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Director of International Student Services and PDSO

Employer
Bethany College
Location
Bethany, West Virginia
Salary
Commensurate with experience
Closing date
Feb 23, 2023

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Specialty
Administration
Knowledge Communities
International Education Leadership
Position Type
Director
Hours
Full-time
Employment Type
Permanent
Organization Type
College / University

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of International Student Services and PDSO reports directly to the Dean of Student Life and maintains essential dotted line access to the Provost, VP of Enrollment, the Registrar, and the Director of the School of Graduate Studies. The position is located in Student Life with significant responsibilities under the VP of Enrollment to ensure essential cooperation between these functions while also working closely with the Provost’s office. 

Specific Responsibilities include

  • Serves as Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and coordinates with the other Designated School Officials (DSO) to stay current on all relevant SEVIS regulations and processes; Facilitates the completion and processing of I-20 requests, visa applications, status transfers, and other immigration processes for both undergraduate and graduate students; Maintains records related to and communicates directly with faculty program directors on record-keeping, policy concerns, and tracking of F-1 students, as required by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program; Administers benefits; tracks Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) issues; and responds to students’ immigration concerns. Advises the President, Provost, VP of Enrollment, Director of Human Resources, and other College officers and ensures that the College complies with all federal requirements related to international students, faculty, and staff; Reviews F-1 student retention and success data to implement relevant support tailored to the unique cultural needs of both undergraduate and graduate international students; Supports the College’s current and incoming international students through regular programming, appropriate orientation and cultural education, and collaboration with offices across campus; Provides support and advising for all international students, both undergraduate and graduate, from the point of acceptance through all phases of the admissions and matriculation process; Participates in the development of policies, procedures, and promotional materials as they relate to international student recruitment and immigration. Collaborates with faculty program directors and admission offices on international recruitment activities on- and off-campus (e.g., monitors embassy closures and visa-approval wait times and success rates; attends open houses, information sessions and college fairs); Researches, provides data, and offers suggestions for other types of international recruitment activity; Develops, updates and maintains office procedures on a regular basis, as part of the continuous improvement process in the office; Participates in the development of new operating procedures and work flows; Regularly reviews website, program sheets, and other material to ensure they are up-to-date, and reports needed changes to the dean; Maintains a collaborative working relationship with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to provide support for diverse student populations; Responsibility for recruitment and management of international students and supports the VP of Enrollment in this function; Completes other duties as assigned.

Essential Competencies

  • Ability to manage student enrollment and academic management software, preferably Ellucian Colleague, Degree Audit, and Self-Service Ability to efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.). Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately. Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information. Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, the College community and the public. Ability to pay extremely close attention to detail. Ability to maintain files accurately, in paper and in software programs. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to effectively supervise personnel and complete all associated personnel actions in a timely and accurate manner. Ability to accurately and efficiently input data.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

  • A Master’s degree and previous service as a PDSO or DSO are strongly preferred; A Bachelor’s degree with experience in an institution of higher education’s Office of International Education are required;  Knowledge of and previous experience with SEVIS is strongly preferred; Personal participation in international academic study experiences is preferred; Familiarity with student information systems, preferably Ellucian Colleague, Degree Audit, and Self-Service is preferred; Excellent language skills are required and professional fluency in language(s) other than English are a significant plus; A commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and demonstrated capacity to engage students from a wide range of backgrounds is required; Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, eligible by law to access, use, and manage the institution’s interactions with SEVIS

The position is open until filled.  Please apply to PDSO@bethanywv.edu with your application letter explaining your experience and credentials for the position, CV, two letters of recommendation and transcripts & certificates of your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

 

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