Syracuse University
Director, Office of Veteran Success
🇺🇸 Syracuse, NY
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $75K - $88K
💻 Operations
🗓️ August 29th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
Syracuse University is hiring a Director for the Office of Veteran Success. The Director leads a team that manages daily operations supporting over 1,300 veteran and military-connected students in navigating their VA education benefits. They also collaborate with university schools and manage VA work-study programs to enhance veterans' academic experience and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Highlights
- Lead day-to-day operations of the Office of Veteran Success, supervising six full-time staff including four School Certifying Officials.
- Manage VA education benefit certifications for over 1,300 students and oversee the university's VA work-study program involving 12-15 students.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and VA laws, including managing a $22 million receivable account and coordinating mandatory audits.
- Develop and administer veteran and military-connected student programs to promote retention and success.
- Manage an annual operating budget of $500,000 and oversee reconciliation of $50,000 in team expenditures.
- Required knowledge includes VA laws and regulations, PeopleSoft, OnBase, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Enrollment Manager, and Microsoft Office 360.
- Qualifications include a bachelor's degree (master’s preferred), 10+ years in higher education with emphasis on veterans’ affairs, 8+ years direct experience with VA education benefits, and 5+ years as a qualified School Certifying Official.
- Experience supervising teams and managing complex processes is essential; military service experience is preferred but not required.
- Pay range is $75,000 - $87,500 with standard university business hours.
- Works closely with 13 university schools and various departments such as financial aid, bursar, and registrar to support veteran students.
Director, Office of Veteran Success Full Description
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Director, Office of Veteran Success
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Syracuse University is interested in candidates who have the communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of colleagues, students and community members. Women, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Syracuse University is an equal opportunity employer, as well as a federal contractor required to take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.
Posting Details
Posting Details
Job # | 042170
Department Code | 31300-0095
Department | Veteran & Military Affairs
Job Title | Director, Office of Veteran Success
Location | Syracuse, NY
Pay Range | $75,000 - $87,500
Pay Determination | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level | S5
FLSA Status | Exempt
Hours | Standard University business hours.
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type | Full-time
Campus | Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code | Not Applicable
Job Description | Syracuse University has been supporting veterans, military, and their families to achieve their academic goals since World War I. Today, over 1300 veteran and military-connected students are enrolled at the university with many students using Veteran Education (VA) benefits. The Director of the Office of Veteran Success (OVS), who reports to the Executive Director, Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, leads a high-caliber team of school certifying officials (SCOs) and staff that provide the day-to-day operations, supporting our student population to successfully navigate their education benefits. The Director of OVS also collaborates with the 13 university schools and colleges and university to staff, connect students to on and off-campus resources, and manage the University’s VA work study programs to allow Syracuse University to be the “Best Place for Veterans.”
Education and Experience | Bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred. Ten (10) plus years of progressive experience in higher education, with a strong emphasis on student services and veterans’ affairs. Eight (8) plus years of direct experience working with VA education benefits in a college or university environment. Five (5) plus consecutive years of experience as a fully trained and qualified School. Certifying Official (SCO), in full compliance with VA training requirements. Demonstrated supervisory or management experience is required, including the ability to lead teams and manage complex processes. Military service experience is preferred but not required.
Skills and Knowledge | Demonstrates strong knowledge of applicable VA laws and regulations; ability to develop and interpret complex regulatory requirements. Innovative leader with the ability to build, mentor, and manage effective, high-performing teams. Exceptional organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication. Deadline focused and adept at time management. Knowledge of PeopleSoft, OnBase, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Enrollment Manager, and Microsoft Office 360. Knowledge of the transitional and educational issues that apply to veteran and military-connected students. Experience in working with veteran and military-connected students.
Responsibilities | Leadership Lead the day-to-day operations of the Office of Veteran Success (OVS). Develop and lead the departmental vision, mission, goals, programs & services, and annual budget. Supervise, train, and professionally develop six permanent full-time staff members including four School Certifying Officials (SCO), one Reconciliation Specialist, and one Office Coordinator. Manage the university’s U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) work-study program consisting of 12-15 students which includes the hiring, onboarding, training, professional development, and related personnel matter. Direct and manage the certifying, reviewing, and accuracy of all VA education benefit certifications for over 1,300 veteran and military-connected students covering 25 separate enrollment periods during the academic year. Direct the submission of original and revised VA certifications based on enrollment and add/drop activity that averages 4,800 per year. Responsible for remaining knowledgeable about proposed and enacted federal legislation which affects veterans’ education programs by maintaining memberships within professional organizations and participating in national and regional conferences.
Compliance and ReportingResponsible for the compliance of an annual 22 million-dollar receivable account for all VA education benefits payable from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to the university. Direct the timely and accurate submission of over 1,300 veteran and military-connected students’ VA education benefits to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Responsible for ensuring the university is within compliance with all federal, state, and other agencies by developing policies, procedures, and forms to meet the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs laws governing veterans’ educational benefits. Responsible for the mandatory annual federal and state VA audit compliance visits, reapproval of existing and new university education programs, and risk-based surveys as directed.
Direct Student Support ManagementManage, liaise, and inform all university departments (i.e. financial aid, bursar, registrar, etc.) and its 13 schools and colleges about VA education benefits and regulatory mandates. Collaborate across campus with departmental staff to ensure all veteran and military-connected student success challenges are resolved expeditiously. Develop, direct, and administer veteran and military-connected student programs and services to enhance student retention, persistence, and success. Advise prospective and current veteran and military-connected students and family members using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Educational benefits and links this student population to other university resources.
Budget and Fiscal Management Responsible for the financial planning, management, and execution of an annual operating budget of $500k. Responsible for the reconciliation and processing of direct team’s university ProCards with an annual expenditure of $50k.
Other duties as assignedParticipate in professional development activities to ensure continued expertise and knowledge needed to provide effective leadership and program innovation. Participate in various professional events, organizations, and veteran-focused initiatives on the local, regional, and national levels.
Physical Requirements | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment | Not Applicable
Application Instructions | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/110649
Job Posting Date | 08/22/2025
Application Deadline |
Full Consideration By |
Job Category | Staff
Message to Applicants | Syracuse University is interested in candidates who have the communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of colleagues, students and community members. Women, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Syracuse University is an equal opportunity employer, as well as a federal contractor required to take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.
Department Code | 31300-0095
Department | Veteran & Military Affairs
Job Title | Director, Office of Veteran Success
Location | Syracuse, NY
Pay Range | $75,000 - $87,500
Pay Determination | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level | S5
FLSA Status | Exempt
Hours | Standard University business hours.
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type | Full-time
Campus | Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code | Not Applicable
Job Description | Syracuse University has been supporting veterans, military, and their families to achieve their academic goals since World War I. Today, over 1300 veteran and military-connected students are enrolled at the university with many students using Veteran Education (VA) benefits. The Director of the Office of Veteran Success (OVS), who reports to the Executive Director, Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, leads a high-caliber team of school certifying officials (SCOs) and staff that provide the day-to-day operations, supporting our student population to successfully navigate their education benefits. The Director of OVS also collaborates with the 13 university schools and colleges and university to staff, connect students to on and off-campus resources, and manage the University’s VA work study programs to allow Syracuse University to be the “Best Place for Veterans.”
Education and Experience | Bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred. Ten (10) plus years of progressive experience in higher education, with a strong emphasis on student services and veterans’ affairs. Eight (8) plus years of direct experience working with VA education benefits in a college or university environment. Five (5) plus consecutive years of experience as a fully trained and qualified School. Certifying Official (SCO), in full compliance with VA training requirements. Demonstrated supervisory or management experience is required, including the ability to lead teams and manage complex processes. Military service experience is preferred but not required.
Skills and Knowledge | Demonstrates strong knowledge of applicable VA laws and regulations; ability to develop and interpret complex regulatory requirements. Innovative leader with the ability to build, mentor, and manage effective, high-performing teams. Exceptional organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication. Deadline focused and adept at time management. Knowledge of PeopleSoft, OnBase, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Enrollment Manager, and Microsoft Office 360. Knowledge of the transitional and educational issues that apply to veteran and military-connected students. Experience in working with veteran and military-connected students.
Responsibilities | Leadership Lead the day-to-day operations of the Office of Veteran Success (OVS). Develop and lead the departmental vision, mission, goals, programs & services, and annual budget. Supervise, train, and professionally develop six permanent full-time staff members including four School Certifying Officials (SCO), one Reconciliation Specialist, and one Office Coordinator. Manage the university’s U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) work-study program consisting of 12-15 students which includes the hiring, onboarding, training, professional development, and related personnel matter. Direct and manage the certifying, reviewing, and accuracy of all VA education benefit certifications for over 1,300 veteran and military-connected students covering 25 separate enrollment periods during the academic year. Direct the submission of original and revised VA certifications based on enrollment and add/drop activity that averages 4,800 per year. Responsible for remaining knowledgeable about proposed and enacted federal legislation which affects veterans’ education programs by maintaining memberships within professional organizations and participating in national and regional conferences.
Compliance and ReportingResponsible for the compliance of an annual 22 million-dollar receivable account for all VA education benefits payable from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to the university. Direct the timely and accurate submission of over 1,300 veteran and military-connected students’ VA education benefits to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Responsible for ensuring the university is within compliance with all federal, state, and other agencies by developing policies, procedures, and forms to meet the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs laws governing veterans’ educational benefits. Responsible for the mandatory annual federal and state VA audit compliance visits, reapproval of existing and new university education programs, and risk-based surveys as directed.
Direct Student Support ManagementManage, liaise, and inform all university departments (i.e. financial aid, bursar, registrar, etc.) and its 13 schools and colleges about VA education benefits and regulatory mandates. Collaborate across campus with departmental staff to ensure all veteran and military-connected student success challenges are resolved expeditiously. Develop, direct, and administer veteran and military-connected student programs and services to enhance student retention, persistence, and success. Advise prospective and current veteran and military-connected students and family members using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Educational benefits and links this student population to other university resources.
Budget and Fiscal Management Responsible for the financial planning, management, and execution of an annual operating budget of $500k. Responsible for the reconciliation and processing of direct team’s university ProCards with an annual expenditure of $50k.
Other duties as assignedParticipate in professional development activities to ensure continued expertise and knowledge needed to provide effective leadership and program innovation. Participate in various professional events, organizations, and veteran-focused initiatives on the local, regional, and national levels.
Physical Requirements | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment | Not Applicable
Application Instructions | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/110649
Job Posting Date | 08/22/2025
Application Deadline |
Full Consideration By |
Job Category | Staff
Message to Applicants | Syracuse University is interested in candidates who have the communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of colleagues, students and community members. Women, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Syracuse University is an equal opportunity employer, as well as a federal contractor required to take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * How did you first find out about this position?
- sujobopps.com (Syracuse University Online Employment website)
- Syracuse University HR Recruiter
- Virtual Career Fair (via NYS Department of Labor)
- SUNY EOC (Equal Opportunity Center)
- Women’s Opportunity Center
- Jubilee Homes
- Syracuse Northeast Community Center
- Interfaith Works
- JobPlus
- Syracuse.com
- Chronicle of Higher Education
- HigherEdJobs.com
- HERC (HERC Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium)
- InsideHigherEd.com
- Indeed.com
- DiverseEducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education website)
- LinkedIn Job Posting
- Job Fair
- Search Firm
- Referred by an SU Employee
- Other
- If "other", please describe how you first found out about this position.
(Open Ended Question)
621 Skytop Road | Suite 1001 | Syracuse, NY 13244 – 5300 | 315.443.4042
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© 2017 - Syracuse University, All Rights Reserved. | Accessibility | Privacy | Accreditation | syr.edu
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