Assistant Director of International Student Services and Exchange Partner Programs

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Assistant Director, International Student Services and Exchange Partner Programs is responsible for immigration and cultural adjustment advising, SEVIS compliance, and oversight of international student service operations. Works closely with the Director and various campus offices and student organizations to identify and meet the needs of international students and scholars, and establish policies and procedures which help create an inclusive and supportive intercultural environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advising :

• Advises international students and dependent family members on F immigration regulations, travel, U.S. employment authorization, educational concerns, and cultural adjustment
• Plans and executes orientation sessions for incoming international students
• Processes travel signatures, SEVIS record transfers, program extensions, and reinstatement applications; provides guidance on change of status procedure
• Authorizes and recommends students for the employment benefits appropriate for their immigration status
• Works with the undergraduate and graduate admission offices and the Study Abroad team to assist incoming international and exchange students by reviewing financial support documentation, issuing Form I-20s, providing pre-arrival information, and advising on the visa application process
• Works with outside institutional exchange partners and sponsoring organizations (e.g. Institute of International Education) to maintain and expand the institutional relationships and manage the flow of students and/or scholars to Salve Regina
• Works with the office of Career Development to develop workshops and provide timely advice and application processing for international students seeking internships and post-graduate employment in the U.S
• Works with the Academic Development Center and the English for Academic Purposes Coordinator to ensure appropriate English instruction and tutoring and academic support programming specific to international student needs is available
• Serves as the secondary Academic Advisor to all incoming international students, assisting students in class and major choices, understanding American classroom and academic culture and informing the faculty and registrar's offices, as well as well as the student, of immigration consequences of academic decisions such as less than full time study, change of major, change of graduation date
• Works with academic advisors and Dean of Students office to advise students on immigration implications of changes in students' academic status, or separation from the college
• Serves as Advisor to Salve Regina's international student club
• Responds to crisis situations involving international students
• Advises undocumented and/or dual citizens on cultural adjustment, integration and university enrollment issues.

SEVIS Compliance:

• Serves as Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for the F Program
• Maintains records according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) specifications for students in F-1 immigration status and their dependents.
• Oversees SEVIS compliance process through the upkeep of Salve's student data system. Monitors changes in student records and when applicable, communicates changes through SEVIS to DHS.

Program Management & Development

• Develop a year-round marketing and communication plan with existing Exchange institutional partners and their students to generate more demand for spots at Salve which will allow for more exchange placements abroad
• Assist in identifying potential exchange partners to assist in the expansion of the exchange program.

Operations Management:

• Serves as the liaison to the university international recruitment team
• Maintains International Student Handbook and International Student Services webpage
• Maintains Salve's forms for International Student Services processes such as immigration information updates, OPT reporting, and separation/readmission; liaises with IT and campus partners as needed to resolve technical/policy issues
• Manages updates to Salve's internal calendars which includes event/programming, tasks, and scheduling
• Assist the Director of International Recruitment in the production and execution of a communication plan with applicants and deposited students
• Coordinates ISS statistical reports including: IIE Open Doors Report, NAFSA enrollment survey, and ISS section of the Office of International Programs annual report
• Liaises with University Health Services to ensure immunization compliance
• Liaises with Office of Residence Life to ensure adequate housing for exchange students

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in OIP meetings and support other OIP and university initiatives as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:

N/A

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The incumbent is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.


Requirements:

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in cross cultural communication, counseling, area or cultural studies, foreign language or TESOL preferred. A minimum of two years relevant immigration regulations advisement and compliance experience required. Experience with bilateral exchange programs preferred. Knowledge of immigration, SEVIS and exchange visitor benefits (DSO/ARO). Supervision experience. Awareness of cultural issues as they impact international students' living and learning in an American college setting. Ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds. Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal and organizational skills required.


Additional Information:

Salve Regina University offers generous benefits to eligible employees including:

• health and dental coverage
• life insurance
• long-term disability
• 403B plan
• tuition benefits and more

Salve Regina University strives to provide equal opportunity in employment and education to all employees, students and applicants. No employee, student or applicant shall be discriminated against or harassed on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, age, marital or parental status, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal or state law, in the administration of Salve Regina's employment policies, education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University administered programs. In accordance with Title IX, it does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its educational programs or activities. Salve Regina is also committed to making its programs and campus accessible to its visitors and compliant with all applicable non-discrimination laws.


Application Instructions:

Applicants must apply online for any open staff and faculty positions by providing a cover-letter and resume. Pre-employment background checks and reference checks are required of successful candidates. Salve Regina University participates in E-verify.

URL: www.salve.edu