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International Student Advisor Advocate

Employer
Florida Memorial University
Location
Florida, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Aug 5, 2021


A successful candidate will play an active role in FMU's existing academic and operational success. The International Student Advisor (ISAA) shall have primary responsibility for supporting the international students from the point of onboarding (orientation) through graduation. This customer-centric role will ensure that international students receive the individual attention they need to succeed before entering a program. Serves as project lead in special projects related to scholarships, internships, tutoring, and student-departmental initiatives.

Essential Functions:
This role will develop and lead the development and monitoring of academic plans to assist international students with timely graduation and supports the University's retention and graduation initiatives.
  • Serves as an Advisor-Advocate for all incoming international students, advising students on first-year course requirements and assisting students in declaring majors within their freshman year.
  • Collaborates with the New Student Orientation team and CARS to create learning-centered programming necessary for international student retention and success.
  • Monitors and counsels at-risk students; develops appropriate academic intervention strategies.
  • Partners with faculty advisors in student development and problem-solving, as well as the transition from first-year(s) to continuing student.
  • Serves as a Designated School Official processing immigration-related benefit applications including CPT, OPT, extensions of stay, program changes, transfers in and transfers out, dependent requests, and travel signatures. Remain up-to-date on any changes in laws, rules, regulations, and administrative procedures regarding international students studying in the U.S.
  • Oversee all facets of SEVIS transfers, administer all aspects of SEVIS reporting requirements, and oversee quarterly batch registration processing of SEVIS F-1 files to the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Conducts informational seminars on such topics as CPT, OPT, and others as necessary
  • Develops International Peer Advisors program to support student onboarding and persistence.
  • May teach FMU 101 – University 101 – as assigned by the Associate Provost.
  • Contributes to committee and CARS teamwork for the good of the department.
  • Maintains regular office hours per an approved schedule. Performs other duties as assigned by the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that logically relate to the position.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Demonstrated knowledge of federal immigration regulations for F and J non-immigrant students; other immigration knowledge helpful.
  • Demonstrated analytical and decision-making skills to interpret regulations and apply them to student situations.
  • Strong organizational skills to coordinate holistic student service, and offer stakeholders multiple options addressing complex problems.
  • Demonstrated cross-cultural competency for diverse and multilingual audiences
  • Student-centered and emotionally intelligent interpersonal skills, with the ability to calmly and clearly communicate requirements, options, and policy to both students and parents.
  • Understands open-ended questioning, non-verbal communication, and active listening.
  • Excellent English communication (written and verbal) skills, including presentations to large and small groups of students, faculty, and/or staff.
  • Ability to create inclusive and collaborative partnerships across the campus, with faculty, staff, and students.
  • Familiarity and ease using Microsoft Office products (including Teams).
  • Understands how to read and interpret reports and data.
  • Attention to detail and adaptability to a changing environment is extremely important as well as dependability.
  • Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours.
  • Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to fifty (50) pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
  • Note: In compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), those functions of the job which are identified as essential are required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Requests to facilitate the performance of essential functions will be given careful consideration.
Qualifications:
  • Position requires proof of U.S. citizenship/legal permanent residence to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), per Department of Homeland Security.
  • Bachelor's degree in higher education, counseling, international relations, law, humanities, social work, or related field. Master’s preferred.
  • Minimum one year of experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) or comparable international education knowledge, including F-1 student visa regulations.
  • Cross-Cultural educational background including second language fluency (in addition to English) and/or experience living, working, or studying abroad.
  • Previous Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) experience
  • Preferably three or more years of experience working in an advisor/advocate role with international students, preferably in a postsecondary institution leading to an understanding of current trends in international student retention, advising, and higher education.
  • Extensive hours and weekends will be required at times.
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Slate, SEVIS LinkedIn Learning, as well as knowledge and understanding of the organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures. Familiar with Jenzabar technology suite for higher education.
  • Pre-Employment screening is required: criminal background check and drug testing.
Qualified applicants are asked to upload a cover letter of interest, resume/curriculum vitae, and/or certifications, if applicable.

Supplemental Information

We offer a competitive salary commensurate to experience. In addition to the completed application, candidates must submit a list of three professional references (at least one from a previous employer) that includes names and contact information. Review of application materials will begin ASAP and will continue until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

Florida Memorial University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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