International Student Advocate II

Liberty University•Lynchburg, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The ISC is the venue for a host of vital student services provided to nearly 750 current international students. This 12-month position reports to the Director of the International Student Center or their designee. This position is the “helpful hand and listening ear” of Liberty University to current international students and has a particularly critical role in welcoming and orienting new international students each fall and spring semester. It oversees a full range of services provided to international students studying on various non-immigrant visas. This position requires a keen sensitivity to LU’s mission for the world, an ability to advocate for international student issues, and an awareness of the limitations imposed by federal regulations. The International Student Advocate I will be charged with assisting the ISC with retention-driven events and programs, as well as coordinating communication with students regarding current student issues and university policies. It will seek creative and attractive ways to leverage the wealth of cultural, spiritual, ethnic, and linguistic knowledge and experience international students bring with them to enhance the life and global awareness of the campus community. This position is responsible for the range of services provided to current international students and scholars, including developing and implementing retention strategies, coordinating communication between Liberty University administration and the students, assisting with ISC programs and events, and assisting with the daily operations of the ISC.

Requirements

Background that includes experience with diverse cultures, ethnicities, and language groups
Completed bachelor's degree.
Ability to understand the benefits and limitations of federal regulations governing non-immigrant visa holders.
Strong information technology experience & abilities (Database Management; Banner /SharePoint/Microsoft Office/Excel spreadsheets)
Experienced with international student services in an academic context.
Possesses excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills (writing & speaking).
Mission alignment with Liberty University
Demonstrated interpersonal counseling skills and experiences.
Possesses a compassionate spirit and can understand individual student needs.
Creative problem-solving skills
Ability to advocate for international students in a corporate context and find creative win-win solutions to conflicts.
To obtain LU-approved driving certification, individuals must be 21 years of age or older, possess a valid driver's license with a minimum of five (5) years of documented driving history, and maintain a clean driving record.
Demonstrated ability to communicate policies, procedures, and regulations governing admission to institutions of higher learning, including public speaking.
Ability to use and manage various communication and social networking platforms.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual and/or international travel experience preferred.
Bilingual cross-cultural experience is a very strong plus.

Responsibilities

Developing and Implementing Retention Strategies Assist with developing initiatives and programs to help with international student retention.
Review “At Risk” reports, contact and meet with “At Risk” students, and create reports showing similarities in barriers to international student success.
Assist students with housing during the university breaks.
Researching and guiding outside scholarships.
Maintain excellent knowledge of the student employment situation on campus and advocate for international student work opportunities.
Coordinate employment workshops for International Students
Coordinate strategies for preventing problems impacting international student satisfaction.
Maintain close inter-office relationships with other university departments and provide informational presentations to increase the university’s awareness of international student's special needs.
Coordinate and advise on international student health insurance.
Coordinate international student transportation.
Assist in the creation of I-20 forms as needed.
Ability to work in a team setting while contributing positively.
Ongoing record keeping.
Coordinating Communication between Liberty University Administration and the Students Assist with the coordination of communication of all university announcements, deadlines, and important dates to students.
Assist with focus groups with select student populations to identify current student issues and hear from the students.
Meet with students dealing with personal issues including, but not limited to homesickness, depression, addictions, medical illnesses, social difficulties, cultural adjustment, time management, and work ethic.
Referring students as needed to other university services i.e. LU Shepherd, Student Counseling Services Develop close relations with official and unofficial international Student Groups/Clubs, securing their participation in ISC events.
Coordinate student ambassadors for each semester. This is to assist new incoming students with life at Liberty.
Assisting with ISC Programs and Events Formulate and perform cultural adaptation seminars for spring and fall orientations.
Assist the ISC Student Engagement Coordinator as a foreign relations specialist to international students during the following events: International Student Orientation Worldwide Welcome International Student Thanksgiving Dinner Christmas Open House Spring Orientation Parade of Nations Taste of Nations Graduation Banquet
Assisting with the Daily Operations of the ISC Assist with ISC front desk coverage as needed Assist with ISC functions and events Assist with I-20 forms when needed General Office Duties: Send and answer student emails within 24 hours Send and receive phone calls within 24 hours Other duties as assigned