International Students & Scholars Specialist

Smith College • College Place, WA

4d • $65,996 - $89,289

About The Position

Assist international students and scholars with immigration-related issues, increasingly manage school SEVIS reporting, including management of information and processes in VIA International, help ensure compliance with federal regulations, and create educational programs for the International Students & Scholars Office. Responsible for student services of the International Students & Scholars Office, including for international undergraduate and graduate students, as well as new or visiting international scholars. Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the College. Provide information to students, parents, and campus constituents about policies and procedures of the office and US government agencies. Provide support and backup to Director for International Students & Scholars, and work across campus to ensure long-range success and support for international student and scholar population. Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in International Education or a relevant discipline, with 3–5 years of experience (5+ preferred), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong preference for SEVIS/regulatory experience, particularly as a DSO or ARO or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Must be a US citizen or permanent resident to serve as a DSO/ARO, as required by federal law.
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work across difference, adaptability, student-centric thinking.
• Ability to resolve or refer problems appropriately, organize and prioritize work effectively, manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously, and work empathetically with students, parents, faculty, and staff from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to work with highly confidential information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, paired with excellent record-keeping and accuracy.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office Suite use, and an ability to learn new technologies quickly/independently.
• Ability and desire to take initiative and to continue processes and projects moving forward.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of another language a plus.
• Graduate Degree

Responsibilities

• Student & Scholar Advising (60%): Serve as Department of Homeland Security Designated School Official (DSO) and Department of State Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the college by performing SEVIS functions as needed. Duties include: evaluating documentation for incoming students and scholars, and providing assistance with issuance of Certificates of Eligibility (I-20s/DS-2019s) for F- and J-visa holders; helping to register status students each semester; monitoring alerts and notifications and take action as needed; issuing updated I-20s for student work authorization; and signing travel signatures. Oversee work authorization process for curricular opportunities at Smith, and support student on-campus work authorization procedures. Advise students and scholars on topics such as maintenance of status, program duration, changes of status, international travel, employment including post-graduate employment, accompanying dependent family members, and other immigration-related compliance areas. Ensure maintenance of SEVIS records for enrolled students, including program and class year changes, as well as visa transfers, and manage other requests for international student data. Work with Director of ISS to develop and execute onboarding procedures for J-1 Scholars and provide required documentation for pre-arrival and orientation purposes. Help to monitor college data regarding short-term faculty appointments and benefits. Maintain familiarity with changing F-1 and J-1 regulatory changes, working with Director of ISS to see downstream effects on college population. Serve as backup to Associate Dean, when needed.
• Programming (25%): Assist with planning and executing International Student Pre-Orientation (ISP). Develop appropriate cultural programming to support students in their learning around US cultural topics, cross-cultural adjustment, and engagement with a global campus. Work with offices across the college to develop cooperative programming to benefit international students and support their specific needs as college students. Help execute immigration advising programming within the office, and work toward developing on-demand advising programs. Serve as contact for international exchange programs with partner universities and manage enrollment yearly.
• Administrative (15%): Manage production and distribution process of visa documents for new and returning populations. Liaise with other campus offices to manage data regarding incoming new international students and scholars, as well as international exchanges. Help administer office discretionary funding, including emergency fund requests and assisting Director of ISS and Financial Operations Specialist with budget management as needed. Oversee ISS student worker(s). Maintain ISSO website changes and development, as directed by Director of ISS. Other duties as assigned by Director of ISS.

What This Job Offers

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