International Services Coordinator (HR Title: International Program Specialist)

Southern Methodist University • Dallas, TX

37d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. This position will serve a Designated School official and Alternate Responsible Officer and will have depth knowledge of the code of federal regulations governed by DHS and DOS. This person will advise students, scholars and families on compliance issues and interpret vague regulations in order to educate students and exchange visitors on compliance requirements dictated by their visa status. This position will also execute internal best practices and policies with the goal of assisting students and exchange visitors navigate immigration benefits as well as the process of enrollment and post-graduation services such as work authorization. This person will also assist with programming efforts in order to advance the university's student success and retention goals. This position will foster an inclusive environment providing outstanding customer service while reporting to both the U.S. government and the institution. Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of two (2) years of experience is required or equivalent combination of education and experience, may be considered.
• Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
• Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.

Nice To Haves

• Professional experience may include internships in an International Office. Candidate with professional experience advising international students preferably at a four-year institution for a minimum of one year is highly desirable.
• Candidate with knowledge of the code of federal regulations governing visa holders on F and J visa categories is preferred.
• Candidate must demonstrate ability to assess legal cases and provide solutions based on depth knowledge of immigration regulations and based on professional experience dealing with similar situations.
• Candidate with knowledge of office applications including PeopleSoft, SharePoint, Canvas, Canva, Teams, and experience working in SEVIS, real time is desired.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the DSO and ARO for the F1 and J1 visa programs. Provide advisement (in-person, virtually via Zoom, email, and telephone) to international students and scholars on regulatory issues including but not limited to: visa applications, maintaining status, on and off campus employment benefits, program extensions, reinstatements, and transfers. Advise students and scholars on university procedures and resources.
• On-Campus Work Authorization: Advise students on on-campus employment criteria. Review and approve Payroll Authorization Forms. Coordinate with various departmental representatives on what constitutes on-campus employment according to the U.S. government.
• Reinstatements: Advise students on how to reinstate their visa status after they have violated their visa requirements. Advise students on the entire application process of reinstatement; determine reinstatement eligibility; help students assemble the application to mail to USCIS; provide documentation supporting the reinstatement recommendation and submit recommendation electronically in SEVIS.
• Change of Statuses (COS): Advise students on the criteria and eligibility for a change of status application with the United States Citizenship Immigration Services Office. Facilitate the application process by helping them assemble their application to mail to USCIS; provide documentation recommending the COS within the U.S in the form of an I-20 or Ds-2019
• Assist with the Social Security application process as well as the ITIN, and Driver's license for new students and scholars.
• SMU Staff and Student Training: Coordinate with the advising team to provide training to various campus constituents specifically admissions, enrollment services, and academic departments to ensure that international students and scholars fulfill their requirements and maintain their immigration status. Help train new ISSS staff members on institutional policies and federal regulations pertaining to F/J students.
• Process work authorizations benefit for international students including Curricular Practical and Optional Practical training applications. This includes reviewing eligibility and creating new I20 documents as proof of work authorization and recommendation.
• Assist with several programs including planning and executing orientation and other cultural programs.
• Create and facilitate Canvas courses, workshops, and information seminars on immigration and compliance procedures. Assist with maintaining forms and keeping the ISSS website current.
• Assist with monthly reports including advising services, employment authorization and other reports assigned by the director.

Benefits

• SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
• SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
• The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees