The Associate Director of Immigration Programs performs the duties of a Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for the F visa program and the Responsible Officer (RO) for the J visa program. The Associate Director of Immigration Programs liaises with government agencies, including the Student and Exchange Visitor program (SEVP), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Department of State as well as interprets F and J visa regulations to ensure compliance with immigration regulations. The Associate Director of Immigration Programs provides counseling and advising support to J scholars on immigration and other ancillary matters. The Associate Director of Immigration Programs has signatory authority as a representative for Chapman University regarding official immigration documents and serves as the key resource for the University regarding international visa matters. The Associate Director of Immigration Programs supports the special needs of J scholars at Chapman University. The Associate Director of Immigration Programs reports to the Director of Faculty Advancement within the Provost’s Office.

Responsibilities

• Acts as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for the F visa and the Responsible Officer (RO) for the J visa. This position will be the primary Chapman University contact with the US Department of Homeland Security and the US Department of State in matters related to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• Counsels and assists with various F visa program matters
• Solely responsible for maintaining I-17, Department of Homeland Security school information page, for the F Program in Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) including updates of new academic programs as well as maintaining the J program Information page in SEVIS.
• Ensure continuation of authorization to issue immigration documents by compiling and submitting various annual and biennial reports to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State which includes an Annual Report, DSO Validation, RO Validation, Recertification of F program, Redesignation of J program.
• Evaluate immigration eligibility and assist students to obtain J visa immigration benefits such as Academic Training.
• Process DS-2019s as required.
• Maintains leadership and oversight of the visa acquisition process for J visa exchange students and scholars.
• Liaise with government agencies including U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Department of State.
• Interpret and analyze F and J visa regulations to ensure compliance.
• Provide counseling and advising support to J scholars on immigration related matters, and other support issues.
• Work in immigration government databases, including Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and ensure correct reporting to maintain U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State (DoS).
• Serve as a resource on immigration regulations, policies and practices for the University.
• Provide immigration advising in both written and verbal communications and enact new protocols to enhance customer service when possible.
• Stay current with new developments in the field of international education; engage in professional training to maintain up-to-date skills and knowledge in immigration advising.
• Provide personalized one on one orientations and report arrival in SEVIS for new J scholars.
• Ensure compliance with Department of State health insurance requirements for each visiting scholar.
• Deliver Support Services for J scholars including but not limited to questions regarding housing, insurance, department of motor vehicles, social security, GLACIER and tax obligations.
• Maintain the visa website.
• Assist in the maintenance of various database systems associated with assigned duties and responsibilities, including SEVIS.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant experience in higher education advising international scholars; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive knowledge and experience working with the federal SEVIS system, and comprehensive knowledge of immigration regulations.
• Experience as a PDSO or knowledgeable DSO.
• Experience as an RO.
• Ability to organize, plan, and direct special projects.
• Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident to be designated PDSO and or RO.
• Possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge and technical skills using applications / websites such as SEVIS, Perceptive Content, NAFSA, and PeopleSoft.
• Must have the ability to perform computerized tasks which may include any combination of word processing, spreadsheet, database, email, internet or web-based applications.

• Experience developing workshops, training, and or presenting.
• Experience with H1b visas.

Desired Qualifications

• Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Designated School Official (DSO), Responsible Officer (RO), and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. 

Special Instructions to Applicants

The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. More information on diversity and inclusion at Chapman University can be found at www.chapman.edu/diversity. 

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.  

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.