Director, International Programs

Lake Washington Institute of Technology•Kirkland, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of International Programs provides strategic leadership, vision, and direction for the college’s international education initiatives. Reporting to the Vice President of Student Services, this position leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs and services that support international student recruitment, enrollment, compliance, retention, and success. The Director leads international student services, immigration compliance infrastructure, and partnership development. This role serves as the institution’s Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and holds ultimate responsibility for compliance with federal regulations governing international students. The Director plays a central role in aligning international programs with institutional enrollment and student success goals, while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in International Education, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, or related field
Progressive leadership experience in international education, student services, or a related area
Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. immigration regulations and SEVIS administration such as experience as a Designated School Official (DSO)
Experience developing partnerships and managing complex programs
Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a collaborative environment
Ability to use data to inform strategy and decision-making
Ability to navigate complex compliance and regulatory environments
Ability to communicate effectively across cultures
Ability to support equity, diversity, inclusion, and student-centered practices
Proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
Ability to perform range of physical motions; lifting and carrying; standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping; and traversing up and down stairs.
Ability to operate office equipment
Ability to read and verify data and prepare various materials
Ability to exchange information on the phone or in person

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field
Three or more years of experience as a Designated School Official (DSO)
Supervisory experience
Experience with intensive English programs
Experience living, studying, or working abroad
Proficiency in an additional language

Responsibilities

Provide vision, leadership, and planning for international programs aligned with institutional mission and strategic priorities
Develop and implement a comprehensive international education strategy that integrates recruitment, enrollment, compliance, and student success
Establish policies, procedures, and service models that support high-quality, compliant international student services
Advance inclusive and culturally responsive practices that support student success and belonging
Serve as the institutional expert on international education trends, immigration regulations, and best practices
Partner with campus leadership to align international initiatives with fiscal, academic, and student services priorities
Develop and guide international recruitment strategies that support enrollment goals; travel as needed in support of enrollment goals
Establish and maintain institutional partnerships with international schools, agencies, and organizations
Negotiate and manage partnership agreements and assess partnership effectiveness
Represent the college at domestic and international recruitment events, including high school visits, college fairs, and partner engagements; travel includes evenings and weekends.
Identify and cultivate new international markets through data analysis, trend monitoring, and competitive positioning.
Collaborate with admissions and enrollment services to ensure a smooth and efficient international admissions and enrollment process
Monitor enrollment trends, conversion rates, and market conditions to inform strategic decisions
In partnership with the Marketing and Communications department, lead the development and execution of digital marketing strategies targeting prospective international students across multiple regions.
In partnership with the Marketing and Communications department, create multimedia content including videos, student stories, testimonials, and interactive content to support recruitment goals.
Provide leadership for international student services across the student lifecycle
Ensure the development of programs, such as new international student orientation, that support onboarding, engagement, retention, and completion
Promote integration between international and domestic students through collaboration with the office of student life to provide co-curricular and campus programming
Serve as an advocate for international students and guide institutional response to student needs and concerns
Collaborate with advising and other support services to ensure a smooth and efficient advising for international students
Serve as Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) with responsibility for institutional SEVIS compliance
Establish and monitor processes for SEVIS reporting, record maintenance, and regulatory adherence
Manage the institution's Form I-17 certification, recertification, and updates, ensuring the college maintains compliance with federal requirements for enrolling F-1 students.
Oversee the annual SEVIS certification process for Designated School Officials (DSOs) and ensure continued institutional compliance with federal requirements.
Provide guidance and decision-making on complex immigration cases and compliance issues
Ensure institutional readiness for audits, regulatory changes, and compliance reviews
Lead response to critical incidents, immigration concerns, and student crises in coordination with campus partners
Maintain active engagement with regional and national international education organizations to stay current on SEVIS regulations, immigration policy, and best practices; provide institutional guidance that supports compliance and student success.
Manage the International Programs budget, including planning, forecasting, and expenditure tracking
Use data to assess program effectiveness, inform strategy, and support institutional reporting
Establish performance metrics related to enrollment, retention, and compliance
Ensure accurate tracking of student data and program outcomes
Supervise professional staff and student employees; lead hiring, training, and employee evaluation
Provide training and guidance to campus stakeholders on international student regulations and processes
Collaborate with the business office, admissions, enrollment services, advising, and student life to ensure coordinated service delivery
Represent the college in regional and national international education organizations
Participate in institutional committees related to enrollment and student success
Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and other insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under Public Employees Benefits Board
State Retirement Plan
Deferred Compensation Plan
Sick leave accrues at 1 day effective upon employment
Vacation accrues at 25 days per year
13 paid holidays
4 paid personal days effective upon employment
Bereavement leave
Employee assistance program
Free tuition
Reduced childcare costs at our Early Learning Center
Reduced Bus Fare
Professional development opportunities