Associate Director, International Services

Syracuse University•Syracuse, NY

42d

About The Position

The Associate Director of the Center for International Services will lead various administrative aspects of international student services and support. The Associate Director works closely with university departments to streamline administrative processes and improve institutional support services. This position oversees day-to-day international student services, with a primary focus on F-1 visa compliance and regulations. This leader will provide oversight on resources for international students and issues related to immigration status, OPT and, and cultural, social and academic concerns. The Associate Director will also oversee Center for International Services (CIS) immigration advising and programming staff, including the delivery of service to students, office operations, student contact and educational outreach.

Requirements

Master's degree in related field (Higher Education Administration, International Affairs, or Business) or knowledge and skills typically acquired through completion of a master's degree or equivalent.
5+ years of related experience advising students and exchange visitor scholars using SEVIS, and planning and implementing international student and scholar programming.
3+ years of proven experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
Knowledge of US immigration laws and regulations, including using SEVIS as a Principal Designated School Official and Responsible Officer.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Outstanding organizational skills.
Strong knowledge of SEVIS regulations, F-1 and J-1 visa policies, and U.S. immigration law affecting international students and scholars.
Experience with student information and immigration databases (e.g., Banner, ISSM, SEVIS).
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex federal policies regarding nonimmigrant visas.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills with a commitment to student-centered service.
Ability to collaborate across departments and develop interdepartmental strategies for international student success.
Experience designing and implementing international student programming and compliance workshops.
Proven ability to manage budget and allocate resources effectively.
Experience and sensitivity in working with people of differing backgrounds and cultures.
Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.
Demonstrated experience collaborating with university partners and community organizations to create a welcoming and supportive environment for international students and scholars

Responsibilities

Provide training, leadership, and management of the international student advisor staff and administrative operations of the Center including strategic planning, fiscal responsibility and budget oversight, recruitment, hiring and training, performance evaluation process, technology needs and usage, and programming and event planning.
Provide data to schools/colleges, academic department heads, Admissions, and other offices with international student enrollment each semester.
Provide oversight and development to ongoing programs throughout the year for international students and scholars to facilitate and support cultural adjustment, academic progress, and ongoing well-being at Syracuse University, working closely and collaboratively with other offices within the Division and university.
Oversee the management of crises involving international students and their families, including death, physical and emotional health, financial, natural and political crises, coordinating with related institutional, community and home country designated support systems.
Provide oversight to international student retention strategies and programs and staff assigned to this work. Serve as liaison with academic and administrative units for matters involving international students and scholars.
Oversee new and transfer international student pre-arrival processes, communication, resources and information orientations to ensure compliance with Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations.
Oversee implementation of informational workshops for international students and facilitate outreach to university departments to provide information or updates about visa requirements and benefits.
Serve as the Syracuse University Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (RO) for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
Ensure compliance with federal regulations and policies, submit reports to federal agencies, and maintain SEVIS records.
Oversee and perform the review process for academic progress and enrollment for international students each semester in order to ensure compliance with current and new immigration regulations.
Coordinate communication/intervention with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State on behalf of international students and exchange visitor scholars should problems arise.