International Student Advisor

The salary range for this role is $48,000-$52,000 and is commensurate with experience

Benefits: Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here: https://www.iit.edu/hr/benefits

Illinois Institute of Technology’s Office of Global Services seeks an International Student Advisor who will primarily serve the diverse international student population at Illinois Tech. The advisor will also be expected to provide support to international scholars as needed.

The selected candidate focuses on providing accurate, compassionate, individualized advising and processing to incoming and present international students and Illinois Tech departments while ensuring institutional compliance with federal regulations governing Illinois Tech sponsored statuses.

General Description:

The International Student Advisor provides support and assistance to the Office of Global Services. This position is responsible for advising international students on F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations and cultural adjustment and will serve as a (DSO) Designated School Official and (ARO) Alternate Responsible Officer for the F-1 and J-1 programs in compliance with Federal regulations. This position will assist with SEVIS operations, document and application processing and support general office needs. This position will help coordinate and lead educational programs for students, faculty, and staff. Advising staff regularly interprets regulations and university policy and draws conclusions after various possibilities are considered. Advisors recommend and implement policy based on analysis of immigration regulations, government guidance and best practices.

The incumbent must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident as required by federal regulations for certification as a (DSO) Designated School Official and and (ARO) Alternate Responsible Officer.

Communications:

1) In coordination with Management team- Respond to University or U.S. Government requests for data validation. 2) Review regular OGS’ targeted electronic communications with international students and scholars, and University divisions about programs and events. 3) Develop and deliver presentations to clientele in public forums. 4) Maintain standard protocols in working with confidential documents and sensitive data.

Customer Service:

Provides customer service to internal and external customers (all listed above in Communication). Positive relationships and customer service are extremely important when dealing with the IIT community, especially international students. A survey is sent to all international students every other year to evaluate the office’s services. Informal feedback is given from other IIT departments, faculty, and staff.

Key Responsibilities 1: 55%

Advising services- a. Advise F-1 students and/or J1 students/scholars on immigration regulations, cultural adjustment, academic and English language difficulties, financial concerns and general orientation to life in the U.S. b. Participate in bi-weekly advisor meetings c. Provide consistent and correct information d. Serve as On Call advisor on rotating basis e. Keep abreast of current issues affecting student population f. Oversee & Process student documents including but not limited to: Program extension, CPT, OPT, OPT Extension, Transfer Out, Academic Training, Workflow g. Keep abreast of changes in visa regulations;

Key Responsibilities 2: Regulatory Compliance 40%

Act as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). b. Monitor international student and/or scholar compliance with government regulations. c. Evaluate university policy and ensure compliance with immigration regulations. Remain current with SEVIS-related and regulatory updates pertaining to international students and scholars to ensure institutional compliance. e. Assist management team in compliance reporting including SEVIS Registration, address and employment updates and maintenance of status.

Key Responsibilities 3: Other 5%

Other duties as assigned by Supervisor, Division, or University.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.

• Two years (2) or more, relevant work experience in a higher education environment or combination of education and experience.

• Experience with international student and exchange scholar populations and regulations, including understanding of SEVIS, F, and J visa requirements.

• Very strong preference for experience with Terra Dotta and Banner.

• Expertise in use of MS Office applications, especially, Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience in the use of university students and personnel information systems. Familiarity with FERPA regulations;

• Strong interpersonal, collaborative, organizational, analytical, and oral/written communication skills.

• Ability to multitask, work independently, and manage complex projects.

• US Citizenship or Permanent Residence required to access SEVIS Database.