International Student Advisor

Rochester Institute of Technology • Union, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Rochester Institute of Technology is seeking a detail-oriented, compassionate, and adaptable professional to join International Student Services (ISS). The International Student Advisor applies immigration expertise, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication to help international students navigate studying, working, and living in the United States. The advisor interprets and applies federal immigration regulations and institutional policies, uses sound judgment in complex situations, and provides clear guidance to support informed decisions. As a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), the advisor supports institutional immigration compliance while providing individualized advising and collaborating with campus partners. The role focuses primarily on international student advising, with opportunities to develop expertise in J-1 scholar advising.

The position is primarily on campus, with eligibility for one remote workday per week during fall and spring semesters and two remote workdays per week during summer, in accordance with divisional and departmental guidelines. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, as required for designation as a DSO and ARO.
• Bachelor's degree in International Studies, Intercultural Communication, Counseling, Higher Education, Student Personnel Administration, or a related field.
• Three years of relevant experience in international education.
• Experience with F-1 or J-1 immigration regulations, including DSO/ARO experience or comparable professional experience.
• Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations and their application in higher education, or comparable experience.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and policies, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing requirements.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and time-sensitive responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including explaining complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to provide compassionate, culturally responsive advising and establish effective working relationships with students, colleagues, and campus partners.
• Ability to use enterprise information systems, maintain accurate records, and handle confidential information appropriately.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in International Studies, Intercultural Communication, Counseling, Higher Education, or a related field.
• Previous experience serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Knowledge of Deaf culture or American Sign Language (ASL), or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Advise F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors on immigration regulations and university policies, including status maintenance, employment and practical training, program extensions, transfers, reinstatement, changes of status, and travel.
• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), applying federal immigration regulations and supporting institutional compliance.
• Maintain accurate immigration records and process immigration-related requests through SEVIS and related university systems.
• Collaborate with academic departments, campus partners, and government agencies on immigration matters, resource referrals, and international student success.
• Support international student orientation, student organizations, educational programming, and outreach initiatives that promote engagement and belonging.
• Contribute to departmental initiatives, process improvements, and university partnerships that strengthen immigration compliance and services for international students and scholars.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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