International Student Advisor

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The International Student Advisor serves as a vital resource for international students, providing expert immigration advising and holistic support to enable their success at the University. This role involves guiding students through complex federal regulations while supporting their integration into university life and the broader community. The position works collaboratively within the advising team and reports to the advising team lead in student advising services. The University's 19 colleges and schools enroll over 53,000 students and rank among the top 10 public universities in the U.S. Texas Global is the university's global engagement arm and a recognized leader in international education, based on the success of the programs we deliver and the number of individuals we support. We serve more than 9,000 international students and scholars, as well as more than 4,600 students on education abroad programs annually. Texas Global advances UT Austin’s academic mission by leading, supporting, and coordinating the university’s international engagement efforts, fostering strategic partnerships on campus and abroad, welcoming a cadre of impressive international students and scholars to campus, and creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage with peers and institutions around the world. Texas Global is comprised of nine units, home to over 140 staff members, and continued growth of the organization is expected. This role offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of faculty and staff, thereby enhancing the student experience, within an internationally recognized university for its academic programs and research.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and three years of professional experience in international student advising or immigration casework.
• Demonstrated ability to implement creative solutions and take initiative while working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong skills in professional and intercultural communication and public speaking.
• Proven capability to multitask and keep projects well-organized and on deadline.
• Strong computer and technological proficiency.
• Commitment to high-quality and efficient customer service.
• Equivalent combination or substitution of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Due to federal database access requirements, only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Significant experience advising students on F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations in a university context.
• Experience as a Designated School Official (DSO and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Experience working with Sunapsis database.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an advisor for the University’s international student population with an emphasis on those in F-1 and J-1 immigration status
• Provide pre-arrival and arrival immigration guidance to prospective and admitted students
• Advise students on work authorizations, immigration document extensions, status maintenance, visa applications, and international travel
• Navigate complex cases involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security and State Department regulations
• Empower student success through comprehensive counseling on university life, community integration, and the American educational experience
• Assist students with practical matters, including finances, transportation, employment, and campus adjustment
• Support high-volume email inquiries through the general inbox, collaborating with assistant advisors and document and compliance specialists to ensure timely responses
• Serve as a DHS Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)
• Maintain accurate records in SEVIS and university student information systems, ensuring strict compliance with federal regulations
• Process immigration applications and documentation with precision and efficiency
• Communicate directly with federal agencies regarding immigration benefits for students
• Contribute actively to building team expertise in immigration regulations and compliance best practices
• Partner with academic departments to enhance support for international students across colleges and schools
• Serve as liaison to University offices, advocating effectively for international student needs
• Contribute compelling content for student communications, including emails, webpages, and presentations while maintaining Texas Global branding standards
• Participate in delivering workshops, orientation sessions, and programming activities that connect international students with the University community
• Champion ISSS and Texas Global priorities through active participation in programs and community-building events
• Contribute to innovation through collaborative participation in staff meetings and working groups focused on enhancing service delivery
• Support and attend programs that foster a sense of belonging among international students and scholars and to the greater University community.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level