Senior Academic Program Specialist

Florida State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida State University in Tallahassee seeks a Senior Academic Program Specialist to certify and administer educational benefits for veterans and dependents. The role supports benefits processing, compliance, and record management within the Student Veteran Center.

Responsibilities include eligibility reviews, SCO duties, and coordination with Student Financial Services. Travel to conferences and campus sites is possible; strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus four years of related experience, or a high school diploma plus eight years of experience.
• Valid Florida or Georgia driver's license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a School Certifying Official (SCO) ensuring VA regulations, state requirements, and university policies for veteran benefits.
• Review, evaluate, and certify student enrollment and eligibility information through VA systems.
• Respond to inquiries from students, dependents, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders regarding VA educational benefits by email, phone, and in person.
• Liaise with Student Financial Services regarding veteran-related payments, deferments, refunds, debt management, and student accounts.
• Maintain accurate records and assist in data collection, reporting, and reconciliation for compliance and efficiency.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma with 8 years experience

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Job Title: Senior Academic Program Specialist
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 63775

Department

FSU Student Veteran Center
282 Champions Way, UCA4300
Tallahassee, FL 32306
850-644-9562
email: [e-mail]

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Benefits within the Student Veteran Center, the Senior Academic Program Specialist supports the certification and administration of educational benefits for military veterans, service members, and eligible dependents. As a member of the benefits team, the candidate selected for this position will primarily assist in benefits processing, regulatory compliance, customer service, record management, and related administrative functions.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as a School Certifying Official (SCO), ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations, state requirements, and university policies governing veteran educational benefits.
• Review, evaluate, and certify student enrollment and eligibility information through VA systems in an accurate and timely manner.
• Respond to inquiries from students, dependents, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders regarding VA educational benefits through email, telephone, and in-person consultations.
• Serve as a liaison with Student Financial Services regarding veteran-related payments, deferments, refunds, debt management, and student account inquiries.
• Research and resolve complex benefit-related issues while maintaining compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.
• Assist the Assistant Director for Benefits and other School Certifying Officials in the administration and oversight of VA educational benefits programs.
• Maintain accurate physical and electronic records in accordance with university and VA record-retention requirements.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and supporting documentation related to benefit processing, compliance reviews, audits, and program administration.
• Assist with data collection, reporting, and reconciliation activities to support operational effectiveness and regulatory compliance.
• Support the recruitment, training, scheduling, and supervision of VA Work-Study students.
• Participate in orientation programs, workshops, outreach events, and other initiatives promoting awareness of veteran educational benefits and Student Veteran Center services.
• Assist with certain Student Veteran Center programs, events, communications, and special projects.
• Contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Occasional travel to conferences, Panama City campus and other related sites.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree and four years of related experience or a high school diploma or equivalent and eight years of experience. (Note: or a combination of post high school education and experience equal to eight years.)

A valid Florida or Georgia driver's license or the ability to obtain one upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a School Certifying Official (SCO) for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional customer service in a student-centered environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
• Knowledge of higher education processes, including admissions, registration, enrollment, degree progression, and graduation requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, regulations, and procedural guidelines.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience maintaining confidential records and handling sensitive student information.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
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Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.