Coordinator, International Student Services (ISS)

Overview:  Santa Fe College (SF) has been recognized as one of the top-rated community college in the United States.  Santa Fe College is a student-centered institution with a commitment to open access, academic excellence, and cultural and ethnic diversity.  Santa Fe College is a comprehensive public college that offers a range of Bachelor’s degrees, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degree options, as well as Certificate and Non-Degree programs.  A high quality of life, temperate climate, proximity to the University of Florida, diverse cultural events, and plentiful recreational opportunities make SF and Gainesville an ideal community to work and live.  SF enrolls over 16,000 students each semester, retains and completes over 60% of students every academic year, while over 10% transfer into the University system.

Santa Fe College’s International Student Services (ISS) is dedicated to providing prospective International students and their families with admissions and orientation guidance, as well as supporting current international students with immigration advice and continuing enrollment support.  ISS is seeking a Coordinator to be responsible for all activities of ISS, including the management of international admissions policies and practices, international student recruitment, advisement of F-1 students through the admissions process and throughout enrollment, the advisement of administrators, faculty and staff on issues related to international students, the maintenance of international student records and files, the coordination and monitoring of the health insurance program for F-1 students at the college, as well as the supervision of ISS staff. 

The Coordinator, ISS will serve as the lead Designated School Official (DSO) for Santa Fe College acting as the main point of contact for Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), responsible for full compliance with all aspects of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) including the tracking and maintenance of student records within the SEVIS, assisting the Principal DSO with updates to SF’s Petition for Approval of School Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student (Form I-17), and reporting statistical data to SF, federal agencies, and international education organizations.

Responsibilities and duties include:

• Work closely with international students, their families and sponsors to provide comprehensive guidance and support regarding all aspects of the admissions process, including obtaining lawful entry into the U.S. upon obtaining admission within the chosen programs of study, as well as the potential eventual transfer to an upper division university. Oversee the F-1 visa international student admission process, including managing and analyzing documentation, directing international applicants to the appropriate transcript evaluation service provider as needed, determining admittance into the college, issuing required immigration documents, and maintaining up-to-date, accurate records and databases.

• Coordinate Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) documentation for F-1 visa international students from initial application through graduation and/or separation from Santa Fe College.
• Provide support for other international students beyond those with an F-1 visa (including DACA students, undocumented students, migrants, students on other visas, and students pursuing the ESOL program) through the enrollment process.
• Coordinate, conduct, evaluate, and revise International Student Orientation and various workshops to create continuous learning opportunities for international students in accordance with federal regulations for non-immigrant visa holders, national and local laws, college policies, and sponsorship requirements.
• Establish and maintain professional networks and relationships with local, state, national, and international organizations and governmental agencies to expand international student enrollment.
• Promote the critical role of international students as representatives of their countries throughout the college and local community.
• Interpret the State of Florida residency regulations to determine appropriate residency classifications for prospective and current non-U.S. permanent resident and non-resident alien students in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Citizen and Immigrations Services (USCIS).
• In coordination with other college departments (including Communications & Creative Services and the Office of Admissions), develop and implement a strategic international student recruitment plan using digital communications, social media, direct outreach, partnerships with other educational and governmental agencies, and international recruitment travel.
• Leverage Salesforce CRM to support outreach activities and tracking international applicants through enrollment.
• Establish, document, evaluate, and report on measurable operational and learning outcomes for the International Student Services office and for international students whom are served.
• Maintain open communications with SF departments and SF’s service district through the coordination and participation in activities developed for the benefit of SF’s international student population and fulfillment of the college initiative of global education.
• Collaborate with other departments housed in the International Center on the administration of the Center, and represent ISS on the International Center Leadership Team
• Supervise and provide leadership for the staff working within ISS.
• Develop, manage, and maintain the departmental budget for ISS.
• Provide service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible and professional engagement. Serve as an advocate for international students within a student development framework. Perform other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

Qualifications

Required: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with four (4) years of related experience or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with two (2) years of closely related work experience is required. Experience as a principal designated school official (PDSO) and/or a designated school official (DSO) with a working knowledge of Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) procedures and legal requirements of international students and hosting institutions are also required. 

Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted.

Preferred: Multiple language competencies are strongly preferred to successfully communicate with the international student population.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to remain calm, exercise good judgement, respond swiftly, effectively, and appropriately to emergency and high stress situations.
• Able to effectively handle confidential and proprietary information.       
• Adaptability to Change – able to be flexible and supportive, able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.      
• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.       
• Critical Thinking & Judgement - able to make well-reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and informed analysis of available information, considerations, and other factors.     
• .Detail Oriented - Proven accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ethics – able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions
• Independent work - able to work independently with limited supervision and able to self-motivate.
• Leadership – has demonstrated success as an entrepreneurial, high energy, driven, hands-on leader.  Possess expertise in selecting, training, developing, coaching, mentoring, and retaining a highly motivated workforce.       
• Systems & Software - proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office, Salesforce CRM, and SEVIS; experience working with Enterprise systems.     
• Multicultural Competence – Possesses a strong knowledge and understanding about different cultures and integrates this awareness into everyday work; able to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.
• Problem Solving – proven skills in identifying issues, determining their cause, developing creative solutions, and following through with implementing resolutions.
• Relationship Management – able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs, and maintains collaborative relationships with all levels within and external to the organization.
• Results Orientation – proven ability to set and exceed established targets.      
• Team Orientation & Interpersonal – highly motivated team player with ability to develop         

Application Process:  All applicants must submit a completed SF Employment Application, a letter of intent, an up-to-date resume as well as college transcripts through the job portal to be considered for this position. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to any employment offer when academic credentials are the basis for meeting minimum qualifications or receiving steps. Unofficial transcripts are only accepted for review purposes.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. http://www.sfcollege.edu/eaeo/
 

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to: equity.officer@sfcollege.edu

Santa Fe College reserves the right to extend deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions.

Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.