Primary School Certifying Official (Student Services Professional III)

San Diego State University; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 52,853 - 88,085; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

CSU education support: tuition waiver

Generous time off

Job summary

San Diego State University seeks a Primary School Certifying Official (PSCO) to certify federal and state veterans’ education benefits and Tuition Assistance while ensuring compliance with VA/DoD/CSU/state regulations. You will guide military-connected students on benefits, academic planning, and campus resources, coordinating with campus and external agencies.

The role involves reporting to the MVP Director, handling complex student issues, and supporting annual program approvals and compliance

Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university; advanced coursework in counseling/related fields.
• Three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience; Master’s degree may substitute for one year.
• Experience managing VA education benefits and ensuring compliance; familiarity with state and federal compliance surveys or audits.

Responsibilities

• Certify federal and state veterans' education benefits and Tuition Assistance in compliance with VA/DoD/CSU/state regulations.
• Advise military-connected students on education benefits, financial aid, degree progress, and campus resources.
• Coordinate benefit certifications with campus departments and external agencies; maintain accurate records and support regulatory compliance.
• Prepare reports, analyze student data, and support compliance reviews, audits, and program approvals.
• Support MVP initiatives through outreach, VA Work‑Study coordination, and advocacy for military-connected students.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

VA education benefits

Policy interpretation

Communication with diverse audiences

Interagency collaboration

Data reporting

Education

Master’s degree in counseling or related field

Three years of student services experience

Tools

Enrollment Manager

VA data systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Primary School Certifying Official (PSCO) plays a vital role in supporting the academic success of military-connected students at San Diego State University. Reporting to the Director of the Military and Veterans Program (MVP), the PSCO serves as the university's primary point of contact for Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) and federal and state veterans' education benefits. The position provides comprehensive guidance to service members, veterans, and eligible family members regarding education benefits, academic planning, and available campus resources while ensuring compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), California State University, and state regulations. The incumbent collaborates with campus departments and external agencies to certify education benefits, maintain regulatory compliance, support student success, and strengthen services for the military-connected community.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the university's Primary School Certifying Official by certifying federal and state veterans' education benefits, Tuition Assistance, and related programs while ensuring compliance with VA, DoD, CSU, and state regulations.
• Advise military-connected students on education benefits, academic planning, financial aid, degree progress, and available campus resources to support their educational goals.
• Collaborate with campus departments and external agencies to coordinate benefit certifications, maintain accurate records, resolve complex student issues, and support regulatory compliance.
• Prepare reports, analyze student data, maintain required documentation, and support compliance reviews, audits, and annual program approvals.
• Support Military and Veterans Program initiatives through outreach, communication, VA Work‑Study coordination, committee participation, and advocacy for military-connected students.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact by helping military-connected students, veterans, and their families successfully navigate higher education and achieve their academic goals.
• Serve in a highly respected Veterans Center recognized as a flagship resource within the California State University system.
• Build expertise in veterans' education benefits, higher education policy, regulatory compliance, and student advising.
• Collaborate with university departments, government agencies, and community partners to enhance services and opportunities for military-connected students.
• Join a mission-driven team dedicated to student success, inclusive excellence, and supporting those who have served.

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’s resource center and the first veteran’s 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.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution, where such are job-related. Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required. A master’s degree in counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of CSU and SDSU policies, procedures, regulations, admission requirements, and the SDSU General Catalog and Graduate Bulletin is preferred.
• Knowledge of state and federal VA education benefits, regulations, and VA data systems, including Enrollment Manager (preferred).
• Experience managing VA education benefits, ensuring compliance, and preparing for or participating in state and federal compliance surveys or audits.
• Ability to assess policies and procedures, interpret regulations, and recommend process improvements.
• Experience working with veterans or student veteran organizations as a member, mentor, advisor, or through veteran services; military service and leadership experience preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and provide accurate guidance on university resources and services.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, administrators, community partners, and external agencies.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively to student inquiries.

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

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,540 - $7,893/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,540/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.

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.

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, and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws. 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.

Supplemental Information

Apply by July 22, 2026. Background checks, including criminal records, are required and must be satisfactory. This position is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and requires compliance with CSU Executive Order 1083. SDSU 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. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities upon request.