Immigration Support Services - Director of International & Immigration Services

Sacred Heart University • Fairfield, CT

8d • $80,000 - $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of International and Immigration Services serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for Sacred Heart University’s F-1 program and the Responsible Officer (RO) for its J-1 program in SEVIS, as well as the PDSO for Notre Dame Prep High School. The Director oversees institutional immigration compliance, provides comprehensive immigration advising and support to international students throughout their academic careers and after program completion, and supervises staff who provide international student services and immigration advising. The position is directed by the Executive Director of Graduate & International Student Life. The successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and is expected to work in person. Some weekend and evening hours may be required, particularly during orientation weeks and the start of the academic year.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Knowledge of SEVIS and F-1 and J-1 visa regulations.
• At least 5–7 years of work experience as a PDSO or DSO and RO/ARO.
• Superior communication skills to educate students, university faculty, and administrators about non-immigrant regulations and institutional policies.
• Ability to understand and explain complex government regulations and institutional policies to people who are not native English speakers.
• Ability to maintain detailed immigration records, perform intricate immigration processing, and ensure institutional compliance with student immigration regulations.
• Patience, professionalism, and a high level of sensitivity when advising students.
• Satisfactory completion of a background check is required as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or commensurate experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as PDSO and RO in SEVIS and maintain expertise in F-1 and J-1 visa regulations.
• Ensure institutional compliance with SEVP regulations, including maintaining accurate and timely Form I-17 and DS-3036 records and filing recertifications and program changes or updates.
• Monitor immigration regulations, policy changes, and federal guidance, and translate requirements into institutional procedures and communications.
• Lead communications with SEVP support and the institution’s designated SEVP representative.
• Organize SEVIS data processing under DHS guidelines and maintain data and quality-control management.
• Provide institutional guidance on F-1 and J-1 regulations related to admissions, enrollment, employment, program changes, transfers, and student status, including OPT and STEM OPT populations.
• Lead immigration advising throughout students’ academic journeys and on post-completion employment.
• Provide timely guidance on visas, status maintenance, employment authorization, travel, program changes, transfers, and other immigration matters.
• Develop programs, communications, and resources that promote international student transition, belonging, engagement, and success.
• Provide accurate immigration information, monitor and track student immigration status, and maintain appropriate records.
• Establish, update, and track SEVIS records on a semester, trimester, or module basis.
• Prepare or coordinate F-1 documents for undergraduate and graduate programs and ensure compliance with federal policies and regulations.
• Serve as liaison to deans, department heads, faculty, and administrators, providing advanced immigration-related advice and assistance.
• Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of academic programs and departmental policies and procedures to apply immigration regulations appropriately.
• Advise students on immigration petitions and applications, including new F-1 visas, employment authorizations, reinstatement, reduced course load authorizations, change of status, and medical leave.
• Ensure students maintain OPT and STEM OPT employment authorizations and understand required reporting.
• Coordinate with outside organizations providing services for international students, such as tax filing, banking, and mobile services.
• Guide students in accessing appropriate community services and local resources.
• Assist the Executive Director with delivering a quality experience and programming for enrolled international students.
• Supervise and support staff responsible for international student services, immigration advising, and related programs.
• Train and provide professional development to staff on immigration regulations, SEVIS requirements, advising practices, and emerging issues.
• Establish clear procedures, service standards, and workflows for consistent and effective student support.
• Supervise and train all DSOs and AROs.
• Support staff professional development planning and maintain relationships with professional organizations to stay current on federal rules and regulations.
• Attend regional or national workshops and conferences to remain current on immigration policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off
• Other employee benefits, with specifics and eligibility varying by position and applicable plan provisions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed