Director of International Student Support

National Louis University•Chicago, IL

4d•$58,202 - $84,393•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of International Student Support provides strategic leadership for National Louis University's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), ensuring a welcoming, compliant, and student-centered experience for international students and scholars across all NLU campuses and modalities. Serving as the university's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), the Director oversees institutional compliance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and all applicable federal regulations governing F-1 students and scholars. The Director directly supervises the Assistant Designated School Official (Associate DSO) and leads the International Student Support team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence while ensuring accurate immigration advising, responsive student support, and seamless operational processes. The Director also works closely with Florida program leadership and provides strategic and compliance oversight to the DSO supporting NLU's Florida programs to ensure consistent institutional practices and adherence to federal requirements. Working collaboratively with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Human Resources, Legal Affairs, Student Finance, and external agencies, the Director develops strategies that promote student success, persistence, and belonging while mitigating institutional compliance risk. As a key leader within Student Affairs, the Director advances NLU's commitment to access, equity, and global engagement by strengthening international student programming, enhancing cross-campus partnerships, and creating systems that empower international students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Global/International Education, Counseling or related field, required
Minimum of 5 years of experience in international student advising and/or student support including F-1 Visa regulations/SEVIS processes
Demonstrated ability to interpret complex federal regulations and translate them into institutional policies, procedures, and operational practices
Experience serving as a Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) required
At least three years of experience supervising and leading teams
Strong knowledge of immigration regulations and student advising practices with a proven ability to lead compliance efforts while advancing student success initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree, preferred
experience as a Responsible Officer (RO), preferred
Additional language skills are a plus

Responsibilities

Serve as National Louis University's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), providing strategic leadership for international student support, immigration compliance, and institutional risk management.
Oversee all Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) operations, ensuring the accurate issuance of immigration documents, maintenance of student records, reporting requirements, and compliance with federal regulations.
Manages all I-17 recertifications and update petitions.
Interpret and apply complex immigration laws, policies, and guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of State (DOS), and other federal agencies.
Directly supervise, coach, and evaluate the Assistant DSO and lead International Student Support staff to ensure consistent, high-quality immigration advising and student-centered service delivery while safeguarding students' legal status and eligibility for immigration benefits.
Provide strategic and compliance oversight to the DSO supporting NLU's Florida programs, including guidance on complex cases, SEVIS practices, regulatory reporting, recordkeeping, and institutional risk.
Continuously monitor emerging federal legislation, executive actions, policy guidance, and regulatory changes affecting international students and scholars.
Serve as the university's subject matter expert by proactively advising the Vice President for Student Affairs and university leadership on regulatory updates, institutional risk, operational impacts, and recommended strategies.
Lead the development and implementation of university policies, procedures, communications, and contingency plans to ensure institutional compliance while minimizing disruption to the student experience.
Conduct periodic compliance reviews and internal audits, identify areas of risk, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Represent the university with federal agencies and professional organizations, including NAFSA and SEVP, ensuring NLU remains informed of national best practices in international education.
Provide strategic leadership for programs, services, and engagement initiatives that promote international student success, persistence, belonging, and intercultural learning.
Develop, implement, and assess comprehensive orientation, transition, and ongoing engagement opportunities that support students' academic success, cultural adjustment, leadership development, and overall well-being.
Design and implement programming and engagement activities that foster a welcoming, inclusive campus community and meaningful connections among international and domestic students.
Collaborate with campus partners to create educational opportunities that enhance intercultural competency, increase awareness of global perspectives, and strengthen the overall international student experience.
Evaluate program effectiveness using student feedback and data to drive continuous improvement and ensure initiatives align with institutional priorities and student needs.
Develop, coordinate, and implement programs, initiatives, and engagement opportunities that foster a strong sense of community, belonging, and success for international students and scholars throughout their academic journey.
Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, Career Services, Student Affairs, Student Finance, faculty, Florida program leadership, and external partners to ensure coordinated, student-centered support across the institution.
Partner closely with the Florida program and its Designated School Official (DSO) to align policies, procedures, communications, training, and escalation protocols across locations.
Provide consultation and training to university departments on federal immigration regulations, institutional policies, and best practices to ensure institutional compliance and a consistent student experience.
Cultivate strategic partnerships that strengthen international student recruitment, retention, persistence, engagement, and post-graduation success.
Develop, monitor, and report key performance indicators related to international student enrollment, retention, compliance, student satisfaction, and engagement.
Utilize data to assess program effectiveness, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the overall international student experience.
Prepare institutional reports, maintain accurate records, support accreditation and audit activities, and identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.