Assistant Director, International Student Services

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Director plays a pivotal role in ensuring that international students receive the necessary support to navigate their academic journey while maintaining compliance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration regulations. The position assists with overseeing day-to-day international student services, with primary focus on F-1 visa compliance and regulatory adherence for a diverse population of 400 international students. This position administers programs and services for the university’s international students, and their dependents, and provides advising services on a broad range of immigration, academic, personal, financial, health, social, and cultural concerns, including requirements for a driver’s license and social security number.

In this role, the Assistant Director works closely with Student Life and other university departments to streamline administrative processes and improve institutional support services. Additionally, the position contributes to the university’s broader efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise international students in F-1 and J-1 status, in areas of immigration, cultural, personal, and financial concerns.
• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 visa program and provide guidance to students on maintaining legal status.
• Monitor and maintain data integrity that interfaces with Datatel/Colleague, SEVIS.
• Assist with managing the SEVIS registration process each semester to ensure international students' progress and continued compliance with the F-1 student regulations.
• Assist with reviewing Curriculum Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and STEM-OPT extension applications and issue I-20s accordingly.
• Create, implement, and assess educational programs such as seminars, workshops, and activities for international students throughout the academic year.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with various campus partners to further collaborative efforts (e.g., Graduate and Undergraduate Admissions, Registrar, Housing and Residence Life, Athletic Department).
• Plan and implement new student orientations and cross-cultural programs for international students and their dependents.
• Serve as advisor to international student clubs and organizations.
• Assist with managing the department budget ensuring optimal resource allocation.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICIATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s degree preferred with a background in student personnel, business administration, higher education administration, international relations, or related field.
• Two to four years of experience working in a higher education environment with international students.
• Ability to navigate SEVIS and Colleague information system.
• Strong computer literacy with the ability to navigate and use effectively the SEVIS and Colleague information systems.
• U.S. citizenship or lawful U.S. permanent resident status [as required by U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State].
• Ability to clearly communicate government regulations and university policies to international students, faculty, and administration.
• Evidence of strong organizational abilities and the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast paced, high-volume environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service and diplomacy skills and able to work effectively with faculty, students, University, and government officials from different cultural backgrounds while maintaining legal and ethical standards.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed; must be available on-call during peak times during the academic year.
• Enthusiasm for working with college students is essential.
• Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience at small to mid-sized, faith-based institution.
• Strong knowledge of SEVIS regulations, F-1 policies, and U.S. immigration law affecting international students.
• Experience designing and implementing international student programming and compliance workshops.
• Involvement in NAFSA and/or other international higher education professional organizations.