International Scholar Advisor

International Scholar Advisor 

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is part of the Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs (OVPGA) and serves as the principal administrative, advising and programming office for all international students, faculty and scholars at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), a top ranking global public research university. 

Position Summary
The International Scholar Advisor supports the recruitment and retention of top global faculty and researchers. Assists in obtaining appropriate immigration status and provides education about maintaining status. Provides assistance in adjusting to the U.S. and its system of education. The International Scholar Advisor prepares and handles employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant caseload and related advising: prepares permanent residence petitions (EB-2 and EB-1B petitions), including labor certifications in PERM. Prepares and handles H-1B, O, TN, E-3 and other nonimmigrant employment-based petitions and related advising. Serves as Alternate Responsible Officer of the University Exchange Visitor Program (J-1), including preparing Forms DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) and related J-1 advising. Serves as Designated School Official for F-1 Students. Acts as liaison with the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Labor (DOL) and State (DOS) and USCIS, ICE, SEVP and other federal agencies and private organizations involved with international scholars. The International Scholar Advisor advises and provides information to UNC-Chapel Hill international faculty and scholars, appointing unit staff, and faculty on government regulations and University policies affecting international faculty and scholars and their dependents. Works closely with international faculty and scholars and appointing units to ensure compliance with federal labor and immigration laws and regulations. The International Scholar Advisor assists in the development and maintenance of online campus procedural materials relating to H-1B and permanent residence petitions. Monitors regulatory updates and assists in making necessary changes to operations, forms, and information for distribution. Plans and provides trainings (workshops, information sessions, and orientation presentations) for campus departments involved in international faculty and scholar hosting. Makes appropriate referrals for international faculty and scholars related to personal matters as needed. 

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to the delivery of student advising and counseling or student personnel services, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. 

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Requirements: Thorough knowledge of federal regulations regarding U.S. permanent residence applications and procedures as well as nonimmigrant classifications for international scholars, including H-1B, O, TN, E-3 and J-1 Exchange Visitors; proficiency with F and J student regulations. Experience preparing and filing employment-based immigration cases, including PERM Special Handling for College Teachers and Outstanding Professor or Researcher petitions. Ability to research and explain complex U.S. immigration and labor regulations in relation to campus policies. Minimum of three years’ experience advising international scholars and preparing employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant petitions, preferably in a college or university setting. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Demonstrated cross-cultural communication skills and sensitivity. Ability to work as a team member in a group environment in an office dedicated to high quality services for international students and scholars. Skills with database tools and technology. Position requires accuracy and attention to detail. Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident to serve as Alternate Responsible Officer and Designated School Official in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), as required by federal regulation. 

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Preferred qualifications:
5 years preparing and filing employment based immigration cases
Proficiency with immigration software such as PeopleSoft/PASS, ISSM, sunapsis, etc. including database management, reporting, and testing upgrades.
Experience in digital communication including website revision, effective use of social media, preparing newsletters, and regulatory updates.
Cross cultural experience gained by living and/or working outside the United States.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Focus, reading, interpreting, and applying federal guidance on immigration issues.

Please apply online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/219291

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.