International Student Advisor (One-Year, Termporary)

Saginaw Valley State University•Lexington, MA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The International Student Advisor reports to the Director of the Office of International Programs (OIP) and provides immigration services as a Designated School Official (DSO) for F-1 degree-seeking students and as an Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) for J-1 guest students and scholars. The advisor supports international student success through immigration advising, retention initiatives, student programming, and personal support. This is a one-year temporary appointment with the possibility of renewal. The role advises students on immigration matters, monitors and maintains SEVIS records, and stays current on federal immigration laws and requirements. It also supports international students’ academic progress and campus integration, coordinates arrival and departure processes, connects students with university and community resources, supports cultural programming, and collaborates with faculty and staff across campus. The position is based in Michigan, and all work must be performed within the state.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Two years of professional experience.
Strong intercultural communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) status as specified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Initiative, independence, and leadership skills.
Experience making presentations to large groups.
Proficiency with computer software.
Experience in social media marketing.
Experience and ability to interact positively with all members of the campus community.
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout employment.
Must meet the Department of Homeland Security requirement that a DSO be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
All work associated with the role must be performed within Michigan.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in international education, higher education administration, or a related field.
Familiarity with USCIS regulations pertaining to F-1 and J-1 visas.
Proficiency in a second language and/or experience living or studying abroad.

Responsibilities

Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) for SEVIS purposes and advise international students on immigration matters, including registration, travel and re-entry, CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, program extensions and changes, reduced course loads, economic hardship, reinstatement, and SEVIS data fixes.
Maintain current knowledge of immigration laws and federal requirements established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Monitor SEVIS lists and alerts to help ensure students maintain visa status and that SEVIS records are accurate.
Develop and oversee programs supporting international student retention; track first-semester performance; assist students on academic probation; compile transfer-credit materials for the Registrar; coordinate pre-registration; and monitor retention data.
Coordinate graduating international students’ departure processes, including meetings, SEVIS transfer processing, and data collection.
Coordinate and assist with pre-arrival orientation, arrivals, campus orientation, and other programming for new international students and scholars.
Provide personal advising to help international students adjust and develop a sense of belonging in the campus community.
Connect international students with resources such as health insurance, medical services, banking and campus financial services, tax-return assistance, career services, and tutoring.
Support the International Student Club in organizing cultural events such as International Food Fest and Intercultural Night.
Organize International Education Week events with the OIP team.
Collaborate with faculty and staff across campus to promote and support the International Cardinal Success initiative.
Use social media and newsletters to share international student stories.
Attend professional conferences and receive training related to international student and scholar advising.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Exercise functional supervision over student assistants.