Assistant Director, International Student Services

ST THOMAS UNIVERSITY INC•Miami Gardens, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director plays a pivotal role in ensuring that international students receive the necessary support to navigate their academic journey while maintaining compliance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration regulations. The position assists with overseeing day-to-day international student services, with primary focus on F-1 visa compliance and regulatory adherence for a diverse population of 400+ international students. 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. The Assistant Director supports the daily operations of International Student Services and assists in providing programs, services, and advising that foster the academic success and well-being of the university's international students. Working under the guidance of the Director, the Assistant Director will learn the federal regulations governing international students and receive training to develop expertise in immigration compliance, student advising, and international student programming. This is an excellent opportunity for an energetic, student-centered professional interested in beginning a career in international education. The successful candidate will receive mentoring and professional development, including training to become a Designated School Official (DSO). In this role, the Assistant Director works closely with Student Life and other university departments to streamline administrative processes and improve institutional support services. Additionally, the position contributes to the university’s broader efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students. The successful candidate will receive mentoring and professional development, including training in SEVIS, federal immigration regulations, and the responsibilities required to become a Designated School Official (DSO).

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required.
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] for future Designated School Official (DSO) eligibility.
Interest in working with international students in a higher education environment.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and university information systems.
Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed; must be available on-call during peak times during the academic year.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Experience working with international students
Programming experience
SEVIS experience
Colleague experience
Knowledge of F-1 regulations
Experience with CPT/OPT
NAFSA involvement

Responsibilities

Provide front-line advising and support to F-1 students regarding academic, cultural, personal, and general immigration-related questions, referring complex immigration matters to the Director as appropriate.
Assist the Director with Designated School Official (DSO) responsibilities and receive training to become a DSO, as appropriate.
Maintain accurate student records in Colleague and SEVIS while learning university and federal reporting requirements.
Help coordinate semester SEVIS registration and compliance activities to ensure students maintain lawful status.
Process Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM-OPT, and other immigration applications under the guidance of the Director.
Plan, implement, and assess educational programs, workshops, and cultural activities for international students.
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).
Assist in planning and implementing new student orientation and cross-cultural programming for international students and their dependents.
Support international student clubs and organizations and assist with student engagement activities.
Assist with managing the department budget ensuring optimal resource allocation.
Participate in ongoing professional development related to international education, SEVIS compliance, federal immigration regulations, and student success.
Other duties assigned.