Job Details

School Certifying Official

Position Number: 7290036
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Student Affairs and Services

School Certifying Official

Job Summary

The School Certifying Official (SCO) serves as the primary liaison between students, the University of Utah, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the State Approving Agency. The SCO is responsible for administering and certifying VA education benefits for eligible veterans, service members, and their dependents, ensuring benefits are processed accurately, compliantly, and in a timely manner.

Working closely with students, campus partners, and VA representatives, the SCO provides guidance on educational benefits, maintains compliance with federal and state regulations, and supports military-connected students throughout their academic experience. This position requires strong analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Serve as a student advocate and provide accurate information and guidance to students regarding VA educational benefits. Analyze student concerns, suggestions, and complaints and provide appropriate responses.
Certify student enrollment including verifying benefit status, reviewing courses to ensure they meet declared majors, tracking and reporting VA funding to the University, and counseling/advising students of discrepancies that may impact funding. Report student dismissals, graduation dates, and academic probation to the VA.
Provide guidance to military-connected students regarding military and VA educational benefits, funding options, and benefit eligibility requirements.
Serve as the subject matter expert regarding veterans' education benefits. Liaison with the Veterans Administration and various University departments including The Registrar's Office, Admissions, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Income Accounting, etc. to problem solve, provide training, and be the information resource for students and departments.
Coordinate with the State Approving Agency regarding changes to academic programs, policies, personnel, course catalog updates, marketing materials, and program approvals to ensure ongoing compliance.
Assist the Senior SCO with the implementation and compliance of VA and University policies and procedures. Prepare records for audit and compliance reviews.
Collaborate with the Veteran Support Center team to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to learning, supportive of veteran, military, and dependent needs, and provides an environment that is respectful, engaging, and welcoming among all students and visitors.
Assist with outreach efforts and programs that support military-connected students.
Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Program Specialists, I: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master's (or equivalency) degree.
Program Specialists, II: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Department-Specific Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent/relevant experience.
2 years' experience gaining a working knowledge of managing VA and/or university functions including but not limited to: student information systems, veteran services, registration, and records management, graduation certification; and skills in holistic university administration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to provide outstanding customer service with a desire to assist, educate, and serve the University's military population.
A proven track record of business process improvement and managing change.
Proficiency with computer systems, databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to manage confidential information and maintain compliance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.
Ability to interpret and comply with complex regulations and policies.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and administrative skills are essential along with the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to various constituencies.
Must be able to work across institutional departments, demonstrate success in prior positions, and exhibit a proven commitment to internal and external customer service.
A strong understanding of current laws, regulations, and procedures as related to academic record-keeping.
Ability to collect, analyze, and report data that informs the way the department practices, university procedures, and policies impact student success and use this data to inform strategies for improvement across all functional areas.
Must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Military service and/or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work experience
Working with VA education benefits or military-connected populations.
Knowledge of higher education administration, student services, financial aid, admissions, or registrar functions.
Experience interpreting federal regulations and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN45549B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: M-F 9:00am - 5:00pm
Department: 01481 - Veteran Support Center
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $55,000 - $65,000
Close Date: 10/1/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/204868