compliance risk and ensure consistency across campuses Serve as the primary liaison with the State Approving Agency (SAA) and coordinate new and revised academic program approvals Partner with Student Accounts and Financial Aid to ensure accurate tuition and fee reporting, billing, and administration of VA benefits Monitor and reconcile VA payments, debts, and overpayments and ensure timely resolution and appropriate documentation Provide ongoing training and guidance to VA staff, campus partners, and institutional leadership regarding regulatory requirements and certification processes Ensure compliance with FERPA and institutional privacy requirements when managing military-affiliated student information Qualifications Education: High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent on-the-job experience, required Bachelor’s degree in business, education, public administration, or a related field preferred Experience: 3–5 years of experience in a higher education VA role Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience with direct responsibility for managing a team Experience using VA Enrollment Manager or a comparable VA enrollment certification system Knowledge of financial aid and bursar operations is a plus CampusNexus/Anthology Student experience is a plus Knowledge & Skill Set: Working knowledge of VA education benefit programs, including Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, and 1606, Military Tuition Assistance, and MyCAA Working knowledge of State Approving Agency requirements, VA compliance standards, and certification processes Understanding of FERPA and student data privacy requirements Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, compliance-focused environment Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to provide regulatory guidance to staff and leadership Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential student information Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments and campuses Ability and willingness to travel for business purposes and occasionally work outside regular business hours as needed Certification & Training: Must complete the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ required initial School Certifying Official (SCO) training within 30 days of hire Must maintain all subsequent annual SCO professional development and training requirements mandated by the VA What We Offer 401(k) and Matching: Secure your future with our competitive retirement savings plan. Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy Health, Dental, and Vision insurance to help keep you and your family healthy. Life Insurance: Peace of mind with life insurance options. Parental Leave: Support for new parents during important life transitions. Paid Time Off: Recharge with paid time off to promote work-life balance. Employee Assistance Program: Access resources for personal and professional support. Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your future with financial support for further education. We are committed to providing a rewarding compensation package that supports both your professional growth and personal well-being. Cotulla Education is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes to the success of our company and are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion.