International Student Advisor

State of Virginia•Blacksburg, VA

33d•$52,000 - $54,000

About The Position

We are seeking an International Student Advisor (ISA) to join the Cranwell International Center (CIC) team in Blacksburg, VA. This role plays a vital part in supporting the education, development, and overall success of our international student community. The ISA provides comprehensive advising on immigration, employment, and academic matters, ensuring compliance with university policies and federal regulations. The goal is to help students maintain their legal non-immigrant status, support retention, and facilitate progress toward graduation. As a Designated School Official (DSO), the ISA processes and signs immigration documents for F-1 visa holders, including, but not limited to, employment authorizations, transfers, and program extensions. The position manages SEVIS records, oversees immigration data, and ensures compliance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines. If you are detail-oriented, student-centered, and passionate about supporting international students and fostering global engagement, we encourage you to apply. Here is what you need to know about the role: 1. You will join the Cranwell International Center (CIC), a department dedicated to supporting and advocating for international students. The center works to enhance its experience, recognize its contributions to the Virginia Tech community, and advance the university's goals for global engagement and connection. 2. You will report to the Assistant Director for International Student Services. This position is a regular, Calendar Year (CY), 100% Administrative Professional appointment. 3. Beyond immigration advising, you'll provide guidance on academic and personal matters that may affect students' immigration status, connecting them with appropriate university resources when needed. You will also act as a liaison between the Cranwell International Center and other university offices, fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance services and support for international students. 4. You will have the chance to grow and take advantage of a development plan with opportunities to advance within the Department and the Division. 5. You will be offered a salary in the range of $52,000 - $54,000 plus a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid leave, retirement, tuition assistance, VT discounts, and so much more!

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in complex decision-making situations
Proven experience completing detailed tasks in fast-paced environments where accuracy and sound judgment are essential
Ability to research, interpret, and apply federal immigration laws to individual cases
Experience working with diverse populations in intercultural contexts
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated aptitude for learning, interpreting, and communicating technical information, regulations, and procedures
Experience navigating complex organizational processes and procedures
Effective interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Capacity to perform well under pressure and manage competing priorities
Eligibility for certification by DHS as a Designated School Official (DSO); must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

Nice To Haves

Master's degree and/or equivalent related experience.
Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver professional presentations.
Active involvement with NAFSA: Association of International Educators or other higher education associations.
Prior experience working with international student populations in a higher education setting.
Previous designation as a Designated School Official (DSO).
Demonstrated proficiency using the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Experience as an Alternate Responsible Officer.
Experience with Banner or other Student Information Systems.
Experience with Sunapsis or other student immigration management software.

Responsibilities

Advising on immigration, employment, and academic matters
Ensuring compliance with university policies and federal regulations
Helping students maintain their legal non-immigrant status
Supporting retention
Facilitating progress toward graduation
Processing and signing immigration documents for F-1 visa holders
Managing SEVIS records
Overseeing immigration data
Ensuring compliance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines
Providing guidance on academic and personal matters that may affect students' immigration status
Connecting students with appropriate university resources
Acting as a liaison between the Cranwell International Center and other university offices
Fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance services and support for international students