International Student and Scholar Advisor

Brigham Young University•Provo, UT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The International Student and Scholar Advisor guides international students, visiting scholars, faculty, researchers, and others through federal visa requirements while connecting them with support and opportunities at Brigham Young University. Serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) for F-1 students and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for J-1 visitors, the advisor helps the university comply with federal regulations under 8 and 22 C.F.R. The role requires careful judgment to protect individuals’ visa status and the university’s legal standing. The advisor provides individualized academic, social, personal, and cultural guidance; supports student development and leadership; and connects students with campus and community resources. The position also teaches an international student visa law and orientation course, participates in professional development, and carries assigned office responsibilities involving programs, student employees, scholarships, and international education systems.

Requirements

Firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
Master’s degree in a related field, or current enrollment in a related master’s program.
At least three years of related full-time experience.
Experience working in higher education compliance settings and with international students; preferably experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
Ability to navigate complex regulations and policies, balancing government requirements, institutional priorities, and visa documentation with sound judgment and exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with students, scholars, government agencies, and the public, including conducting sensitive interviews and delivering consequential decisions fairly.
Cross-cultural understanding and awareness of the challenges non-U.S. citizens face.
Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and adapt to change.
Ability to build campus partnerships, support students’ planning and follow-through, contribute effectively on committees, and develop student employees and volunteers.
Willingness to learn nonresident tax law.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend to be hired and remain in the position.
All employees must abide by BYU’s Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards and support and contribute to the university’s academic and religious missions.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of international student development theory.
Proficiency with computer programs, web design, and databases.
Experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

Responsibilities

Review visa applications and issue government documents, including Forms I-20 and DS-2019, in compliance with federal regulations.
Monitor F- and J-visa compliance from pre-arrival through post-graduation Practical Training; investigate and report regulatory violations.
Coordinate with government officials, agencies, attorneys, congressional offices, and peer institutions, and maintain detailed records of visa decisions and authorizations.
Advise non-U.S. citizen students and their dependents, including undocumented students and individuals with DACA and other listed immigration statuses.
Mentor students on academic, social, personal, and cultural concerns, goals, and competencies; advise and follow up with at-risk students in partnership with academic departments.
Connect students with on- and off-campus resources and train campus departments on cultural sensitivity and regulatory awareness.
Document and track student communications and follow-up actions.
Prepare lesson plans and presentations for STDEV 120 International Student Visa Law and Orientation Course; teach classes during Fall or Winter semester as assigned by the Director; assess and grade student work and provide feedback.
Maintain current knowledge of federal regulations, international education terminology, and BYU’s federal certifications and designations through professional learning and development.
Participate in state, regional, or national professional committees, including NAFSA, UBIE, and the CES International Consortium, and attend advising development opportunities.
Plan and assess assigned projects, managing staffing and budgets for programs such as VITA, international programming, New Student Orientation, website administration, and office reporting.
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate student employees; address performance concerns and coordinate staffing with colleagues.
Help determine the annual distribution of more than $1 million in ISSS scholarships.
Manage international education systems, including Synapsis, SEVIS, and Homebase, and their integration with Workday and AIM.

Benefits

BYU automatically contributes 8% to the 401(k) at no cost to the employee; if the employee contributes 5%, BYU adds an additional 4%. Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans.
13 paid holidays, 22 vacation days, and 12 sick days accrued annually.
Employee assistance program available to the employee and all members of their household.
Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members.
Access to athletic facilities.
Medical and dental benefits.
Short- and long-term disability benefits.
Paid parental and maternity leave.
Wellness program.
Free on-campus parking.
Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents.
Discounts at the BYU Store and for many BYU events.