Executive Director, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

University of Miami•Coral Gables, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Department. The Executive Director oversees institutional compliance with Federal Regulations that govern the institution’s acceptance and enrollment of international students and hosting of international scholars (faculty and researchers). The Executive Director also leads and manages the visa issuance document function that supports enrollment via undergraduate and graduate admission, the scholar program, and oversees the international scholar admission process. Integral to this position is leading the effort to enhance the acclimation, involvement, and retention of international students through support services, programmatic activities, and advocacy. The Executive Director also serves on the Enrollment Management senior leadership team and supports institutional goals related to new student enrollment, retention, and graduation of all students.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling or related field required.
Seven (7) years of work related experience.
Knowledge of enrollment processes and procedures, operations management, and customer service best practices are required.
Ability to analyze, plan, organize, challenge and lead staff, volunteers, academics and other campus units to maximize opportunities and benefits of the university international resources.
General knowledge of Department of Homeland Security, State Department, Department of Labor regulations affecting international faculty, students and researchers.
Current working knowledge of immigration federal laws and regulations, as well as knowledge of SEVIS reporting requirements.
Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policies and procedures.
Strong project management, problem solving, delegation, and decision-making skills.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint applications including database management systems, reporting tools, and web-based applications.
Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Any appropriate combination of relevant education and/or work experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Provides vision, leadership and development of a strategic plan to guide the department.
Develops, implements, and evaluates long-and short-term strategic goals and operational plans that align with broad goals of the University and the Division of Student Affairs.
Develops, implements, and administers streamlined and timely processes to enhance application processing and operations for international students and scholars.
Directs the Immigration related aspects of enrollment tied to the admission process for international students including processing immigration documents (Note: Admission issues the initial I-20/visa issuance document since my departure form Enrollment Management in August 2023), advising academic departments and incoming students, and evaluating academic programs for international student enrollment eligibility.
Oversees the international scholar admission process for all schools and colleges and Immigration related aspects, which includes processing immigration documents and advising academic departments and incoming scholars.
Develops appropriate policies regarding the department and its provision of services.
Designs and implements procedures and practices in order to streamline immigration-related document and application processing.
Spearheads the operation of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to identify potential technical efficiencies in the international student and scholar process through the implementation of new technologies and enhanced systems.
Leads, mentors, and supports the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team.
Develops and manages the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) budget.
Serves as the Principle Designated School Official/PDSO (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) and Responsible Officer/RO (U.S. Department of State) for the University of Miami.
Responsible for full implementation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), compliance with SEVIS record-keeping and reporting requirements, and maintenance of the University of Miami’s approval and eligibility to enroll international students and host international scholars.
Oversees immigration advising and document processing for the international student and scholar population including work authorization approval related to internships and post-completion employment.
Liaises with and serves as University representative to external stakeholders including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, Citizenship and Immigration Services, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of State, and governmental agencies (Fulbright, Institute of International Education, Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, LASPAU: Academic and Professional Programs for the Americas, etc.).
Builds strategic partnerships and develop, enhance, and administer a broad range of programs and services designed to provide a welcoming environment for international students and scholars and empower and equip them for success.
Provides orientation, transition, and retention services for international students and scholars.
Oversees the advisement of the Council of International Students and Organizations (COISO), the umbrella organization for all international organizations.
Oversees counseling and advising services for international students and scholars on such matters as cultural adjustment, taxes, health, social, financial, and other personal matters as well as assistance in handling crises.
Collaborates with University stakeholders to support needs of international students and scholars including academic departments, Academic Resource Center, Counseling Center, Career Services, Faculty Affairs, Human Resources, and Student Affairs.
Other duties as assigned.
Advocates on behalf of international students and scholars with internal and external stakeholders.
Prepares statistical data and information on international students and scholars for multiple uses throughout the University and externally, including analysis and research.