Governors State University invites applications for a full-time Associate Director of International Services. The Office of International Services oversees international student recruitment, admissions, and immigration advising for approximately 350 enrolled F-1 and J-1 students and 200 OPT participants. The office also coordinates all study abroad opportunities, international partnerships, and cultural programming.

This position will advise international students on immigration-related matters, assist with Federal immigration regulation compliance, oversee study abroad initiatives, and serve as the primary point of contact for our international partner universities. The Associate Director will assist with Office of International Services communications and outreach, spearhead cultural programming on campus, and will provide support to international recruitment, admissions, and student services initiatives. This position will supervise the International Student Advisors and student staff (including student workers, interns, and Graduate Assistants).

Additionally, the position will serve as a Designated School Office (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with signing authority as approved by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State and will be authorized to access the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Essential Responsibilities

25% Assist Director of International Services with administration and management of daily office, including office accounts and budget. Ensure compliance with Federal Regulations governing international student and study abroad programs. Supervise International Student Advisors. Hire, train, and supervise graduate assistants, student workers, and interns.

25% Advise students and scholars on a variety of matters, including immigration and visa regulations, cultural adjustment, personal matters, financial concerns, and university procedures. Serve as primary contact and advisor for study abroad programs. Facilitate and process immigration document requests from university departments, staff, scholars, and students by serving as Designated School Official (DSO) for the Governors State University F-1/F-2 program and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the Governors State University J-1/J-2 program.

15% Design, coordinate and implement programs and events to support the mission of the Office of International Services, including both social and educational programming. Serve as staff advisor to the International Cultural Organization.

15% Responsible for Office of International Services communications and outreach related to the admissions process and yield activities, student services, study abroad, cultural programming, international partnerships, and alumni relations. Create and maintain effective communications plans for the various groups served by the Office of International Services.

10% Initiate, manage and renew all Governors State University’s Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), including Exchange Agreements, with international partners. Serve as primary contact for special group programs, such as faculty groups visiting from partner universities for professional development programming.

10% Serve as liaison with campus units and community groups to help fulfill the mission of the Office of International Services. Participate in and/or chair university or Office of International Services committees, including search committees, to represent the interests and concerns of the Office of International Services, study abroad students, and international students and scholars.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in international student or scholar advising or programming.
• Three (3) years’ experience in higher education international services.
• Detailed knowledge of immigration, visa, and university academic and administrative policies and procedures, ability to synthesize those areas of knowledge to effectively advise others.
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail in creation and production of immigration documents.
• Familiarity with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Knowledge of SEVIS procedures and processes.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from varied administrative, academic, cultural, religious, national, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Experience living, working, or studying abroad.

About Governors State University

Governors State University is the only regional, public, comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving approximately 5,000 students annually. GSU provides accessible, high value undergraduate and graduate education to culturally and economically diverse students. GSU’s diverse and multicultural atmosphere fosters the global ideas and real-world solutions that make the university such an extraordinary place to broaden the educational, social, and cultural experiences of the students.

The exceptionally beautiful campus is conveniently located within easy reach by road and rail to Chicago and surrounding communities that have a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly diverse region GSU serves has a number of high performing schools and engaged communities as well as struggling urban, suburban, and rural communities. GSU serves as a public square, working to foster educational opportunities for all populations.

Position posted until filled.