What are the responsibilities and job description for the International Student Advisor position at Columbia University and Careers?
- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Regular/Temporary: Temporary
- End Date if Temporary: 06/30/2026
- Salary Range: $65,800 - $70,000
Position Summary
Under the supervision of an Assistant Director for International Student Services, the International Student Adviser I advises on basic rights and responsibilities under the immigration laws of the United States; advises international students on immigration matters related to their stay at Columbia University; acts as Designated School Official (DSO) to issue required U.S. government documents to international students; assists in streamlining and improving ISSO processes and services; collaborates with staff, schools, departments and outside organizations (including vendors) to plan and coordinate collaborative events as needed. Performs all other duties as assigned
Responsibilities
- Advise and provide guidance to F-1 students about their rights and responsibilities under immigration regulations and university policies.
- As Designated School Official (DSO), process and issue immigration documents (I-20 reprints, change of major, update employer information) and related documents such as social security and certification letters.
- Complies with federal SEVIS reporting and record keeping requirements.
- Manage assigned caseload in addition to assisting with case assignments.
- Consult with the SEVIS Help Desk to correct SEVIS record errors by processing SEVIS Corrections and data fixes.
- Triages incoming inquiries/requests by email and/or phone and responds as needed to general and specific questions from new or current international students and their academic departments.
- Presents at various school-specific orientations and immigration workshops.
- Assist in streamlining and improving ISSO processes and services.
- Assists with office policy development and modification of standard operating procedures.
- Collaborates on student advising team projects.
- Maintains current knowledge of US immigration regulations, policies and procedures.
- Cultivates a customer service atmosphere when serving as the first point of contact in person and by email or phone.
- Refers students to the appropriate campus and community resources as needed.
- Manages ISSO email account as well as day-to-day influx of applications for benefits.
- Helps to ensure regulatory information is up to date on the ISSO website.
- Cultivates a professional presence on campus and in the field through local and national partnerships and associations.
- Participates as requested in regional and national international education conferences.
- Performs related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree (in Liberal Arts, Management, Communications, or Education) and/or equivalent related experience.
- Two years’ experience as DSO in a higher education setting advising on federal F-1 immigration regulations and SEVIS.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Strong computer literacy and familiarity with web-based applications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree in international education, higher education, cross-cultural communication, intercultural counseling, area/cultural studies, foreign language, or TESOL.
- Experience with Sunapsis and in customer service.
- Fluency in at least one foreign language.
- Experience living abroad.
- Completion of NAFSA F-1 Professional Development Program.
Other Requirements
- Federal regulations require Designated School Officials to be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Salary : $65,800 - $70,000