Associate Director, ISSS

University of Texas at Austin

22d•$88,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is one of the largest public universities in the United States and is the flagship of The University of Texas System. UT Austin enrolls more than 52,000 students studying in almost 120 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 220 graduate programs across 18 colleges and schools. UT Austin is steadfastly committed to global engagement and is home to more than 5,600 international students and 1,500 international scholars from more than 130 countries, with more than 530,000 living alumni in 176 counties around the world. Texas Global advances UT Austin’s academic mission by leading, supporting, and coordinating the university’s international engagement efforts, fostering strategic partnerships on campus and abroad, welcoming a cadre of impressive international students and scholars to campus, and creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage with peers and institutions around the world. Texas Global is comprised of nine units, home to over 140 staff members, and continued growth of the organization is expected. Reporting to the director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), the associate director is a dynamic leader who shapes the experience of international students and scholars at every level, from regulatory compliance to community belonging. This role oversees the University’s compliance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Labor, and other applicable regulatory agencies, while also driving the intercultural programs and initiatives that help international students and scholars thrive. The associate director leads a talented team, advances ISSS’s strategic vision, and serves as a visible champion for the international community across campus.

Requirements

Master's degree in international education, higher education administration, or a related field.
Six or more years of progressive experience with U.S. immigration regulations in a university setting, including significant experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
Demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff.
Demonstrated ability to design and lead intercultural programs and initiatives that foster belonging and community for international populations.
Proficiency with administrative software and emerging technologies to improve workflows and deliver excellent service.
Ability to lead with strategic vision, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Exceptional interpersonal, intercultural communication, and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage various audiences effectively.
Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply for this position due to federal database access requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience preparing USCIS petitions, including Forms I-140, I-129, and other employment-based filings in a university context.
Proficiency in a language other than English.
Experience working, living, and/or studying abroad.
Experience with and proficiency in Sunapsis.
Experience with strategic planning, program assessment, or data-driven decision-making in a higher education context.

Responsibilities

Serve as F-1 Designated School Official (DSO) and J-1 Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO); liaise with government agencies on policies and issues affecting the international community.
Translate complex regulatory changes into clear internal policies and consistent advising practices across ISSS teams.
Build staff expertise through ongoing training on immigration regulations, best practices, and University policies, empowering the team to advise with confidence and care.
Maintain the integrity of student and scholar records across administrative databases, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Leverage technology to streamline immigration business processes and use data to continuously improve service quality and effectiveness.
Lead the teams responsible for student advising, faculty and scholar services, and intercultural programs and initiatives. Supervise the assistant director of each unit, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous growth.
Champion programming that builds community and belonging for international students and scholars, ensuring these experiences are integrated into the broader ISSS mission.
Set a high standard for service by training staff in intercultural communication, topical expertise, and student-centered advising; actively invest in staff professional development.
Represent the director at University meetings, as needed, and build strong partnerships across campus to amplify resources and advocacy for the international community.
Collaborate with the director to develop and execute ISSS’s strategic vision.
Manage ISSS operations in the director’s absence.
Serve as a trusted resource for academic departments and University units, proactively sharing guidance on federal regulations and their implications for specific colleges, schools, and units.
Develop and deliver engaging training and informational sessions that equip the University community to better support international students and scholars.
Ensure all ISSS communications -webpages, presentations, handouts, and publications - are clear, accurate, welcoming, and consistent with the Texas Global brand.
Champion ISSS and Texas Global priorities by actively participating in strategic initiatives and community-building events.
Drive innovation through collaborative participation in staff meetings and working groups focused on enhancing service delivery.
Foster a sense of belonging by supporting and volunteering to staff programs that connect international students and scholars with each other and the greater University community.