Executive Director, Office of International Services

University of Illinois Chicago•Chicago, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is seeking an Executive Director for the Office of International Services (OIS). This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all immigration-related services across UIC, including its regional campuses and instructional sites. The Executive Director will act as the University's primary authority on immigration regulations impacting international students, scholars, faculty, researchers, and visiting exchange participants. This position is crucial for ensuring institutional compliance with federal immigration regulations and offering expert guidance to senior university leadership on immigration policy, risk management, and regulatory matters. UIC is a major urban public research university, serving over 34,000 diverse students and is a significant employer in Chicago.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in Higher Education, International Studies, Public Administration, Law, or a related field (PhD or EdD or JD).
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in international student and scholar services, immigration administration, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience within an international services or immigration-focused office.
Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. immigration laws, regulations, and procedures affecting international students, scholars, faculty, and exchange visitors.
Eligibility to meet DHS requirements for designation as a Designated School Official (DSO) and U.S. Department of State requirements for designation as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
Demonstrated expertise in SEVIS administration and federal regulatory compliance.
Strong analytical, policy interpretation, and risk management skills.
Exceptional communication and relationship management skills with diverse constituencies.

Nice To Haves

Advanced expertise in higher education immigration compliance and international student and scholar services.
Experience advising senior leadership on complex immigration and regulatory matters.
Proven track record managing compliance programs, government audits, and regulatory reviews.
Significant experience serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

Responsibilities

Direct all immigration services and compliance functions for international students, scholars, faculty, researchers, and exchange visitors.
Interpret, implement, and monitor complex federal immigration regulations, policies, and procedures related to F-1, J-1, and other employment-based immigration categories.
Ensure institutional compliance with regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State (DOS), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and other federal agencies.
Develop, implement, and evaluate immigration policies, procedures, and internal controls to minimize institutional risk and maintain regulatory compliance.
Serve as the University's senior consultant and subject matter expert on immigration-related matters, advising administrators, academic leaders, human resources professionals, and other stakeholders.
Monitor changes in federal immigration laws, regulations, and policy guidance and assess institutional impact while recommending appropriate courses of action.
Advise senior university leadership on immigration matters affecting international enrollment, faculty and scholar employment, exchange visitor programs, and institutional compliance.
Provide policy recommendations regarding international student admissions and enrollment processes, international faculty hiring and retention, scholar programs, and related immigration initiatives.
Lead institutional responses to immigration policy changes, audits, investigations, and compliance reviews.
Serve as the primary university contact with federal agencies, including DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), DOS, and DOL.
Collaborate with University Counsel with regard to representing the university in communications concerning immigration regulations, compliance matters, audits, and problem resolution.
Maintain productive relationships with governmental agencies and professional organizations to support effective immigration services and regulatory compliance.
Provide leadership and oversight for the Office of International Services (OIS), including strategic planning, operational management, and resource allocation.
Establish priorities and performance standards for immigration services operations.
Direct the development, implementation, and assessment of programs supporting international student and scholar orientation, transition, retention, and cultural adaptation.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff responsible for immigration advising, case management, and compliance functions.
Ensure staff maintain current knowledge of immigration regulations, procedures, and best practices.
Serve on university and system-wide committees addressing immigration, compliance, international education, and risk management issues.
Lead special projects and initiatives related to immigration services and international student and scholar support.