Sr International Student/Scholar Advisor / International Student/Scholar Advisor II

MSU Internal Job Postings Details • East Lansing, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Michigan State University (MSU) is dedicated to serving the international community by assisting over 5,000 international students and 1,000 visiting international scholars annually in achieving their academic and personal objectives. OISS provides comprehensive support services, develops academic, cultural, and social programming, and acts as a global resource for the MSU community, contributing to the university's internationalization through cross-cultural interactions. The Senior International Student and Scholar Advisor (International Student/Scholar Adviser II) provides expert immigration services, acting as a Designated School Official (DSO) for F-1 students and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for J-visa programs. This role requires in-depth knowledge of federal immigration regulations to advise students, scholars, departments, staff, faculty, and administration on immigration status, strategy, and intercultural issues. As part of the Student and Scholar Success Team, the advisor contributes to initiatives promoting student and scholar success, develops public-facing service practices and policies, coordinates communications, markets events via social media, maintains website content, and supervises reception desk student employees. The position also assists the Assistant Director with leadership of the student and scholar success team.

Requirements

• One to two years post-bachelor’s degree coursework in international education, higher education, counseling, international affairs/relations, social work, area studies or related program.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Experience advising and supporting international students and scholars with F and J visa.
• Three to five years or related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in international student advising, academic counseling, or related area.
• Strong understanding of student and/or scholar immigration regulations.
• Experience working with university students.
• International experience that may include studying, living or working abroad, or interacting with international students; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Sensitivity to the unique needs and cultural differences of international students and scholars, and the ability to work in a cross-cultural environment.
• Background in supporting and developing students from diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and ability.
• Ability to develop relationships and collaborate with colleagues on complex situations.
• Experience working in a fast-paced office environment; strong communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills; experience supervising student employees; and a strong background in communication media including website development, social media campaigns, and newsletters.
• Working knowledge of international student/scholar management software such as Sunapsis.
• Must have the time-management and multitasking skills necessary to perform a variety of duties concurrently.
• Cross-cultural communication skills and experience are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the university's F-1 student program and J-1 Exchange Visitor program.
• Advise international students and scholars and academic departments on immigration regulations and benefits related to F and J statuses.
• Identify and support non-F/J international students including, H/E/ L visas, etc.
• Work with students and scholars on various personal, academic and financial issues.
• Assist in development, coordination and delivery of OISS programs, workshops and presentations.
• Serve as a resource and liaison with campus partners on immigration regulations matters.
• Provide immigration advice to incoming students.
• Actively engage in student and scholar success team initiatives.
• Support initiatives of other teams as needed.
• Coordinate office communication including the OISS Weekly.
• Coordinate the smooth functioning of public facing services in OISS including the OISS website.
• Hire, train and supervise reception desk student employees.
• Develop and implement practices and policies for public facing services.

Benefits

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree