Senior International Student Advisor

It's a great time to join Marymount University! We are looking for faculty and staff who are passionate about providing excellent service to ensure a high quality student experience and collaborative working environment.
JOB SUMMARY
Serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), the Senior International Student Advisor will advise international students by interpreting, developing, and implementing policies and procedures following compliance of institutional and federal immigration regulations, including maintaining status and work authorization. In addition, this role serves as the primary advisor and support contact to assist F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars with their cultural adjustment and integration into campus and the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Direct Supervisor Director (PDSO), International Student & Scholar Services
Status Full-Time, Exempt
Grade 10
Division Academic Affairs
# Of Direct Reports 1-4 Part-time student workers
Target Weekly Hours 40
Location 2807 N Glebe (Main Campus); eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week
Benefits Eligibility Yes
MAJOR DUTIES
Advising 35%

• Serve as a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Designated School Official (DSO), responsible for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record maintenance record keeping, I-20 issuance and updates, and work authorization recommendations while ensuring Federal compliance for both the University and the individual F-1 student.
• Serve as a Department of State (DoS) Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), responsible for the SEVIS record maintenance, DS-2019 issuance and updates, and work authorization recommendations while ensuring Federal compliance for both the University and the individual J-1 student or scholar.
• Advise a caseload of new, continuing, and recently graduated F-1/J-1 students on complex U.S. DHS and U.S. DoS regulations on visa application, travel, school transfers, reinstatements, employment authorization, and change of status, etc.; keeping detailed records of all processes according to the school's and the ISSS student information systems and procedures.
• Provide counsel on all issues of importance and concern to F-1/J-1 international students and scholars and ensures students and scholars feel welcome, are included in the community, and can navigate the institution's systems successfully.

Policy, Compliance, & Processing 35%

• Ensure SEVIS compliance through understanding of and adherence to all applicable Federal nonimmigrant visa regulations and internal guidelines and procedures.
• Participate in DHS and NAFSA: Association of International Educators trainings and conferences, and reviews published guidance and professional network communications regularly to stay up to date and ensure University compliance.
• Collaborate with PDSO in regularly reviewing and updating procedures, handouts, and other communication.
• Responsible for running Student & Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) Alert reports, generating F-1/J-1 student and scholar data reports from the SEVIS real-time interface, and the University's student information system of record and performing record audits that ensure data accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain student and University compliance through appropriate and timely evaluation of immigration benefits, document processing and issuance, and government reporting.

Programming 20%

• Develop and implement intercultural programming for F-1/J-1 international students, and occasionally help provide programming that includes all students, faculty, and staff.
• Maintain and execute compliance-based programming, including, but not limited to Pre-Arrival F-1/J-1 Orientation, F-1/J-1 New International Student Orientation, CPT Workshops, OPT Workshops, OPT STEM Extension Workshops, and other employment/visa general information.
• Collaborate, plan, and implement ISSS hosted events, such as CultureFest.

Other duties and assignments 10%

• Collaborate with University offices and academic departments in order to do student outreach related to academic intervention, wellness, or any other matter that could impact the student's nonimmigration status.
• Be informed and stay up to date on academic and administrative practices that impact the nonimmigration status of students under caseload, and collaborate with PDSO to adjust and apply policies and procedures accordingly.
• Supervise student employees who will assist in record keeping and maintenance duties as well as front desk office operations.
• Work with ISSS team to develop and update office communication materials.
• Contribute to the office and institutional assessment goals and data collection needs.
• Participate in various committees across campus that are relevant to the international student experience on campus.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education

• Bachelor's degree (BA, BS, etc.).

Experience

• 2 years as a Designated School Official and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (required)
• 2-5 years of experience in international education, student services, or related (preferred)
• Knowledge of F-1 (required)
• Knowledge of J-1 (preferred)

Licenses or Certifications
Per U.S. government regulations, to be a DSO or ARO, an employee must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (required)
Financial Responsibility
No direct accountability for financial transactions. May provide research for some budgetary decisions.
Supervision
1-4 part-time student workers
Special Knowledge

• Microsoft Office (required), SEVIS (required), Terra Dotta (preferred), Workday (preferred).
• Must meet regulatory eligibility to be a Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO); U.S. citizenship or permanent resident (required).
• Immigration regulations pertaining to F-1 students and SEVIS reporting requirements.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation).
• Ability to work well individually and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple demands.

Marymount University is an equal opportunity employer. Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations in any of its programs or its activities, including employment and admission. The university also expressly prohibits any form of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and stalking in any of its programs or activities, including employment and admission. For more information, please visit: