Veterans Benefits Coordinator (5137C), Office of the Registrar #87646

Veterans Benefits Coordinator (5137C), Office of the Registrar #87646 At the University of California, Berkeley , we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world. At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth . We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups. The Office of the Registrar (OR) has primary responsibility for interpreting and implementing the academic policies of the Berkeley campus in the areas of student registration, course enrollments, classroom use, recording of grades, and the maintenance of student records. Increasingly, the Office of the Registrar plays a key role in policy development related to the efficiency of the campus' delivery of academic programs and deployment of academic resources and to the successful and timely progress of students. OR provides comprehensive services to students, prospective students, alumni, faculty, staff and the general public. The Student Services unit advises and counsels students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the general public regarding Office of the Registrar services related to academic records, enrollment, fees, registration, degree and enrollment verification, readmission, veteran services, Summer Sessions and special programs such as Education Abroad, cross registration, visitor and exchange programs, etc. The unit is also responsible for maintaining accurate constituent records and works with multiple complex campus and third-party information systems. Position Summary The Veterans Benefits Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar (OR) is responsible for ensuring that eligible veterans and their dependents have seamless access to both State and Federal veterans’ educational benefits throughout their academic career, and that the University is compliant with all State, federal, UC and campus statutes, regulations, policies and procedures related to veterans’ educational benefits. Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is August 6, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date. Responsibilities School Certifying Official for Veterans Educational Benefits - 35% Serves as the University’s primary VA School Certifying Official (SCO) for veterans’ educational benefits, as well as the principal resource for educational benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), State of California, UC system, and Berkeley campus. Maintains comprehensive knowledge of and ensures compliance with all statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures for federal, State, UC, and campus veterans’ educational benefits—particularly those for VA Chapters 30 and 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill), Chapter 31 (Veterans Readiness & Employment), Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill), Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance), the California College (Cal Vet) Fee Waiver, the DoD Tuition Assistance program, and residency for UC tuition purposes. Certifies eligible students for veterans’ educational benefits using the VA’s Enrollment Manager portal both accurately and in a timely manner. Amends certifications to reflect changes in tuition and fees, enrollment and financial aid packaging; submits end-of-term reports in compliance with all statutes, regulations, policies, procedures and deadlines. Certifies eligibility for the Cal Vet tuition waivers using the Cal Vet College Waiver System. Applies the waivers in accordance with California Department of Veterans Affairs, OR, University and UC policies and procedures. Collaborates with colleagues in Financial Aid and Scholarships, Residence Affairs and Student Financials to ensure they are accurately applied and to resolve issues impacting the timely processing of the waivers. Liaison for Veterans Educational Benefits - 30% Acts as liaison between VA personnel—at the national, regional, state and local levels—and UC Berkeley students eligible for veterans’ educational benefits. Collaborates with colleagues across campus, throughout the UC system, and the VA to ensure timely receipt of benefits and to research and resolve related issues—including those associated with overpayments, enrollment changes, deficient grades, cancellations, and withdrawals. Collaborates with Financial Aid and Scholarships to ensure that VA educational benefits are accurately reflected in students' financial aid packages, which requires reconciling benefit amounts, identifying overlapping aid, and adhering to Title IV regulations to prevent over-awards. Liaises with Residence Affairs to verify veterans’ eligibility for in-state tuition under federal guidelines (e.g., Section 702 of the Choice Act), ensuring timely reclassification of resident status or application of nonresident tuition waiver and benefit processing. Coordinates with Third Party Contracts in Billing and Payment Services to ensure accurate invoicing, monitor tuition and fee postings, manage the timing of VA disbursements, resolve overpayments within the required timeframe, and avoid delays or discrepancies that could impact students’ registration or financial standing. Serves in an advisory role to peers throughout the UC system, particularly in response to VA regulatory updates and compliance interpretations. Consults with both the campus and systemwide legislative liaisons regarding matters involving compliance with federal mandates such as Title 38 and Section 103 of the Isakson and Roe Act. Participates in monthly meetings with UC Office of the President (UCOP) to stay current on the evolving federal and VA benefits landscape, ensuring campus alignment with national directives, UCOP guidance and best practices. Works with Student Information Systems to develop, maintain, improve and better leverage the Veterans’ Benefits suite and related eForms, reports, queries and query-based updates in Berkeley Campus Solutions. Student Support and Public Engagement - 20% Provides comprehensive support to prospective, current, and former students, as well as parents and the general public; fostering strong, collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators. Advises, assists, and guides students, staff, parents, prospective students, and the general public with information and services regarding options for veterans' educational benefits and initiating and receiving benefits seamlessly at UC Berkeley. Provides excellent and timely customer service in person, over the telephone and via email and Zoom. Elicits information from each constituent and evaluates or researches thoroughly. Accurately assesses their needs using all available resources. Provides accurate, thorough, and timely advice regarding statutes, regulations, policies, procedures, deadlines, and services. Deals with sensitive student and parent issues calmly and respectfully. Maintains confidentiality of constituent information. Defuses potentially explosive situations. Consults with colleagues and managers as needed and make appropriate referrals when warranted. Veterans Educational Benefits Training and Stakeholder Engagement - 5% Conducts regular training sessions for colleagues in Financial Aid and Scholarships, Billing and Payment Services, schools and colleges, and other key stakeholders to ensure they remain informed about the constantly evolving landscape of VA educational benefits, including changes in federal legislation, benefit eligibility rules, and institutional compliance requirements. Maintains comprehensive training procedures and reference manuals covering topics such as enrollment certification timelines, tuition and fee reporting, VA debt management, and State benefits such as the Cal Vet Fee Waiver. Regularly updates these materials to reflect changes in federal and state regulations, ensuring consistent application of policies, improved interdepartmental collaboration, and streamlined workflows in the administration of veterans’ educational benefits. Leads collaborative efforts with the Cal Veteran Services Center, Undergraduate Admissions, and Financial Aid and Scholarships to design, coordinate, and deliver informational sessions and presentations for current and prospective student veterans and their dependents. Represents the University as a subject-matter expert at major outreach and orientation events including Cal Day, Golden Bear Orientation, and Golden Bear Welcome providing guidance on VA educational benefits, eligibility requirements, and the certification process. Through these engagements, the incumbent enhances campus understanding of veteran educational benefits and strengthens institutional support for the student veteran community. Serves as the campus subject-matter expert and primary liaison on veterans’ educational benefits, ensuring that students, staff, and administrators have a clear and accurate understanding of how federal and state benefit programs integrate with University systems, financial aid processes, and institutional policies. Support Student Services - 5% Provides back-up to other Student Services staff as needed. Assists students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and the general public in person, on the telephone, and via email or Zoom regarding processes, deadlines, and procedures in other functional areas—including Undergraduate Readmission, Residency, Transcripts, Records, Registration & Enrollment; Tuition & Fees; Visitor & Exchange Programs; and Verification of Attendance & Degrees. Other Duties and Projects as Assigned - 5% Provides analytical support to the Assistant Registrar, Student Services Unit, and senior management. This includes conducting independent research and analysis, making recommendations for changes to procedures, practices, and policies, implementing approved recommendations, and assisting in the preparation of internal reports, procedures, and policy analysis. Engages in ongoing professional development to remain current with industry standards and national best practices, actively seeking opportunities to improve individual performance, improve organizational effectiveness, and support continuous improvement. Required Qualifications Thorough knowledge of VA, DoD and California regulations pertaining to veterans’ educational benefits. Thorough knowledge of and/or ability to learn about University policies, processes, and procedures and of Federal and California laws pertaining to the privacy rights of students and access to student information. Ability to apply thorough knowledge of policies to a variety of individual situations. Recommends procedures to ensure compliance in a diverse learning community. Strong problem identification, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; judgment and decision-making ability. Ability to assess processes and implement improvements. Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills, active listening skills, customer service orientation and interpersonal skills. Working knowledge and demonstrated ability to use complex databases to reconcile student records, verify eligibility for veterans’ educational benefits, and report institutional data to the VA. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaborate with with people from diverse cultures, perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Utilizes excellent constituent service skills with all interactions. Strong ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with campus departments, UC campuses, and external agencies. Preferred Qualifications Thorough knowledge of and/or ability to learn common University-specific computer application programs and productivity software. Thorough knowledge of particular Registrar core functions (e.g., degree requirements, special enrollment, veterans' benefits, and residency). Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Education / Training Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. (Required) Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted annual range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,035.00 - $96,180.00. The full pay scale for this classification is $70,035.00 - $122,325.00. This is an exempt, monthly-paid position. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits. Other Information This position is eligible for up to 2 days/week remote work within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change. This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee. This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for SV. Conviction History Background This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. Misconduct As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California