Senior International Faculty and Scholar Advisor

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, UT

11d•$62,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University’s 19 colleges and schools enroll over 53,000 students and rank among the top 10 public universities in the U.S. Texas Global is the university's global engagement arm and a recognized leader in international education, based on the success of the programs we deliver and the number of individuals we support. We serve more than 9,000 international students and scholars, as well as more than 4,600 students on education abroad programs annually. Texas Global advances UT Austin’s academic mission by leading, supporting, and coordinating the university’s international engagement efforts, fostering strategic partnerships on campus and abroad, welcoming a cadre of impressive international students and scholars to campus, and creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage with peers and institutions around the world. Texas Global is comprised of nine units, home to over 140 staff members, and continued growth of the organization is expected. Your skills will make a difference. You’ll be working for a university that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will make a difference in the lives of faculty and staff, thereby enhancing the student experience. If you’re the type of person that wants to know your work has meaning and impact, you’ll like working in our department and for UT Austin. UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to: Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%) Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b) Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities Tuition assistance Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card The Senior International Faculty and Scholar Advisor plays a critical role in The University of Texas at Austin's ability to recruit and retain world-class international talent. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Faculty and Scholar Services, this position provides expert guidance on complex U.S. immigration regulations and manages employment-based visa processes, including I-140, I-129, and PERM applications. The advisor partners strategically with academic departments to develop immigration solutions while ensuring institutional compliance with federal requirements.

Requirements

Due to federal database access requirements, only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for this position.
Bachelor's degree and at least five years of professional experience in immigration casework or a related field.
Demonstrated experience filing H-1B, TN, E-3, or O-1 petitions with a strong track record of successful outcomes.
Familiarity with employer-sponsored EB-1/EB-2 I-140 petitions, including Outstanding Professor/Researcher and PERM (Basic and Special Handling).
Working knowledge of J-1 regulations for Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Student Intern, and Specialist categories.
Exceptional organizational skills with proven ability to manage competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Excellent written communication skills with meticulous attention to detail and ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
Strong problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness, and initiative in navigating ambiguous or challenging situations.
Professional demeanor with exceptional interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills that build trust across audiences.
Demonstrated experience in public speaking and delivering engaging presentations to varied audiences.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, adapting seamlessly between individual casework and team projects.
Commitment to delivering high-quality, efficient, customer-focused service that exceeds expectations.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience advising international faculty and scholars in a university or research institution setting.
Advanced knowledge of employment-based immigration strategies and petition preparation, including Outstanding Professor/Researcher and PERM (Basic and Special Handling).

Responsibilities

Immigration Casework and Compliance Prepare and submit employment-based immigration petitions (e.g., I-140, I-129) that enable the University to secure and retain top international talent through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
File Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), Prevailing Wage Determinations, and PERM applications with the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Collaborate with University departments to obtain necessary documents, draft supporting documentation, and review letters for petition filings.
Utilize immigration case management systems, SEVIS, USCIS and DOL online portals, and University databases to process petitions efficiently, maintain comprehensive records, and track case progress.
Communicate proactively with federal agencies to ensure timely responses and full compliance with all requests, requirements, and regulations.
Serve as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, ensuring seamless program compliance and supporting scholars through expert SEVIS management and DS-2019 issuance as needed.
Stay current on regulatory changes, interpret complex immigration policies, and align unit practices with evolving federal and institutional standards.
Maintain accurate, detailed case files and databases to ensure compliance with federal immigration and labor regulations and University policies.
Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, reduce processing times, and strengthen compliance oversight.
Advising Partner with academic departments to develop holistic immigration strategies for international faculty and scholars—from initial recruitment through ongoing employment.
Serve as the primary immigration expert for international faculty, researchers, and visiting scholars, providing guidance on visa options, status maintenance, travel, and employment authorization.
Deliver comprehensive orientations, workshops, and one-on-one consultations that equip scholars with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their immigration journey.
Translate complex immigration regulations into clear, empathetic guidance and practical solutions that align with federal requirements and University policies.
Collaborate with academic units, Human Resources, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless onboarding and sustained support for international talent retention.
Communication and Outreach Serve as a strategic partner to academic departments, building trusted relationships that support the successful recruitment and retention of international scholars.
Design and deliver dynamic training sessions, orientations, and events that empower international scholars and the departments that support them.
Transform complex immigration regulations into clear, accessible content across websites, presentations, and publications while upholding Texas Global branding standards.
Advocate for the needs of international scholars across campus, serving as their voice in university-wide conversations and decision-making.
Team and Institutional Support Champion ISSS and Texas Global priorities by leading strategic initiatives that strengthen the international community and advance the University's global mission.
Provide leadership continuity by serving as backup to the Assistant Director during absences, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
Drive innovation through active collaboration in staff meetings and working groups focused on enhancing service delivery and operational effectiveness.
Foster a welcoming environment by supporting and staffing programs that connect international scholars with each other and the broader University community.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
Tuition assistance
Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card