What are the responsibilities and job description for the Coordinator of Student Engagement and Belonging - International Student Success position at Maryville University of Saint Louis?
The Coordinator for the Center for Student Engagement and Belonging (CSEB) plays a key role in cultivating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for international students. While the primary focus of this position is to support the success and well-being of international students, the coordinator also contributes to broader CSEB initiatives that enhance student connection, involvement, and personal growth.
This role oversees onboarding and transition efforts to the United States, the St. Louis region, and the University; develops engagement opportunities that foster belonging and cultural exchange; and collaborates with campus and community partners to ensure international students feel seen, supported, and connected throughout their university experience. As the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO), this individual holds federal compliance authority and is directly responsible for interpreting and applying federal immigration regulations. Therefore, developing and updating institutional procedures that align with federal mandates—particularly those related to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) reporting, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and student status maintenance—should be considered a formal policy-setting or policy-influencing responsibility.
The Program Coordinator will review, and process international student requests related to reduced course loads, academic program changes, program end dates, and CPT/OPT authorizations to ensure compliance with F-1 regulations. In addition to compliance responsibilities, the coordinator will design and implement engagement opportunities that foster cross-cultural learning and enhance the international student experience within the broader campus community. The Program Coordinator will directly supervise an International Student Assistant, an undergraduate student worker position. While the Assistant Director will manage overall scheduling and hour tracking for all CSEB student workers, the Program Coordinator will provide day-to-day guidance, task management, and performance support specific to the International Student Assistant role, beyond the general responsibilities shared by all CSEB student workers.
Required Knowledge
Maryville University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race/color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination.
This role oversees onboarding and transition efforts to the United States, the St. Louis region, and the University; develops engagement opportunities that foster belonging and cultural exchange; and collaborates with campus and community partners to ensure international students feel seen, supported, and connected throughout their university experience. As the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO), this individual holds federal compliance authority and is directly responsible for interpreting and applying federal immigration regulations. Therefore, developing and updating institutional procedures that align with federal mandates—particularly those related to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) reporting, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and student status maintenance—should be considered a formal policy-setting or policy-influencing responsibility.
The Program Coordinator will review, and process international student requests related to reduced course loads, academic program changes, program end dates, and CPT/OPT authorizations to ensure compliance with F-1 regulations. In addition to compliance responsibilities, the coordinator will design and implement engagement opportunities that foster cross-cultural learning and enhance the international student experience within the broader campus community. The Program Coordinator will directly supervise an International Student Assistant, an undergraduate student worker position. While the Assistant Director will manage overall scheduling and hour tracking for all CSEB student workers, the Program Coordinator will provide day-to-day guidance, task management, and performance support specific to the International Student Assistant role, beyond the general responsibilities shared by all CSEB student workers.
Required Knowledge
- Prior experience supporting international students is required, with demonstrated understanding of their unique needs, cultural contexts, and effective support strategies.
- Experience serving as a Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) or Designated School Official (DSO) is required.
- Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate with empathy, cultural awareness, and respect across varied perspectives.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Experience in event planning and/or student organization advising
- Experience working with students from underrepresented populations
- Possess a collaborative approach to working with students, faculty, and staff
- Current driver’s license and ability to obtain certification to drive University vans
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s degree in student development or related field preferred
- 2 years of international student advising and DSO experience preferred
- Weekend and Evening Hours may be required.
Maryville University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race/color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination.