Director of the Office of International Programs
External posting
Full-Time, Exempt , Administrative/Professional

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Associate Provost, the Director of the Office of International Programs (OIP) serves as the university’s senior international officer (SIO), leading the university’s international student and scholar services (ISSS) and Study Abroad operations. The Director supervises five full-time staff members, including an administrative secretary, international partnership coordinator, international student advisor, short-term program coordinator, and study abroad coordinator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serving as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO), advise and assist F-1 international students on immigration matters including maintaining status, travel and re-entry, CPT, OPT, F-1 reinstatement, program extensions, reduced course load and other matters.
• Stay abreast of current issues and trends affecting international students and scholars, especially through federal government bulletins and NAFSA knowledge communities.
• Complete biennial SEVP recertification and annual Open Doors Report for international student and scholar enrollment.
• Develop and coordinate the orientation program ensuring that new international students and scholars are properly welcomed and positioned for success in the university.
• Advise students on academic program requirements and course scheduling from admission to graduation.
• Advise the International Student Club, a registered student organization (RSO) that organizes campus-wide events including the International Food Festival in the fall and the Intercultural Night variety show in the winter.
• Work closely with the university's designated health insurance provider to facilitate enrollment of international students and scholars into the group health insurance policy.
• Manage and promote wide-ranging study abroad programs and partnerships.
• Supervise and train the Study Abroad Coordinator.
• Collaborate with faculty and essential partners to assess current programs and make decisions on program approval, adjustments, or discontinuations to align with institutional standards and goals.
• Manage the OIP office operating budget.
• Recruit, review, hire, train, supervise and evaluate professional and student staff.
• The Director is expected to support the ISSS and Study Abroad staff by meeting with students on a regular basis.
• Develop and cultivate international partnerships with other universities and international entities, including engaging in international travel on behalf of the university.
• Promote and coordinate short-term programs which may involve international high school groups, faculty exchange, and other non-degree programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

General supervision is received from the Associate Provost
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Functional supervision is exercised over five full-time staff members, including an administrative secretary, international partnership coordinator, international student advisor, short-term program coordinator, and study abroad coordinator.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Some weeknights and weekends, including intermittent travel, will be required.

Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions.
The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of five years of experience in international student services, including immigration advising and SEVIS administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of immigration regulations pertaining to international students and scholars (F and J visa categories) required.
• Strong intercultural communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities, with a commitment to student success and support.
• Familiarity with international education trends and best practices.
• Experience in program development, budget management, and strategic planning.
• Ability to work collaboratively with campus stakeholders and external partners to achieve university goals and objectives.
• Experience and ability to positively interact with a diverse campus community.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in international education, higher education administration, or related field
• Proficiency in a second language and/or experience living or studying abroad

Applicants must apply online: jobs.svsu.edu

About SVSU:
Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. For eight consecutive years, SVSU has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” (2016-2023).
SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.
SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.
More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2023). SVSU fields 19 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students.