Director, International Students and Scholars

Barnard College•New York City, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of International Students & Scholars (ISS) at Barnard College is dedicated to serving the international community. The ISS Director, in collaboration with the Executive Director and the Director for Opportunity Programs, implements strategies to support international, first-generation, and low-income students, aiding their transition and success at Barnard. ISS also provides regulatory guidance and operational support for international faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and administrative staff on J-1 Exchange Visitor categories, in partnership with Human Resources and the Provost’s Office. Reporting to the Executive Director of Access Barnard, the Director is responsible for immigration advising, institutional regulatory compliance, strategic direction, adherence to federal immigration requirements, and promoting a holistic approach to international student and scholar support.

Requirements

Graduate Degree required (Master’s, PhD, EdD, JD or other advanced degree), preferably in international education, higher education administration, or related fields.
Minimum 6 years of progressive leadership and supervisory experience in international student and scholar services within higher education.
Expertise in immigration regulations, including F-1, J-1, H-1B, and other employment-based visa categories, along with knowledge of SEVIS compliance requirements.
Demonstrated expertise in immigration regulations affecting both international students and scholars, including substantial experience administering J-1 Exchange Visitor programs for faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and/or staff, and serving in a PDSO, DSO, RO, or ARO capacity.
Must have experience overseeing personnel and administrative operations, management of budgets/finance, technology systems, as well as strength in policy development and implementation.
Communication skills, to allow for straightforward and factual representation of ISS on-campus.
Discretion, diplomacy, and a sense of humor are essential.
Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations to function as the campus Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO).
Must be willing to work during the summer months; some weekend and evening work will occasionally be required.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and develop student-centered programs that promote and sustain international student success.
Advise and mentor international students on visa regulations, employment authorizations, orientation, financial wellness, health insurance, and personal counseling.
Provide direct leadership, management, and mentorship to professional and student staff.
Oversee ISS communications and operations, ensuring all service delivery channels are consistently staffed, accessible, and provide accurate, responsive, timely, and empathetic support.
Implement enhancements to systems, workflows, and service models to strengthen operational effectiveness and efficiency.
Oversee ISS’ institutional messaging and communications strategy, working with General Counsel, the Provost’s Office, Human Resources, and other units to ensure compliance with legal and institutional policies.
Provide oversight of ISS’ data systems, ensuring integrity, accuracy, and compliance across all records related to international students and scholars.
Ensure metrics on caseloads and programming reach are available for innovation and adaptation.
Manage external vendor relationships (e.g., Terra Dotta, Sprintax, One to World) by fostering partnerships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely payments.
Supervise coordination of the Visiting International Student Program (VISP) in collaboration with Admissions and exchange partner institutions.
Advise prospective and continuing students, recent alums, and J-1 scholars on opportunities, regulations, and maintenance of VISA status, including OPT and CPT.
Serve as the College’s primary institutional resource for J-1 Exchange Visitor matters involving employees and scholars.
Collaborate with Human Resources and the Provost’s Office to advise on J-1 eligibility, sponsorship, program administration, SEVIS compliance, DS-2019 issuance and extensions, onboarding, maintenance of status, employment authorization, and related federal regulatory requirements for international faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and eligible staff.
Work collaboratively within the Access Barnard leadership team to conceptualize strategic goals, support program functions, and provide guidance for international student initiatives.
Interpret and apply academic and campus policy and procedures, and promote best practices in advising to the international student community.
Contribute to the development and analysis of Access Barnard assessment efforts and communications.
Maintain fiscal responsibility of the International Student Services budget.
Collaborate with Barnard Admissions to serve as the campus liaison for international students during the pre-application process, enrollment, and throughout their matriculation.
Collaborate with campus partners (e.g., Residential Life & Housing, Beyond Barnard, Deans’ Office for Advising & Support, Registrar, Provost, Columbia Athletics, United World College Davis Scholars) to ensure a holistic international student experience.
Provide consultation and updates to Human Resources and the Provost’s Office regarding immigration-related processes affecting international faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and staff, with a focus on J-1 Exchange Visitor regulations, institutional obligations, and risk mitigation.
Serve as Principal Designated School Officer (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) in the SEVIS database at Barnard College.
Act as the College’s primary liaison on matters related to the Barnard international community to U.S. government agencies (DHS, DOL, DOS), representing the institution in matters related to compliance, audits, and regulatory interpretation.
Foster strong relationships with international students and scholars, ensuring institutional responsiveness to their needs and concerns.
Oversee the compliance of the College within federal guidelines by maintaining accuracy within SEVIS, overseeing departmental policy, and creating student instruction guides for work authorizations (CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, Academic Training).
Oversee the compliance of the College within federal guidelines by maintaining accuracy within SEVIS, providing institutional guidance, and creating scholar instruction guides for visiting professors and research scholars.
Develop and maintain institutional procedures, guidance documents, and compliance resources related to J-1 scholar sponsorship and administration.
Serve on campus and university-wide committees related to the support of international students.
Represent the college at outside conferences, community meetings, and inter-institutional programs and activities.
Stay abreast of literature and networks related to the success of international students in higher education.