School Certifying Official

Golden Gate University; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Golden Gate University is seeking a School Certifying Official (SCO) to help ensure VA regulations are followed and enrollment certifications are accurately submitted. The SCO will liaise between student veterans and the VA to guarantee uninterrupted educational benefits and monitor academic progress.

The role involves evaluating student schedules, advising on benefit eligibility, and collaborating with Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Academic Advising to maintain complete student files.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years of experience in higher education, preferably in a Registrar, Financial Aid, or Veterans Affairs office.
• Direct, hands-on experience using VA-ONCE or the modern VA Enrollment Manager system is strongly preferred.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills to guide non-traditional students and manage confidential data securely.

Responsibilities

• Benefit Certification: Evaluate schedules and degree audits, then submit enrollment certifications to the VA.
• Compliance & Auditing: Maintain familiarity with VA education benefit chapters to ensure compliance.
• Student Advising: Counsel student veterans on eligibility, paperwork, and tuition assistance.
• Academic Monitoring: Track progress, enrollment changes, and graduation status of VA-funded students.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Academic Advising.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Data handling

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

VA-ONCE

Job description

School Certifying Official (SCO)Job Title: School Certifying OfficialReports To: Associate Director of Student Financial ServicesDepartment: Student Financial ServicesSalary: $70,304 - $75,000Location: RemotePosition SummaryUnder the direction of and reporting to the Associate Director, a School Certifying Official (SCO) works with our team of SCOs to ensures GGU complies with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations and process enrollment certifications, monitor academic progress, and act as a critical liaison between student veterans and the VA to guarantee uninterrupted educational benefits. Each SCO is responsible for a designated cohort of studentsKey ResponsibilitiesBenefit Certification: Evaluate student schedules and degree audits, then accurately submit enrollment certifications to the VA via their digital platforms.Compliance & Auditing: Maintain deep familiarity with all VA education benefit chapters (e.g., Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, VR&E) to ensure institutional compliance and prevent financial overpayments.Student Advising: Counsel student veterans on benefit eligibility, required paperwork, and military tuition assistance.Academic Monitoring: Track the academic progress, enrollment changes, and graduation status of VA-funded students, promptly reporting any adjustments to the VA.Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Academic Advising to ensure student files are complete and institutional reporting standards are met.Qualifications & SkillsExperience and Education: Bachelor’s degree, minimum of 2–3 years of experience in higher education, preferably within a Registrar's Office, Financial Aid, or Veterans Affairs department or a combination of education and related experience.Compliance Knowledge: Direct, hands-on experience using VA-ONCE or the modern VA Enrollment Manager system is strongly preferred.Communication: Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills to guide non-traditional students and manage confidential data securely.Service Excellence: Dedicated to delivering high-quality, responsive customer service to the university community.Workload: High-volume periods occur prior to and during the start of academic terms (e.g., January, April/May and August/September).Supplemental InformationTo apply: Please go to http://www.ggu.edu/jobs to submit an application, letter of interest, and a resume.In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third-party background check.Golden Gate University is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.University policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion/creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, taking a protected leave (e.g., family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.The University has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and to maintaining working and learning environments that reinforces these practices. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all demographics.