What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director position at Youngstown State University?
Summary of Position
Establishes and administers programs that assist veterans and current military students in obtaining a college education.
Position Information
Assists in the administration, operation, and maintenance of the YSU Veterans Resource Center (VRC); ensures excellent customer service and a welcoming atmosphere in the VRC.
Reconciles budgets, orders supplies and equipment for the facility, orchestrates catering for multiple events, pays bills, secures estimates, transfers funds, maintains record keeping and other related budgetary actions.
Monitors and positively impacts student veteran performance and progress, working knowledge and awareness of Federal (VA), Department of Defense (DOD), and state education funding for military connected students.
Responsible for understanding the various application processes for each funding source.
Collaborates with Student Accounts and VA Certifying Official Hotline to rectify discrepancies in funding levels received from the VA/DOD; collaborates with partnership programs to certify YSU students attending partner universities; references SCO Handbook and/or calls state/VA resources to solve difficult certification issues.
Maintains VA/University reports and records appropriately and keeps strict and accurate documentation in order to pass annual audit by the State Approving Agency (SAA) or the VA; prepares reports and statistics reflective of YSU veterans.
Develops, monitors, evaluates, and maintains supportive programming for YSU Students of prior and current military service; designs, implements, and assesses surveys that identify veteran populations for the purpose of program development.
Contacts student veterans via email, phone, or other means to ensure that students receive support services necessary to be successful in their academic endeavors; speaks with students about the proper use of VA education benefits, including the ramifications of dropping classes during the semester and incurring debts to the VA/University; determines if a student is staying within the parameters of their designated academic curriculum.
Assists veteran students in forming and implementing an academic/career plan; uses retention software to respond to flags raised by professors on student veteran records for poor attendance or academic performance.
Maintains accuracy of student Veterans digital record by insuring all pertinent military documents (DD Form 214, Joint Service Transcripts and supplemental documentation) are uploaded into Banner using BDM.
Assists the University in the recruitment and retention of veteran students; performs new student orientations, recruiting/retention initiatives, and education benefit workshops; meets 1:1 to recruit prospective students and assists in matriculation and VA/DOD Educational Benefit selection.
Evaluates military training on a case-by-case basis to determine applicable transfer credit. Coordinates with the Office of Degree Audit to advocate for those students and have approved credit added to the university transcript.
Runs applicable reports; determines eligibility for veteran related scholarships. Works collaboratively with the leadership to select student recipients of scholarship awards.
Intervenes on behalf of students who are called to duty to ensure no financial or academic penalties are assessed due to deployment.
Remains current regarding changes in federal laws and policies and procedures as applied to all VA, DOD and State educational benefits. Update all literature, forms, web pages as needed.
Stays proficiency in Drupal Website application. Maintains current public face of office website; updates, revises and upgrades website utility and functionality.
Understands Ohio residency rules as they pertain to student veterans and dependents; able to communicate current laws with residency coordinator in Admissions; assists veterans and their families in their transition to the University.
Assists in the duties of maintaining an advisory council made up of campus and community representatives to advise the OVA in regard to local, regional, state and national veteran’s issues.
Assists with faculty/staff awareness initiatives.
Assists with veteran related events that take place annually on campus.
Represents the University/VRC both on and off campus.
Other Functions and Responsibilities: Performs other duties as assigned.
Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.
Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday. willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends upon occasion. Possible overnight travel for supplemental training.
Supervision Exercised: Supervision is exercised over student employees.
Reports to: Associate Director, Veterans Resource Center
Qualifications and Competencies
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of: University policies and procedures*; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives*; department/division policies and procedures*; workplace safety practices and procedures*; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management.
Skill in: Use of office equipment; typing, data entry; computer operation; use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department/division*.
Ability to: work with numbers, data entry, basic calculations, web applications, social media management, and reports; deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; determine material and equipment needs; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; prepare accurate documentation; maintain records according to established procedures; travel to and gain access to work site; effectively interact with personnel and public to answer routine questions; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one tasks to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships.
(*) Developed after employment.
Minimum Qualifications: At least a bachelor’s degree in business, education, or related field; one or more years of experience providing guidance to students.
Preferred Qualifications: Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces; master’s degree in business, education, human services, or related field; at least two years’ experience working in higher education; two years’ experience understanding and working with VA Education Benefits; working knowledge of Internet Native Banner; prior experience certifying VA education benefits; demonstrated experience in coordinating events and presentations.
At Youngstown State University we are committed to a comprehensive employee benefit program that helps our employees live healthy, feel secure, and maintain a work/life balance. YSU offers two options for medical plans, optional dental and vision insurance and life insurance. These plans are reviewed annually to maintain competitiveness while being cost effective. In addition, YSU offers tuition remission, 403(b) and 457 retirement planning options, as well as state pension programs and optional voluntary life insurance benefits.
Medical Mutual of Ohio Medical plans
Dental Benefits
Vision Benefits
Group Life Insurance (University Sponsored and Voluntary)
Group Long Term Disability (University Sponsored and Voluntary)
Flexible Spending Account
Health Savings Account
Tuition remission
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness Initiatives
Sick Leave
Vacation Accrual
Paid Holidays
State Retirement Programs
403b and 457b Voluntary Retirement Options
Salary : $42,081 - $48,000