Assistant Director of the Office of Intercultural Development & Commuter Service

The Assistant Director of Intercultural Development and Commuter Services is a multifaceted student-engagement and international student-support professional who advances belonging, leadership development, and student success for Lipscomb University's commuter, affinity-group, and international student populations.

Reporting to the Director of the Office of Intercultural Development (OID) and working in collaboration with the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), the Assistant Director leads commuter student engagement initiatives, advises the Commuter Student Council and student affinity groups, supports intercultural programming, and serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the university's F-1 international student program.

This position follows an annual student-engagement and enrollment cycle. During the fall and spring semesters, when students are actively engaged on campus, the role focuses primarily on commuter student programming, leadership development, affinity-group advising, intercultural initiatives, and student advocacy. During the summer and other peak international enrollment periods, when most students are away from campus and student-facing programming is reduced, the role shifts its primary focus to DSO responsibilities, including international student onboarding, Form I-20 processing, SEVIS management, regulatory advising, and federal immigration compliance.

Through this integrated work, the Assistant Director helps create a welcoming and inclusive campus environment while supporting Lipscomb University's Christ-centered mission and commitment to transformative student experiences.

Responsibilities

A) Commuter Student Engagement and Success (Fall and Spring focus)

• Lead strategic outreach, programming, and engagement initiatives to strengthen commuter student connection, belonging, and persistence.
• Advise, mentor, and oversee C.O.R.E. (Commuter Opportunities, Resources, and Experiences), including annual student leader selection, training, and development.
• Facilitate partnerships among commuter leaders, faculty, staff, and administration to expand accessible service, volunteer, and campus-wide involvement opportunities.
• Assess commuter students need to continuously improve facilities, communication channels, campus services, and retention-focused support.

B) Intercultural Development and Affinity - Group Leadership (Fall & Spring focus)

• Guide affinity-group leaders in organizational development, event execution, and programming that fosters cultural affirmation and community.
• Partner with the Director of OID to execute intercultural programs and campus-wide events that advance inclusive student experiences.
• Evaluate and enhance physical, digital, and informational resources to support affinity-group visibility, belonging, and overall student success.

C) DSO Responsibilities and Federal Immigration Compliance (Year-round responsibility with primary summer and enrollment-period focus)

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) under the direction of the PDSO, maintaining accurate SEVIS records and upholding SEVP federal compliance.
• Issue and manage Forms I-20 for new and continuing students, leading onboarding and orientation workflows during peak summer enrollment cycles.
• Provide expert regulatory advising to international students regarding F-1 status maintenance, travel, enrollment obligations, and employment authorizations..
• Maintain comprehensive compliance records, track evolving immigration policies, and balance student advocacy with strict regulatory integrity.

D) Collaboration, Assessment, and University Engagement (Year-round responsibility)

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Student Engagement, International Student Services, academic departments, and admissions to deliver coordinated student support.
• Develop, implement, and maintain multi-channel communication strategies tailored to commuter, affinity-group, and international student populations.
• Collect and evaluate engagement, advising, and compliance data to generate reports demonstrating progress toward institutional and departmental goals.
• Support department-wide planning, staff development, and campus initiatives that champion Lipscomb University's Christ-centered mission.

E) Other duties as assigned

Skills: Event Management, Student and Programming Support, Communication, Assessment and Evaluation

Qualifications:

• A strong commitment to faith in Jesus Christ and the Christ-centered mission, vision, and values of the university
• Designated School Official (DSO) previous experience is not required and we will provide training.
• Demonstrates strong leadership
• Experience working in a student culture and managing multiple related tasks
• Sensitivity to appropriate academic, social, cultural development and learning outcomes is essential
• Requires flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm with a strong desire to effect change and impact student growth and development
• Possesses excellent organizational skills
• Exhibits ability to establish trusting and respectful relationships with students
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents and colleagues across campus
• Bachelor's degree required