What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director, International Services position at Syracuse University?
Job Description
The Associate Director of the Center for International Services will lead various administrative aspects of international student services and support. The Associate Director works closely with university departments to streamline administrative processes and improve institutional support services. This position oversees day-to-day international student services, with a primary focus on F-1 visa compliance and regulations. This leader will provide oversight on resources for international students and issues related to immigration status, OPT and, and cultural, social and academic concerns. The Associate Director will also oversee Center for International Services (CIS) immigration advising and programming staff, including the delivery of service to students, office operations, student contact and educational outreach.
Education and Experience
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
The Associate Director of the Center for International Services will lead various administrative aspects of international student services and support. The Associate Director works closely with university departments to streamline administrative processes and improve institutional support services. This position oversees day-to-day international student services, with a primary focus on F-1 visa compliance and regulations. This leader will provide oversight on resources for international students and issues related to immigration status, OPT and, and cultural, social and academic concerns. The Associate Director will also oversee Center for International Services (CIS) immigration advising and programming staff, including the delivery of service to students, office operations, student contact and educational outreach.
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree in related field (Higher Education Administration, International Affairs, or Business) or knowledge and skills typically acquired through completion of a master’s degree or equivalent.
- 5 years of related experience advising students and exchange visitor scholars using SEVIS, and planning and implementing international student and scholar programming.
- 3 years of proven experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
- Knowledge of US immigration laws and regulations, including using SEVIS as a Principal Designated School Official and Responsible Officer.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Outstanding organizational skills.
- Strong knowledge of SEVIS regulations, F-1 and J-1 visa policies, and U.S. immigration law affecting international students and scholars.
- Experience with student information and immigration databases (e.g., Banner, ISSM, SEVIS).
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex federal policies regarding nonimmigrant visas.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills with a commitment to student-centered service.
- Ability to collaborate across departments and develop interdepartmental strategies for international student success.
- Experience designing and implementing international student programming and compliance workshops.
- Proven ability to manage budget and allocate resources effectively.
- Experience and sensitivity in working with people of differing backgrounds and cultures.
- Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with university partners and community organizations to create a welcoming and supportive environment for international students and scholars
- Provide training, leadership, and management of the international student advisor staff and administrative operations of the Center including strategic planning, fiscal responsibility and budget oversight, recruitment, hiring and training, performance evaluation process, technology needs and usage, and programming and event planning.
- Provide data to schools/colleges, academic department heads, Admissions, and other offices with international student enrollment each semester.
- Provide oversight and development to ongoing programs throughout the year for international students and scholars to facilitate and support cultural adjustment, academic progress, and ongoing well-being at Syracuse University, working closely and collaboratively with other offices within the Division and university.
- Oversee the management of crises involving international students and their families, including death, physical and emotional health, financial, natural and political crises, coordinating with related institutional, community and home country designated support systems.
- Provide oversight to international student retention strategies and programs and staff assigned to this work. Serve as liaison with academic and administrative units for matters involving international students and scholars.
- Oversee new and transfer international student pre-arrival processes, communication, resources and information orientations to ensure compliance with Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations.
- Oversee implementation of informational workshops for international students and facilitate outreach to university departments to provide information or updates about visa requirements and benefits.
- Serve as the Syracuse University Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (RO) for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
- Ensure compliance with federal regulations and policies, submit reports to federal agencies, and maintain SEVIS records.
- Oversee and perform the review process for academic progress and enrollment for international students each semester in order to ensure compliance with current and new immigration regulations.
- Coordinate communication/intervention with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State on behalf of international students and exchange visitor scholars should problems arise.
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
