Veteran and Dependent Benefits Coordinator

Department within the Office of the Provost at George Mason University, the Division of Enrollment Management supports student recruitment, retention, and success. It develops and implements strategic enrollment management plans, creates and facilitates processes, and informs policies that guide students from recruitment through post-matriculation. The division is committed to transparent, data-informed decision-making and advances institutional enrollment goals through collaboration, innovation, and a student-centered approach.

About the role

The Veteran and Dependent Benefits Coordinator serves as a primary point of contact and advocate for military-connected students, actively recruiting prospective freshmen, transfer, and graduate students while helping them and their families understand and apply VA benefits. The role provides personalized support throughout the student lifecycle, assisting with admissions, orientation, enrollment, and the successful utilization of education benefits. The coordinator collaborates with campus partners to resolve issues, promote student success, and contribute to the daily operations of the Office of Military Services.

Responsibilities

• Actively recruits military-connected freshman, transfer, and graduate students.
• Meets with prospective students and their families to explain state and federal education benefits related to military service, including tuition assistance, Department of Veteran Affairs programs, and other programs assisting military and veteran families.
• Communicates with prospective students and applicants through the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and over the phone.
• Conducts presentations highlighting George Mason University and educational support services for military-connected students.
• Supports schools, colleges, and programs on campus with veteran and military-connected events.
• Develops active collaborations within the local community to augment recruitment efforts through workshops and events, both on- and off-campus.
• Assists newly enrolled and current military-connected students with the utilization of education benefits.
• Identifies the root cause of problems impeding the successful utilization of education benefits and assists students with solutions.
• Collaborates with partner offices on campus, including Student Accounts, Registrar, Financial Aid, and Academic Advising, to assist with timely resolutions.
• Documents and maintains all communications in the CRM through case management and by using the phone system.
• Maintains annual training requirements as a School Certifying Official for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Participates in day-to-day operations, activities, and processes of the Office of Military Services.
• Collaborates with New Student and Family Programs and Graduate Orientation to support newly enrolled military-connected students.
• Assists admitted students through the orientation process.
• Assists with the VA work-study program.
• Actively participates in Admissions events, as needed.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• Maintains a social media and communication presence by engaging with military-connected students and families about resources and programs to support student success.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Customer service experience.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to learn procedures quickly and use learned procedures to train others.
• Proficient with technology and able to learn new systems.
• Valid driver's license: must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of George Mason University’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected, with employment contingent upon a favorable review. Minor or major driving violations may affect eligibility for employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior military experience.
• Experience with Enrollment Manager and VMSDEP Portal.
• Experience in higher education with knowledge of military and VA programs.
• Experience using a CRM system.
• Experience working with student records and information systems.
• Knowledge of admissions programs.
• Knowledge of the VMSDEP and Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits.
• Familiarity with information technology systems used by the Department of Veterans Affairs, service branches, and institutions of higher learning.

Schedule

Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week).

Location

Fairfax, VA. Hybrid workplace type.

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Records Check, and Works with Minors check required.