Director, Immigration & International Support Services

**This is an on-site position. Remote workers will NOT be considered.**

POSITION SUMMARY

The position is charged with ensuring compliance with federal regulations pertaining to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of State (DOS) and other governmental agencies. This position administers programs and services for the university's international students, and their dependents, and provides advising services on a broad range of immigration, academic, personal, financial, health, social, and cultural concerns, including requirements for a driver's license and social security number.

Accountable for federal reporting by maintaining and updating student information in the DHS Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and other complex database systems to meet SEVIS compliance. Develops and conducts educational workshops for students, faculty, and staff on immigration regulations, career considerations, health, and cultural matters. Partners with university colleagues on proactive strategies and programs to enhance the enrollment, retention, and overall success of international students. Identifies and coordinates a robust study abroad program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advise international students in F-1 and J-1 status, in areas of immigration, cultural, personal, and financial concerns.

Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 visa program and as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO).

Review documents collected by International Admissions and issue Initial Attendance 1-20 documents to new F-1 students.

Advise F-1 students on maintaining F-1 status while studying/working in the United States.

Monitor and maintain data integrity that interfaces with Datatel/Colleague, SEVIS.

Spearhead and be the lead with SEVIS Registration process each semester to ensure international students} progress and continued compliance with the F-1 student regulations.

Manage F-1 and J-1 records regarding international students, exchange visitors and dependent populations for accurate reporting to SEVP.

Review Curriculum Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and STEM-OPT extension applications and issue 1-20s accordingly.

Create, implement, and assess educational programs such as seminars, workshops, and activities for international students throughout the academic year.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with various campus partners to further collaborative efforts (e.g., Graduate and Undergraduate Admissions, Registrar, Housing and Residence Life, Athletic Department).

Support with the coordination and implementation of orientations and cross-cultural programs for international students and their dependents.

Serve as advisor to the International Student Club.

Oversee, promote, and grow the University's Study Abroad Program.

Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICIATIONS

Master's degree in student personnel, business administration, higher education administration, international relations, or related field.

Two to four years of experience working in a higher education environment with international students.

Ability to navigate SEVIS and Colleague information system.

Must have strong computer literacy with the ability to navigate and use effectively the SEVIS and Colleague information systems.

U.S. citizenship or lawful U.S. permanent resident status [as required by U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State].

Ability to clearly communicate government regulations and university policies to international students, faculty, and administration.

Evidence of strong organizational abilities and the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast paced, high-volume environment.

Excellent written and oral communication skills and attention to detail.

Excellent customer service and diplomacy skills and able to work effectively with faculty, students, University, and government officials from different cultural backgrounds while maintaining legal and ethical standards.

Enthusiasm for working with college students is essential.

Valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience at small to mid-sized, faith-based institution.

Involvement in NAFSA and/or other international higher education professional organizations.

Experience with study abroad programs.

Tuition Benefit

After 1 year of continuous full‐time service, employees are eligible to enroll in STU’s bachelor and master courses, tuition‐free. The program will cover a maximum timeframe of 125% of credit hours attempted toward the degree program. Employees may enroll in STU’s doctoral program, with a 40% tuition discount, under the same conditions.

Catholic Identity

St. Thomas University is a Catholic university sponsored by the Archdiocese of Miami committed to academic and professional success guided by its Catholic identity. All employees are therefore expected to respect the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and support the University’s religious mission. All employees hereby acknowledge their familiarity and support of the religious affiliation, mission and values of St. Thomas University.

Equal Employment Opportunity

St. Thomas University is an equal opportunity employer that promotes a diverse and inclusive organization. It is the policy of the University to fill each vacancy with the candidate who represents the best fit for the position and to promote and transfer employees from within whenever possible and practical. Employment decisions are made on the basis of the candidate’s personal capabilities, qualifications, and ability to assist the University in fulfilling its mission without discrimination. With regard to the latter, the University’s program of recruiting employees for mission aims to inform prospective employees of the University’s mission and to help them and hiring personnel determine how they will support and contribute to the University’s mission.

E-Verify

St. Thomas University is an E-Verify® Employer. E-Verify® is an Internet-based system that allows an employer, using information reported on an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to determine the eligibility of that employee to work in the United States. STU will utilize E-Verify® to verify employment eligibility for all newly hired employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Miami Gardens, FL 33054: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• Higher education teaching: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person