Position Summary

The School Certifying Official & Advisor plays a critical role in supporting military-affiliated and veteran students by ensuring accurate administration of VA education benefits while providing knowledgeable, student-centered advising. Reporting to the MVP Director and working closely with the Primary School Certifying Official, this position supports the daily operations of the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center and serves as a trusted resource for students navigating complex benefit processes. This position works with a high level of independence, exercising sound judgment and attention to detail to maintain compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs regulations. This is a meaningful opportunity for a professional with military experience who is passionate about serving those who have served.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently administer the certification of federal and state veterans’ education benefits for undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs, CSU, and SDSU requirements. 
• Serve as a primary point of contact for VA-related inquiries, providing guidance to students, campus partners, and the public through in-person, phone, and electronic communication.
• Liaise directly with the VA Regional Processing Office to resolve certification discrepancies, payment delays, overpayments, and other complex benefit-related issues.
• Advise military-connected students on education benefits, policies, and procedures, and assist them in navigating university and external systems related to their benefits.
• Review and maintain student records and documentation in accordance with institutional, state, and federal compliance standards.
• Apply judgment to interpret regulations and guidelines in non-routine or complex situations, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Support coordination with campus partners such as Financial Aid, the Bursar’s Office, and academic units to ensure accurate and timely benefit processing. 
• Assist with training and providing functional guidance to entry-level or trainee staff
• Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current on changes to VA regulations, policies, and best practices. 

Why Join Us?

• Make a direct impact on the academic success and well-being of veteran and military-affiliated students.
• Work in a mission-driven Veterans Center that values service, advocacy, and student support.
• Apply your military experience and benefits expertise in a professional higher education setting.
• Collaborate with campus partners and external agencies to support a diverse student population.
• Join a supportive team committed to accuracy, compliance, and student success.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits-eligible, permanent/probationary position. 
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. 
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.  
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

SDSU Military and Veterans Program is the California State University (CSU) system’s flagship veteran resource center and the first veteran center in the system. The Military and Veterans Program (MVP) is a component within Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, which directs, manages and provides services for all aspects of the veteran, active duty, reserve and dependent programs for San Diego State University undergraduate and graduate students. The MVP manages all veteran and military-connected support services and events for the campus and serves as the primary source for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), and other agencies.

For more information regarding the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job-related field. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown below may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field; experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth. A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.

Key Qualifications

• Experience serving as a School Certifying Official or working with VA education benefits. 
• Familiarity with federal and state veterans’ education benefit programs.
• Experience advising students in a higher education setting.
• Military service or experience working with military-connected populations.
• Knowledge of CSU or SDSU policies and systems.
• Experience communicating information to small or large groups, such as through presentations, orientations, or workshops.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and follow through on assigned responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus or community partners.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,083 - $7,228/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,083/month.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by February 12, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu