Purpose

Advise international students on matters including, yet not limited to, immigration. Work closely with academic departments to support international students. Ensure university’s compliance with federal regulations and keep detailed records of all processes. Work as a highly functioning, collaborative member of the Student Immigration Advising (SIA) team, as well as International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) as a whole.

Responsibilities

• Serve as DHS Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate responsible Officer ARO) for routine SEVIS records maintenance and record updates to ensure federal compliance for both the university and student population. Advise and assist prospective and admitted international students on pre-arrival immigration-related issues. Advise international students on complex U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State regulations. Counsel and assist international students on matters related to university life and the U.S. study experience, including finances, transportation, employment, health insurance, adjustment to the campus, and maintenance of student status. Process immigration documents and immigration applications for international students. Communicate with federal agencies regarding immigration benefits for international students.
• Serve as a resource to academic departments to support international students admitted and enrolled in their degree programs. Serve as liaison to select university offices and departments to inform on and advocate for the needs of international students. Participate in the implementation and delivery of various programming activities including new student check-in and orientation; intercultural programing; special topic workshops and joint programming with other campus or community entities.
• Actively participate in the development and growth of team expertise in the laws and regulations governing international students and in informing university administrators about university policies and procedures that ensure ongoing compliance. Work closely with ISSS leadership, as needed, to ensure proper understanding and application of immigration regulations and university policies, taking appropriate initiative and exercising discretion within the scope of assigned duties.
• Provide support to overall functions of office where needed; actively support the critical priorities of ISSS and Texas Global; serve on internal committees and participate in work groups to support the mission of the unit.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and three years of related international experience.  Effective problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to take initiative. Ability to work independently and as a team member. Evidence of strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume, environment. Possess excellent written communication skills with attention to detail. Commitment to high quality and efficient customer service. Ability to be professional, diplomatic, composed, and proactive in varied interactions. Excellent cross-cultural communication skills with documented experience in public speaking and delivering presentations. Due to federal database access requirements, only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply for this position. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Significant experience advising students on F-1 and J-1 regulations in a university context. Significant experience as a Designated School Official (DSO).