Illinois Institute of Technology
Assistant Director, Student Services & Veteran School Certifying Official
🇺🇸 Chicago, IL
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $60K
💻 Financial Aid
🗓️ October 13th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
Illinois Institute of Technology is hiring an Assistant Director, Student Services & Veteran School Certifying Official. This role leads the student experience within the Financial Aid Office focusing on veteran student needs, financial aid counseling, benefit processing, and compliance. It manages veteran certification, supports recruitment, provides direct student services, and contributes to enrollment management.
Highlights
- Counsel students on financial aid processes, including FAFSA and loan management.
- Serve as VA School Certifying Official, managing veteran benefit enrollment and compliance.
- Process financial aid applications, hardship appeals, and satisfactory academic progress appeals.
- Collaborate with admissions, marketing, and academic affairs to recruit and support military students.
- Provide leadership and training for financial aid staff and maintain communication with university stakeholders.
- Maintain compliance with federal and state regulations regarding veterans' benefits and financial aid.
- Bachelor's degree required with 5+ years progressive experience in veterans affairs, financial aid, admissions, or enrollment services.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills needed, with knowledge of federal financial aid and veterans benefit programs.
- Works within the Financial Aid Office and enrollment management team; liaises with government agencies and internal university departments.
- Benchmark salary approximately $60,000 annually.
Assistant Director, Student Services & Veteran School Certifying Official Full Description
Assistant Director, Student Services & Veteran School Certifying Official
Position Details
Position Information
Position Title | Assistant Director, Student Services & Veteran School Certifying Official
Requisition # | S01480P
FLSA | Exempt
Location | IIT-Mies Campus (MC), 10 West 35th St., Chicago
Department | Financial Aid Office
GENERAL DESCRIPTION | Illinois Tech Student Financial Services strives to educate, empower, and support students with an understanding of financial options and resources in an approachable environment. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid Services, the Assistant Director for Student Services & Veteran School Certifying Official is a key leader of the Financial Aid Office and a member of the enrollment management team, providing leadership on the student experience, particularly as it relates to veteran student needs, along with support for all aspects of the student experience related to financial aid and veteran benefit processing. This role will support the Director in providing direct student services and triage support in the Office of Financial Aid. This role will serve as the VA School Certifying Official and manage the veteran student experience from benefit processing, student advising, recruitment support, and veteran related compliance.
Benefits | Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here: https://www.iit.edu/hr/benefits
COMMUNICATIONS | Excellent communication skills required when working with university staff, outside vendors and current and prospective students, including in-person and virtual advising, presentations, email, and phone outreach.
CUSTOMER SERVICE | Excellent customer service required when working with university staff, outside vendors and current and prospective students. Broad knowledge of university functions and depth of financial aid requirements necessary to cultivate relationships with students and across campus. The ability to maintain student confidentiality is essential in this position.
Special Schedule Requirements |
EEOC Statement | Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer that welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds who bring varied perspectives and experiences to the university community. The university provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, veteran, or disability status, and any other protected class under applicable state and federal laws and regulations. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.
Requisition # | S01480P
FLSA | Exempt
Location | IIT-Mies Campus (MC), 10 West 35th St., Chicago
Department | Financial Aid Office
GENERAL DESCRIPTION | Illinois Tech Student Financial Services strives to educate, empower, and support students with an understanding of financial options and resources in an approachable environment. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid Services, the Assistant Director for Student Services & Veteran School Certifying Official is a key leader of the Financial Aid Office and a member of the enrollment management team, providing leadership on the student experience, particularly as it relates to veteran student needs, along with support for all aspects of the student experience related to financial aid and veteran benefit processing. This role will support the Director in providing direct student services and triage support in the Office of Financial Aid. This role will serve as the VA School Certifying Official and manage the veteran student experience from benefit processing, student advising, recruitment support, and veteran related compliance.
Benefits | Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here: https://www.iit.edu/hr/benefits
COMMUNICATIONS | Excellent communication skills required when working with university staff, outside vendors and current and prospective students, including in-person and virtual advising, presentations, email, and phone outreach.
CUSTOMER SERVICE | Excellent customer service required when working with university staff, outside vendors and current and prospective students. Broad knowledge of university functions and depth of financial aid requirements necessary to cultivate relationships with students and across campus. The ability to maintain student confidentiality is essential in this position.
Special Schedule Requirements |
EEOC Statement | Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer that welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds who bring varied perspectives and experiences to the university community. The university provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, veteran, or disability status, and any other protected class under applicable state and federal laws and regulations. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.
Qualifications
Education & Experience | Bachelor’s required.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in veterans affairs, financial aid, admissions, or enrollment services.
Military Veteran or knowledge of military experience, benefits, and transcripts is beneficial
Knowledge & Skills | Exercises great attention to detail utilizing analytical and problem-solving skills.Demonstrate the ability to adapt in a high pace environmentMust keep abreast of changes with Federal Student Aid and Veterans/ Military benefits programs.Must be able to manage multiple projects and coordinate with collaborators simultaneously.Demonstrated ability and experience to handle complex and sensitive issues.Strong written and verbal communications with proven ability to maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external constituents in order to provide support for the office and the students it serves requiredDemonstrated ability to work in a team-based environment
Excellent commitment to diversity and to service the needs of a diverse population
Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently
Works well in translating financial aid requirements into operational activities supporting overall enrollment efforts
Influences management by supplying key data that assists in decision making
SUPERVISION & BUDGET AUTHORITY | N/A
Physical Environment and Requirements | Office environment; must be able to sit at computer for long periods of time.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in veterans affairs, financial aid, admissions, or enrollment services.
Military Veteran or knowledge of military experience, benefits, and transcripts is beneficial
Knowledge & Skills | Exercises great attention to detail utilizing analytical and problem-solving skills.Demonstrate the ability to adapt in a high pace environmentMust keep abreast of changes with Federal Student Aid and Veterans/ Military benefits programs.Must be able to manage multiple projects and coordinate with collaborators simultaneously.Demonstrated ability and experience to handle complex and sensitive issues.Strong written and verbal communications with proven ability to maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external constituents in order to provide support for the office and the students it serves requiredDemonstrated ability to work in a team-based environment
Excellent commitment to diversity and to service the needs of a diverse population
Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently
Works well in translating financial aid requirements into operational activities supporting overall enrollment efforts
Influences management by supplying key data that assists in decision making
SUPERVISION & BUDGET AUTHORITY | N/A
Physical Environment and Requirements | Office environment; must be able to sit at computer for long periods of time.
Certifications and Licenses
List any certifications or licenses that are either required or helpful in performing the job, designating whether required or preferred. | N/A
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibility | ServicesCounsel students (in person, virtually, over phone, and email) on all aspects of the financial aid process, including FAFSA completion, cost of attendance, awarding of federal funds, loan borrowing and management, financial hardship situations, etc.
Serve as member of counseling team to support student appointments (in-person & virtual) and walk-in needs. Assist in the direction of student inquiries to other staff as needed and provide leadership to the counseling staff for escalation needs
Meet with students in a co-terminal program to ensure aid receipt based on enrollment is understood so students can plan course schedule accordingly
In support of the Director of Financial Aid Services, provide escalation assistance for all service needs with a solution mindset to support the student experience and positive team culture
Percentage Of Time | 25Key Responsibility | Operations
Process ROTC funds for eligible students; coordinate with each branch to ensure timely process each term and assist students in understanding impact on overall aid offerOversee financial aid processing needs for key populations such as part-time scholarship requests, reinstatements, and scholar programs
Assist with reconciliation and discrepancies with Student Accounting for veteran and special populations going through third-party billingAssist with completion of financial aid processes including but not limited to verification, c-flags, private loan processing, etc.Process financial aid hardship appeals in accordance with federal professional judgement guidelinesProcess satisfactory academic progress (SAP) appeals to review students in continued eligibility for federal aid
Percentage Of Time | 20Key Responsibility | Veterans
Adhere to all VA principles of excellence to provide high quality services and support to veteran students
Certify enrollment and benefits each term for benefits eligible students, including allowable tuition and fees; monitoring any changes in enrollment or aid to ensure accuracy and ensure VA benefits are processed as last payer with all other applicable aid by working closely with the Offices of the Registrar and Student Accounting
Ensure cost transparency based on VA guidelines with the maintenance of the shopping sheet in conjunction with the Senior Financial Aid Director
Provide timely support for all veteran student data for annual financial audits and periodic veteran compliance surveys
Supply data validation for all veteran student reporting requirements, including internal and external requirements such as IPEDS and USNews surveys
Monitor student’s standards of progress and report ineligible students to the VA accordingly
Maintain proper record retention in accordance with the VA guidelines
Counsel students processing veteran benefits on financial, enrollment, and any other needs that may arise to support overall student success for this population
Liaise needs internally to ensure veteran students have holistic support throughout academic career
Working collaboratively with admissions, marketing, financial aid, and academic affairs units for the purpose of recruiting military students, including attending events to support enrollment and retention
Remain current regarding state, federal, and university regulations and policies related to veteran’s benefits and federal compliance
Support the development of and serve on a Veteran’s Services task force with key stakeholders from enrollment, academics, and student affairs to develop and support a robust veteran experience at Illinois Tech
Collaborate the delivery of special veterans’ related programming (ex: Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and veterans support groups) with key campus stakeholders
Conducts training for faculty and staff on matters related to veteran student needs
Percentage Of Time | 35Key Responsibility | Compliance
Liaise between student and government agencies to address inquiries and resolve issues with federal aid or veteran benefits eligibility and/or processing
Provide input on any financial aid or veteran compliance related policies and procedures to ensure continued organizational and student eligibility for funds
Ensure all required university documentation for processing all military benefits is kept current and monitored by key university leadership stakeholders
Percentage Of Time | 10Key Responsibility | LeadershipServe on the financial literacy committee and assist the Director of Financial Aid Services in providing programming, tools, and support for student literacy and cost planning needs
Provide support to all financial aid staff to resolve financial aid discrepancies and resolve issues to ensure integrity in aid administration
Provide regular training to the financial aid staff on all service, processing, and operational needs in collaboration with the Senior Director and Director of Financial Aid Services
Contribute to the implementation of Financial Aid and university policies and procedures for the office
Other duties and special projects as assigned
Percentage Of Time | 5Key Responsibility | Events
This role will work at several events each aid year to assist students and families in understanding the financial aid process, their individual aid offer, veteran benefit options, and enrollment next steps. Some nights and weekends are required for university events.
Percentage Of Time | 5
Serve as member of counseling team to support student appointments (in-person & virtual) and walk-in needs. Assist in the direction of student inquiries to other staff as needed and provide leadership to the counseling staff for escalation needs
Meet with students in a co-terminal program to ensure aid receipt based on enrollment is understood so students can plan course schedule accordingly
In support of the Director of Financial Aid Services, provide escalation assistance for all service needs with a solution mindset to support the student experience and positive team culture
Percentage Of Time | 25Key Responsibility | Operations
Process ROTC funds for eligible students; coordinate with each branch to ensure timely process each term and assist students in understanding impact on overall aid offerOversee financial aid processing needs for key populations such as part-time scholarship requests, reinstatements, and scholar programs
Assist with reconciliation and discrepancies with Student Accounting for veteran and special populations going through third-party billingAssist with completion of financial aid processes including but not limited to verification, c-flags, private loan processing, etc.Process financial aid hardship appeals in accordance with federal professional judgement guidelinesProcess satisfactory academic progress (SAP) appeals to review students in continued eligibility for federal aid
Percentage Of Time | 20Key Responsibility | Veterans
Adhere to all VA principles of excellence to provide high quality services and support to veteran students
Certify enrollment and benefits each term for benefits eligible students, including allowable tuition and fees; monitoring any changes in enrollment or aid to ensure accuracy and ensure VA benefits are processed as last payer with all other applicable aid by working closely with the Offices of the Registrar and Student Accounting
Ensure cost transparency based on VA guidelines with the maintenance of the shopping sheet in conjunction with the Senior Financial Aid Director
Provide timely support for all veteran student data for annual financial audits and periodic veteran compliance surveys
Supply data validation for all veteran student reporting requirements, including internal and external requirements such as IPEDS and USNews surveys
Monitor student’s standards of progress and report ineligible students to the VA accordingly
Maintain proper record retention in accordance with the VA guidelines
Counsel students processing veteran benefits on financial, enrollment, and any other needs that may arise to support overall student success for this population
Liaise needs internally to ensure veteran students have holistic support throughout academic career
Working collaboratively with admissions, marketing, financial aid, and academic affairs units for the purpose of recruiting military students, including attending events to support enrollment and retention
Remain current regarding state, federal, and university regulations and policies related to veteran’s benefits and federal compliance
Support the development of and serve on a Veteran’s Services task force with key stakeholders from enrollment, academics, and student affairs to develop and support a robust veteran experience at Illinois Tech
Collaborate the delivery of special veterans’ related programming (ex: Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and veterans support groups) with key campus stakeholders
Conducts training for faculty and staff on matters related to veteran student needs
Percentage Of Time | 35Key Responsibility | Compliance
Liaise between student and government agencies to address inquiries and resolve issues with federal aid or veteran benefits eligibility and/or processing
Provide input on any financial aid or veteran compliance related policies and procedures to ensure continued organizational and student eligibility for funds
Ensure all required university documentation for processing all military benefits is kept current and monitored by key university leadership stakeholders
Percentage Of Time | 10Key Responsibility | LeadershipServe on the financial literacy committee and assist the Director of Financial Aid Services in providing programming, tools, and support for student literacy and cost planning needs
Provide support to all financial aid staff to resolve financial aid discrepancies and resolve issues to ensure integrity in aid administration
Provide regular training to the financial aid staff on all service, processing, and operational needs in collaboration with the Senior Director and Director of Financial Aid Services
Contribute to the implementation of Financial Aid and university policies and procedures for the office
Other duties and special projects as assigned
Percentage Of Time | 5Key Responsibility | Events
This role will work at several events each aid year to assist students and families in understanding the financial aid process, their individual aid offer, veteran benefit options, and enrollment next steps. Some nights and weekends are required for university events.
Percentage Of Time | 5
Posting Information
Work Hours | Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Position Category | Full Time
Posting Date | 10/09/2025
Closing Date |
Posted Until Filled | Yes
Quicklink for Posting | https://iit7.peopleadmin.com/postings/11504
Position Category | Full Time
Posting Date | 10/09/2025
Closing Date |
Posted Until Filled | Yes
Quicklink for Posting | https://iit7.peopleadmin.com/postings/11504
Budget Information
Budget Amount
Benchmark Amount | 60000
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Resume
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter
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