Assistant Director, International Student Experience

Rice University•Houston, TX

5h•$65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Student Experience, the Assistant Director of International Student Experience is responsible for devising and implementing operational plans to achieve objectives for student success and programmatic goals for the department, specifically those around serving international students. This person serves as the point person for international student issues and concerns at the Jones Graduate School of Business. This includes administering key functions such as operations, program planning, course management, risk management, student advising, student events, marketing outreach and communications, student co-curricular activities and student orientations. Assists with and attends global courses and supports faculty and senior staff in building and managing relationships with internal and external entities. Ideal Candidate Statement: An ideal candidate has experience with MBA programs and has a high level of project management, student engagement experience, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, ability to work well with team and student leaders, and client relations. The ideal candidate should have experience with international travel as well as knowledge of international student issues. The ideal candidate is passionate about student experience and providing top-tier student program services and learning experiences to professional, high achieving MBA students from around the world. Workplace Requirements: Rice Business primarily delivers residential classes and activities taking place almost daily between 7 am and 10 pm. We value a highly collaborative and community-based culture, with expectations to provide in-person support and services to all members of our community. Remote work options are limited. Most employment activities are required to be performed in-person and on-campus. This in-person approach is central to the successful achievement of our research and academic missions. This position may be offered as a hybrid role and may combine both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Remote work opportunities are possibly extended to the candidate following the successful conclusion of the probationary period. They will be issued a laptop that can be taken off-campus for remote work and will have a desk in an open cubicle area when working on campus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Three or more (3+) years of relevant experience in higher education.
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
Advanced problem-solving skills
Advanced knowledge of international student issues and visa parameters
Strong verbal and written communications skills
Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Strong organizational and time management skills
Strong data analysis skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
Ability to be on campus and work in a high pace and social environment
Adept at problem solving, creating contingency plans and handling issues when necessary
Strong client service orientation and attention to detail
Ability to learn quickly and be adaptable in a high stress environment
Strong confidence and comfortability to travel internationally for 7+ days as the point person for risk, crisis and logistical management
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, including a high level of maturity, professionalism, and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information (including following FERPA laws)

Nice To Haves

Experience as a DSO or PDSO
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Qualtrics, Canva & Canvas

Responsibilities

Serve as primary point of contact for international students at Rice Business, providing advising and support from admission through graduation
Advise international students on immigration-related matters in collaboration with the Rice University Office of International Students and Scholars (e.g., visa status, enrollment requirements, CPT/OPT processes)
Develop, implement, and oversee onboarding and orientation programs tailored to international MBA students
Coordinate academic, personal, and cultural support services to promote student success, retention, and well-being
Partner with faculty, program leadership, and campus offices to address academic progress, policy issues, and student concerns
Design and deliver programming related to career readiness, cultural adjustment, and professional development for international students
Communicate policies, deadlines, and resources clearly to students via multiple platforms
Represent the MBA program in campus-wide and external initiatives related to international education
Ensure compliance with university policies, accreditation standards, and applicable federal and state regulations
Responsible for program logistics, including budgeting and risk management
Manage logistics of and attends global immersion courses 2 to 3 times per year to serve as faculty and student support
Serve as advisor to relevant clubs and organizations
Performs all other duties as assigned
Analyze student data and assessment metrics to evaluate services and recommend program improvements
Contribute to strategic planning efforts related to international student recruitment, experience, and outcomes
Provide staffing support at Launch, Commencement, Partios, and more
Some evening and weekend work will be required to provide office coverage
Other additional duties as assigned by program leadership