International Student and Scholar Advisor

Brigham Young University•Provo, UT

5d•$67,000 - $87,000•Onsite

About The Position

The International Student and Scholar Specialist helps international students, visiting scholars, faculty, researchers, and others navigate federal visa requirements and access support and opportunities at BYU. Serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) for F-1 students and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for J-1 visitors, the specialist supports compliance with applicable federal regulations under 8 and 22 C.F.R., protecting individuals’ visa status and the university’s legal standing. The role also provides individualized academic, social, personal, and cultural guidance, encourages student leadership, and connects people with campus and community resources. The specialist reviews visa applications and issues government documents, monitors F- and J-visa compliance from pre-arrival through post-graduation Practical Training, and investigates and reports violations. The role coordinates with government officials, agencies, attorneys, congressional offices, and peer institutions, while maintaining detailed records. It also advises non-U.S. citizen students and dependents across a range of immigration statuses, teaches an international student visa law and orientation course when assigned, and participates in continuing professional development. Additional duties include planning and assessing projects; managing program staffing and budgets; hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating student employees; helping determine annual ISSS scholarship distributions; and managing international education systems and their integrations. Employees are expected to support BYU’s academic and religious missions and comply with its Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Latter-day Saint members must hold and remain worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Requirements

Firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
A 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.
Ability to navigate complex regulations and policies, balance government requirements and institutional priorities, and exercise 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 challenges faced by non-U.S. citizens.
Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and adapt to change.
Ability to build campus partnerships, support student planning and follow-through, contribute effectively on committees, and develop student employees and volunteers.
Willingness to learn nonresident tax law.
Employees must abide by BYU’s Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards; Latter-day Saint members must hold and remain worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Review visa applications and issue required 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 violations under applicable regulations.
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 individuals with undocumented status or DACA and a range of listed visa or immigration statuses.
Mentor students regarding 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 relevant 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 assigned Fall or Winter semester classes, 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.
Participate in professional committees and advising development opportunities, including relevant state, regional, or national organizations and events.
Plan and assess assigned projects and manage 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 a 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.