Position Summary

The Primary School Certifying Official (PSCO) plays a vital role in supporting the academic success of military-connected students at San Diego State University. Reporting to the Director of the Military and Veterans Program (MVP), the PSCO serves as the university's primary point of contact for Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) and federal and state veterans' education benefits. The position provides comprehensive guidance to service members, veterans, and eligible family members regarding education benefits, academic planning, and available campus resources while ensuring compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), California State University, and state regulations. The incumbent collaborates with campus departments and external agencies to certify education benefits, maintain regulatory compliance, support student success, and strengthen services for the military-connected community. 

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the university's Primary School Certifying Official by certifying federal and state veterans' education benefits, Tuition Assistance, and related programs while ensuring compliance with VA, DoD, CSU, and state regulations.
• Advise military-connected students on education benefits, academic planning, financial aid, degree progress, and available campus resources to support their educational goals.
• Collaborate with campus departments and external agencies to coordinate benefit certifications, maintain accurate records, resolve complex student issues, and support regulatory compliance.
• Prepare reports, analyze student data, maintain required documentation, and support compliance reviews, audits, and annual program approvals.
• Support Military and Veterans Program initiatives through outreach, communication, VA Work-Study coordination, committee participation, and advocacy for military-connected students.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact by helping military-connected students, veterans, and their families successfully navigate higher education and achieve their academic goals.
• Serve in a highly respected Veterans Center recognized as a flagship resource within the California State University system.
• Build expertise in veterans' education benefits, higher education policy, regulatory compliance, and student advising.
• Collaborate with university departments, government agencies, and community partners to enhance services and opportunities for military-connected students.
• Join a mission-driven team dedicated to student success, inclusive excellence, and supporting those who have served.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits-eligible, permanent/probationary position. 
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. 
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

SDSU Military and Veterans Program is the California State University (CSU) system’s flagship veteran’s resource center and the first veteran’s center in the system. The Military and Veterans Program (MVP) is a component within Student Affairs and Campus Diversity which directs, manages and provides services for all aspects of the veteran, active duty, reserve and dependent programs for San Diego State University undergraduate and graduate students. The MVP manages all veteran and military-connected support services and events for the campus and serves as the primary source for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), and other agencies.

For more information regarding the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution, where such are job-related. Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required. 

A master’s degree in counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of CSU and SDSU policies, procedures, regulations, admission requirements, and the SDSU General Catalog and Graduate Bulletin is preferred. 
• Knowledge of state and federal VA education benefits, regulations, and VA data systems, including Enrollment Manager (preferred).
• Experience managing VA education benefits, ensuring compliance, and preparing for or participating in state and federal compliance surveys or audits.
• Ability to assess policies and procedures, interpret regulations, and recommend process improvements.
• Experience working with veterans or student veteran organizations as a member, mentor, advisor, or through veteran services; military service and leadership experience preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and provide accurate guidance on university resources and services.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, administrators, community partners, and external agencies.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively to student inquiries.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
 Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,540 - $7,893/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,540/month.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by July 22, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu.