NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

The VA School Certifying Official/Admissions Advisor in the Veterans Student Success Center will participate in an integrated, cross-trained team approach in providing strategies to promote student success with an emphasis on student experience and perspective. This position will serve students who are veterans or qualifying dependents of veterans who wish to use military-related benefits to cover educational expenses. Serving as a VA school certifying official (SCO), the adviser has in-depth knowledge of both VA requirements for use of benefits and NWACC program requirements. The adviser works with students to ensure they are prepared to learn. This position promotes outstanding customer service in order for students to successfully complete every facet of the enrollment and VA certification process. This individual will advise through formal appointments with students which may be conducted in-person or online. Because NWACC operates in multiple locations in Benton and Washington counties, the individual may be scheduled to work at any of the locations as needed to serve students. The primary location will be the main campus in Bentonville to help staff the VSSC and ensure that it remains open throughout regular business hours for student access. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institutional policy. The adviser reports directly to the Director of Veterans Services.

Essential Duties:

• Provide timely and high-quality customer service by responding to inquiries about VA benefits via phone, email, and in-person.
• Serve as a VA-approved work-study site supervisor under the direction of the Veterans Services Director.
• Assist with data collection and reporting for the VA’s annual compliance survey and audit.
• Act as a School Certifying Official (SCO) for veterans and eligible dependents enrolled at NWACC.
• Guide students through the enrollment process, including admissions, financial aid, academic advising, registration, and payment arrangements.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with students to discuss academic goals, course planning, and degree audits.
• Manage the Veterans Center email inbox and respond to student inquiries as needed.
• Support recruitment and retention efforts through event planning and community outreach (e.g., Eagle Welcome, Resource Fairs).
• Process student records related to enrollment and VA certification and make referrals to campus support services.
• Maintain knowledge of student service tools and resources, participate in professional development, and uphold departmental policies and collegial work standards.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Rate of Pay: $43,628 annualized *Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position.

Completed applications received by 11/3/2025 will be assured full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required (Exceptional experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirements).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working full-time in post-secondary education
• Experience serving as a VA school certifying official (SCO) for an institutional of higher learning (IHL)
• Experience serving as a VA school certifying official (SCO) for non-credit degrees (NCD)
• Experience serving as a VA school certifying official (SCO) for on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs (OJT & App)
• Experience providing academic advising for students in higher education

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of college policies, procedures, and practices
• Familiarity with Veteran educational benefits
• Understanding of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Title VII, Title IX, ADA, and other relevant employment and education laws
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement assigned responsibilities
• Capacity to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and planning skills
• Strong team collaboration and participation abilities
• Skill in interpreting and applying rules and regulations
• Flexibility and adaptability to change
• Discretion in handling confidential materials
• Understanding of educational programs and tools related to community colleges

Physical Demands:

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk or hear; regularly required to reach with hands and arms, taste or smell; occasionally required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Environmental Conditions:

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.