Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)

Salary: $34.00 - $38.00 per hourAbout the University of West Los Angeles (UWLA)UWLA is a mission-driven institution committed to access, equity, and compliance-focused student success. As a SEVP-certified institution authorized to enroll F-1 students, UWLA upholds the highest standards of federal regulatory compliance, academic integrity, and student-centered service.We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) with a strong background in SEVIS management, federal reporting, and day-to-day international student advising within higher education. This role is central to maintaining institutional compliance under 8 CFR 214.2(f), 214.3, and 214.4, and ensuring outstanding service to our international student population.Position SummaryThe PDSO serves as the primary compliance officer for all F-1 regulatory matters and oversees UWLAs international student lifecycle within SEVIS. This is a leadership role requiring seasoned, hands-on experience as a DSO/PDSO, strong regulatory knowledge, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate across academic and administrative units.Key ResponsibilitiesSEVIS & Federal Compliance:- Serve as the primary liaison with SEVP, DHS, ICE, and related federal agencies.- Maintain full compliance with all federal regulations under 8 CFR 214.2(f), 214.3, 214.4.- Oversee SEVIS record creation, maintenance, updates, and timely reporting.- Monitor regulatory changes and ensure UWLA policy compliance aligns with SEVP guidance.- Prepare for and lead SEVP site visits and recertification processes.International Student Advising:- Provide expert advising to students on maintaining F-1 status, employment options, travel, academic progress, and regulatory responsibilities.- Oversee CPT/OPT pipelines, employer verification, audits, and documentation review.- Conduct orientations and workshops for international students.Institutional Leadership:- Train, supervise, and support DSOs.- Develop institutional SOPs for F-1 compliance, CPT/OPT processing, and student services.- Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Finance, Academic Affairs, and other units.Operations & Reporting:- Lead UWLAs SEVIS Recertification and updates to the I-17.- Maintain compliance logs, case notes, and communication records.- Develop metrics for enrollment, compliance trends, and processing efficiency.Required Qualifications- Minimum 35 years of direct experience as a DSO or PDSO.- Comprehensive knowledge of federal F-1 student regulations.- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.- Bachelors degree required; Masters preferred.- Strong communication and organizational skills.Preferred Qualifications- Experience in legal, regulatory, or compliance roles.- Familiarity with SIS systems and SEVIS batch reporting.- Experience creating policies and institutional SOPs.- Experience with diverse multicultural student populations.Compensation & Benefits- Competitive salary based on experience.- Full benefits package.- Professional development opportunities.- Tuition remission available.

Salary : $34 - $38