Director of Veterans Affairs (45657)

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University is a private, nonprofit university in San Francisco focused on AI and built for working adults. GGU has a long and distinguished history of serving those who serve, and today enrolls more than 1,500 veteran and military-connected students across its academic programs, a population that continues to grow. GGU is consistently recognized as a leading institution for veteran education, and the University is committed to deepening that leadership through dedicated investment in veteran student success.

Position Summary

The Director of Veterans Affairs serves as the University's principal officer for all matters relating to veteran and military-connected students. The Director serves as GGU's primary liaison to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the applicable State Approving Agency, and provides guidance to GGU senior leadership to ensure the University's ongoing compliance with all VA requirements applicable to GGU programs. The Director also supports the University's broader efforts to serve veteran and military-connected students well.

The position reports to the President's Chief of Staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Government and External Relations

• Build and maintain a strong working relationship with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the regional and national levels, serving as the University's primary point of contact with the VA.
• Build and maintain relationships with the other federal and state agencies critical to veteran students, including the State Approving Agency, the Department of Defense and military service branches with respect to tuition assistance programs, and state veterans affairs agencies.
• Build and maintain relationships across the broader network of veteran-aligned organizations, including national and local veteran service organizations, Student Veterans of America, advocacy groups, foundations, and philanthropic partners, and position GGU as an active and visible participant in that network.
• Represent the University's interests before these agencies and organizations, monitor their priorities and policy developments affecting veteran education, and keep GGU senior leadership informed of developments relevant to the University.

VA Regulatory Compliance

• Advise the President, General Counsel, Provost, and other senior leaders on VA regulatory requirements applicable to GGU programs, including GI Bill benefit administration (Chapters 30, 31, 33, and 35), Yellow Ribbon Program participation, the 85/15 rule and related exceptions, the Principles of Excellence, and related statutory and regulatory obligations.
• Provide guidance to the University's Office for Student Financial Services to ensure that School Certifying Officials can execute accurate, timely certification of enrollment for students using VA education benefits.
• Monitor changes in federal and state law, VA policy, and State Approving Agency guidance affecting veteran education benefits, and ensure that GGU policies, program approvals, catalogs, and marketing materials remain compliant.
• Coordinate the University's response to VA compliance surveys, audits, and program approval actions, working with the Office of the General Counsel as appropriate.

Veteran Student Support

• Serve as a visible advocate for veteran and military-connected students within the University community and represent GGU in external forums concerning veteran education.
• Coordinate with academic and administrative units to support delivery of services responsive to veteran students, including benefits counseling, transition support, and credit for military training and experience.
• Maintain reporting on veteran student enrollment, persistence, completion, and employment outcomes, and report regularly to senior leadership.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, veterans services, higher education administration, or military education benefits administration, including direct experience working with the VA or other government agencies.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of VA education benefit programs and the federal and state regulatory framework governing institutional participation, including certification requirements and State Approving Agency processes.
• Experience advising senior leadership on regulatory or compliance matters.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively across academic and administrative units.

Preferred

• Master's degree or other advanced degree.
• Military service or substantial experience working with veteran and military-connected populations.
• Experience as a School Certifying Official or supervising School Certifying Officials.

Supplemental Information

To 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.

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