Job Posting Title:
Admissions and International Student Advisor
Job Description:
Position Overview:
The Admissions and International Student Advisor will be responsible for performing a wide range of duties to meet the needs of graduate admissions and international student population, including advising students on maintaining lawful F-1 and J-1 status, resolving ancillary matters, as well as advising them through their admissions process. This position will report to the Director of Admissions.
The Admissions and International Student Advisor is responsible for all SEVIS functions and maintaining accurate data. This position will collaborate with other offices such as Financial Aid, Student Affairs, and Alumni Relations to ensure the needs of international students are met.
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.
Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S. News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree with a minimum of two years of experience in a similar position in the Admissions and/or International Student Services office. Must have working knowledge of regulations related to F-1 and J-1 student visas.
Description of Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Immigration and SEVIS Compliance (45%):
Serve as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) in capacities dealing with immigration advising, processing, and reporting in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Demonstrate thorough knowledge of federal regulations affecting international students in various visa classifications, with an ability to parlay this information clearly and effectively to high-level leadership, academic affairs administrators, and Deans.
Participate in professional development endeavors, such as affiliation with NAFSA: Association for International Educators, representing KGI and staying abreast of ever-changing regulations and trends in international education.
Serve as a liaison with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State (DOS.)
Assist students in obtaining F-1/J-1 immigration benefits such as CPT/OPT/STEM OPT extensions and Academic Training.
Plan and implement CPT/OPT workshops for international students throughout the year.
Collaborate with Student Affairs to engage students during orientation and programming for international students and the campus community.
Admissions Counseling and Advising (45%):
Work collaboratively with the admissions team to communicate proactively with prospective international students; connect prospective international students to academic departments and/or current international students and alumni.
The programs served will vary based on departmental needs.
Review transcripts, course descriptions, and related documents to determine alignment with prerequisite requirements.
Serve on MSPA team reviewing applications, attend program meetings, conducting webinars and implementing MSPA interview days throughout the application cycle.
Serve as admissions team lead for the CBM program.
Seve as admissions team lead for the PhD program.
Attend the PhD admissions committees and issue PhD admit letters for both traditional and CAST PhD applicants.
Work with Corporate Partnership on contracts for all admitted industry/sponsored PhD track students.
Evaluate application documents and prepare for review.
Perform international GPA calculations.
Conducts admissions interviews and complete evaluations for the admissions committee file review.
Works closely with the Director of Admissions and the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid on recruitment and admissions plans to engage our international students through the admissions cycle.
Develop and implement engagement and yield activities with admitted international students for summer and fall programs.
Track status and arrival dates for new summer and fall admits, able to update and create admissions reports for the department based on their visa status and enrollment.
Other: (10%)
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Strong analytical skills, with a solid working knowledge of regulations related to F-1 and J-1 student visas.
Experience with planning workshops for CPT and OPT.
The ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, while balancing time-sensitive tasks with attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal, advising, and cross-cultural communication skills.
The ability to simultaneously represent and work towards the interests of the department, division and campus.
Excellent interpersonal, advisory, and communication skills, showcased with enthusiasm and a positive attitude while working within a team environment.
Excellent organizational, time management and attention to detail.
Proficient with technology. Digitally dexterous with a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office products (including Excel). Preferred experience with SEVIS, Sakai, Sales Force, and Empower.
Ability to manage and adapt to working with individuals of various backgrounds.
Ability to think creatively and provide solutions with available resources.
Ability to lead group workshops.
Must be able to work independently, take initiative and follow through on issues.
Must be willing to work collaboratively as a member of the Admissions team, and to participate enthusiastically in the life of the Institute.
Experience working with a diverse campus community and possess a commitment to equity and inclusion.
Able and willing to work weekend and evening hours, as required for events and programming.
Special Requirements:
Keck Graduate Institute has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza Vaccination Program covering all employees and students. Employees must submit proof of vaccination, an Institute-approved exception, or deferral to comply with the policy.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to detail with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans.
Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity is required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record (as maintained by the DMV) that is acceptable to the Institute's insurance carrier.
Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example, to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages. Occasionally, will be required to stand for prolonged periods of time at activities/events on and off-campus.
To Apply:
A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To be ensured full consideration, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Keck Graduate Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment. KGI strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.