Department: Division of Enrollment Management

Classification: Education Support Spec 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary starting upper $40,000, commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

In collaboration with the George Mason University community, and as a part of the Office of the Provost, the Division for Enrollment Management optimizes student recruitment and retention by developing and implementing strategic enrollment plans, overseeing the admissions process, providing financial aid services, and managing the Mason Student Services Center-a centralized student services resource. The Division?s activities support the achievement of institutional enrollment goals by placing the student (and family) at the center of our work, supporting a culture of transparency, and leveraging data to inform decision-making.

The Office of Admissions facilitates the recruitment and enrollment of freshmen, transfer, graduate, and non-degree students in alignment with the University's strategic plan, ensuring a diverse and successful student body that contributes to the institution's excellence and global impact.

About the Position:

The Veteran and Dependent Benefits Coordinator assists with the utilization of state and federal education benefits for perspective, incoming and current students. Performs administrative and technical duties to streamline and assist with the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent program. Engages with military connected populations attending Virginia Community College System (VCCS) campuses by providing support and transition assistance to students pursuing pathway and transfer opportunities to attend George Mason University. Assists with daily operations of the Office of Military Services while building relationships and collaborating across campus to ensure a positive student experience for military connected and veteran populations.

Responsibilities:

• Manages daily operations of the Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) portal;
• Implements program and ensures compliance with State Code, the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, and State Council for Higher Education in Virginia;
• Maintains database and coordinates with partner offices to ensure waiver is processed in a timely manner and financial aid awards are adjusted in accordance with federal financial aid policies;
• Uses email and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool to include timely response to VMSDEP and Veterans Affairs education benefits cases in collaboration with the Mason Student Services Center (MSSC);
• Assists current student population with issues related to benefits and seeks resolution through collaboration with offices across campus;
• Organizes cross campus work-group as needed to improve policies and procedures related to the VMSDEP program;
• Supports persistence, retention, and graduation efforts for VMSDEP students;
• Actively counsels and recruits freshmen, transfer, and graduate students utilizing the VMSDEP and Department of Veteran Services education programs by providing extensive education and benefits counseling;
• Meets with prospective students and their families;
• Conducts presentations that highlight George Mason University and educational support services for military connected students;
• Develops active collaborations and partnerships with veterans and community organizations to augment recruitment efforts through various outreach methods, including workshops and outreach events both on campus and the community;
• Establishes and maintains relationships at military installations and community colleges, schedules meetings and engages in appropriate follow-up activities with prospective students and applicants intending to use VMSDEP and Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits;
• Maintains annual training requirements as a School Certifying Official for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
• Actively participates in Admissions events, as needed. 

Required Qualifications:

• Associate?s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Customer service experience;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to learn procedures quickly and use learned procedures to train others; and
• Proficient with technology and able to learn new systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor?s degree in a related field;
• Prior military experience;
• Experience with Enrollment Manager and the VMSDEP portal;
• Experience in higher education with knowledge of military and VA programs;
• Experience working with student records and information systems;
• Knowledge of admissions programs;
• Knowledge of the VMSDEP and Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits; and
• Familiar with information technology systems used by the Department of Veterans Affairs, service branches, and institutions of higher learning.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Veteran and Dependent Benefits Coordinator at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  August 9, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  August 23, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  Yes

About George Mason University

George Mason University is a public, comprehensive, research university established by the Commonwealth of Virginia located in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. Mason was initially founded as a branch of the University of Virginia in 1949, and became an independent institution in 1972. George Mason University is an innovative and inclusive academic community committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world.

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