Director, International Student and Scholar Services 998161

Xavier University seeks its next Director of International Student and Scholar Services to provide leadership and vision for all processes and programming related to international students and scholars at Xavier. This includes oversight for the comprehensive visa, immigration, and other support and advocacy services to international students and visiting scholars under a student-centered mission and advising philosophy. This position also includes responsibility for coordination and administrative support of a range of support and outreach services for international students intended to increase retention and student satisfaction.

The Director is the lead contact person for the university J-1 exchange visitor program and oversees all aspects of the incoming and outgoing direct exchange programs. The Director serves as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Responsible Officer (RO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program administered through the Department of State (DOS).

The Director will be part of the leadership team of the Center for International Education which includes Education Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, and International Recruitment. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience collaborating across departments to effectively serve students, knowledge of immigration regulations and how they affect international students and scholars, and a demonstrated commitment to diversity and equity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide the necessary leadership to ensure that the highest level of service is provided to international students and scholars and campus-at-large.
• Work extensively with academic, athletic, and other university departments to support the intersection of departmental policies and processes, immigration regulations and unique international student needs.
• Provide training on a variety of intercultural communication and international student and scholar related topics for campus partners.
• Administer integration programming for efforts leading to retention of international students, including faculty and staff outreach, CTE workshops, student orientation programs in the US and abroad, and ongoing acculturation programming.
• Act as Principal Designated School Officer (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) for Xavier University as required by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Create and maintain university processes and policies for academic situations that affect legal status, such as leaves of absences, reduced course load, curricular practical training, health insurance coverage, etc.
• Provide advising and referrals to international students regarding issues such as cultural adjustment, immigration, and personal concerns, specifically regarding unique and complex situations.
• Complete mandatory annual reports, F1 Re-certification and J1 Re-designation processes.
• Oversee University exchange agreements and represent Xavier University with international exchange partners (incoming and outgoing).

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 2-5 year’s experience advising on policies and procedures as applied to international students as a Designated School Official (PDSO/DSO)
• Excellent attention to detail and familiarity with auditing procedures
• Ability to clearly communicate government regulations and university policies to international students, faculty and administration
• Comfortable working independently and meeting deadlines
• Enjoys working within a team in a diverse, intercultural, and fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in field related to International Education, e.g., higher education, psychology, intercultural communications, or related
• Five to seven years of international education related experience

We welcome candidates who thrive in a workplace where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged and embraced. In your letter of interest, please include a brief statement on how you might contribute to Xavier’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To ensure consideration, qualified/interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references on Xavier University's website by August 23, 2022 . Candidates are asked to include with their cover letter a brief statement on how they might support/contribute to Xavier’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Xavier University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Xavier University requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Newly hired employees will be required to provide vaccination status upon on-boarding. Vaccine exemptions may be granted for medical or religious reasons.

Benefits

Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and employment class.

• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• Tax advantaged accounts including health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.
• Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.