Academic Advisor and Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official

P osition Summary: Franklin University, a private, independent, accredited, not-for-profit University located in Columbus, Ohio invites applicants for its Academic Advisor and Veterans' Affairs (VA) School Certifying Official position. The Academic Advisor and Veterans' Affairs (VA) School Certifying Official will be responsible for proactively engaging undergraduate students who are current military servicemembers, their spouses & dependents, and military veterans to ensure a high-quality undergraduate student experience that sets students up for persistence and completion. Academic Advisors apply the core principles of the Student Engagement Lifecycle (SELC) and Academic Advising Model, best practices in the field, and emerging research and assessment to mentor undergraduate students in their academic planning and progress, career exploration, and personal growth & development. As VA School Certifying Officials, they assist military affiliated students in the understanding, utilization of, and regulations associated with their educational benefits. Undergraduate Academic Advisors will be expected to work actively in a team environment with students to enhance the undergraduate culture of the University. This role will work an onsite hybrid schedule. Primary Responsibilities : Work in a team environment to proactively outreach and engage in the quality advisement of undergraduate students in one-on-one (phone, face to face, video conference, email, IM) and group settings. Facilitate the broad and deep application of the key messages of the Academic Advising Model and its tools and resources when working with students. Interpret and apply university policies and procedures to assist students in navigating their academic programs and resolving problems. A thorough understanding of all aspects and nuances of the undergraduate academic programs and curricular options. Coach students in strategies to foster their personal and professional growth and development. Responsible for regular and timely certification of GI Bill benefits for beneficiaries of Veterans Administration educational benefits. Incorporate thorough understanding of state National Guard Scholarship, Federal Tuition Assistance, and VA benefits programs in interactions with students. Support & manage student activity conducted through their respective tuition assistance portals. Assist in the review and management of student financial records in accordance with University refund policies, regulations of the VA Debt Management process, and guidelines of state National Guard Scholarship programs. Complete annual School Certifying Official training as determined by the Veterans Administration Identify, plan and execute needed educational programs and resources for undergraduate students. Establish and maintain working relationships with undergraduate faculty. Effectively and efficiently utilize the University's and external technology tools, including our CRM (Constituent Relationship Management System), Student Information System, VA Enrollment Management portal, and other tuition assistance management portals to ensure a quality undergraduate student experience. Assist students in resolving problems and challenges. Engage in planning and executing continual personal and professional development plans as a Student Affairs professional. Fully engage with the profession through participation in national and regional associations, being a good consumer of emerging research in the field, and making the link between theory and research to daily practice. Special projects and other duties as assigned. M i nimum Requirements: Bachelor's Degree plus 1-3 years of directly related experience. Master's Degree in Higher Education, student affairs, adult learning, or closely related field preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to prioritize responsibilities and tasks. Goal and results driven, with an ability to function independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Positive demeanor that is open to change, as well as comfort in delivering and receiving constructive/critical feedback. Clear student-centered philosophy expected. Preferred Experience: Experience with undergraduate student advising. Understanding of retention and persistence metrics, student assessment, and their application to the decision-making process. Involvement with developing educational programs, messages, and resources to advance undergraduate culture. Background working with military and veteran student funding Experience with a CRM (Constituent Relationship Management System) tool and Ellucian Solutions. Additional Details : Working conditions are normal for an office environment. This position will require a flexible hybrid schedule to cover the priorities of the Department. One evening per week required. Additional evening and weekend events may be required. Some travel expected. About Franklin University Founded in 1902, Franklin University has built its reputation on removing barriers to higher education for ambitious adults who must balance their educational goals with other commitments. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin has earned its long-standing reputation as an innovator in online education. The University offers applied, in-demand undergraduate, master's and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. From entrepreneurs to CEOs, more than 50,000 Franklin alumni can be found around the world contributing to the communities in which they live and work. Franklin offers a competitive benefits package, incentive program and free parking. In addition, Franklin provides free undergraduate tuition for employees and immediate family members, graduate tuition assistance for full-time employees and immediate family members, and a discount on doctoral tuition for employees. Franklin University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Franklin does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, disability, or veteran or military status. We embrace diversity and strive to create an environment where students, faculty and staff feel a sense of belonging. We recognize that our collective potential can only be realized when difference is valued, equal access to opportunity is sought, and inclusion is practiced.