Posting Title

Overview

The Office of International Services as a Department within Student Affairs fosters a sense of international community that builds on the university's strong intellectual and Catholic mission. Office of International Services (OIS) supports the academic mission of the University by promoting international educational exchange within the University, maintaining compliance with federal requirements and supporting the Catholic University international community from immigration advising to cultural adjustment to programming. The department's mission is to support Catholic University’s international students and scholars as they pursue their goals and careers.

The primary function of this position is to work with incoming and continuing international students. Acts as a DSO (Designated School Official) and ARO (Alternate Responsible Officer) to handle initial I-20 and DS2019 issuance. Responsible for advising and general support to all international students and processing of F-1 and J-1 benefits for continuing students. Programming lead for events and workshop for returning international student population and programming for exchange students. Will be responsible for executing the buddy program for exchange students. Will facilitate workshops on a variety of topic pertaining to international students to various constituents at the University. Hours may need to flex earlier or later than typical 9am to 5pm as programming requires, occasional evening, weekend and possible holiday work will be necessary.

Responsibilities

Facililtate I-20 issuance. Work closely with Grad and Undergraduate admissions. Advise and manage immigration questions from the incoming students. Advise schools and academic departments on immigration issues as they relate to the new students’ inquiries, timing of admission and keeping to I-20 issuance deadlines. Coordinate DS2019 issuance primarily for J-1 Exchange students. Work closely with Office of Global Strategies as it involves the application process. Keeps in close communication with the incoming exchange students. Working closely with Associate Director to coordinate events and workshop for the returning international student population and programming for exchange students. Will be responsible for executing the buddy program for exchange students. Will facilitate workshops on a variety of topic pertaining to international students to various constituents at the University.

Work closely with the Associate Director as it relates to serving all the incoming and continuing international students. Inform students and departments of problems and/or changes in regulations; work collaboratively with all to resolve issues in compliance with existing regulations and in the best interests of the University and the student. Ensure institutional consistency of message or policy. Work closely with Associate Director to reach out to new students for their first year for retention purposes- checking in and alerting them to programs and activities available to them on- campus. Work closely with Associate Director to provide advising and processing of F-1 and J-1 benefits for all international students. Serve as a Designated School Official for the F visa program. Serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer for the J program for advising J Exchange students. Remaining informed in applicable regulations and operating accordingly; report appropriate data and actions to SEVIS. 

Work with ISSS staff on programming to help monitor status of international students and scholars vis-a-vis successful cultural/socio/economic adjustment to CUA/the U.S.; work with appropriate university departments to ensure optimum success in their programs. Collaborate with university offices and student organizations on cultural programming to raise global and cultural awareness

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field desirable or equivalent career experience (3 years). Minimum of 3 years of work experience in advising immigration of international students and scholars. Thorough knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Knowledge of immigration regulations governing international students and scholars. Experience working with SEVIS.

Excellent written and oral communication skills; computer skills in Microsoft Word and some database management skills desired. Sensitivity to international and multicultural populations. Ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time and to prioritize them appropriately. Ability to evaluate situations clearly, analyze complex problems, and generate potential solutions while maintaining confidentiality. Ability to work independently, collaboratively and creatively with other university departments and government agencies. Ability to work some nights and weekend