Harrisonburg, Virginia
Irvine, California
Champaign, Illinois
West Lafayette, Indiana
Richmond, Virginia
Evansville, Indiana
Posted: 07-Apr-23
Location: Evanston, Illinois
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 47536
Department: Kellogg Academic Experience
Salary/Grade: EXS/7
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Assistant Director of International Student Services, the Senior International Student Advisor serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and is responsible for interpreting, evaluating, educating and advising F-1 and J-1 Kellogg international students, J-1 exchange students, and dependents on matters related to federal immigration regulations. Provides guidance to Kellogg departments on regulatory requirements, employment authorization regulations, and OISS processes.
Assesses individual situations, many complex in nature, and creates, implements and monitors recommendations, partnering with internal/external partners. Serves as a liaison between Kellogg and Northwestern Office of International Students and Scholar Services (OISS).
Collaborates with NU and Kellogg partners/departments to enhance the overall Kellogg international student experience.
**Please note: This position staffs events during evening and weekend hours as needed.
Specific Responsibilities:
Administration and Supervision
- Provides guidance and direction to one direct report, the International Student Coordinator, with emphasis on maintaining a high-performance work environment, especially with regard to providing the optimal student experience and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Responsible for designing effective training materials and on-going training opportunities for the International Student Coordinator.
- Provides guidance and support to direct report with emphasis on maintaining excellent student support and adherence to regulations and IOSS processes and rules.
- Manages and implements strategic plans/activities/events focused on International Students in collaboration with Kellogg Integrated Student Services, OISS and other NU/Kellogg partners.
- Recommends changes & improvements to functional operations to better meet organizational needs & objectives.
- Completes administrative activities such as assessment, operations planning, data management, and reporting.
- Researches immigration policy/regulations, best practices at peer institutions for international student support, and market/economic conditions to recommend changes and enhancements in collaboration with the OISS, CMC, Admissions and Integrated Student Services.
- Assesses regularly effectiveness of programming initiatives, services and resources available to international students.
Advising/Counseling
- Provides student centered and comprehensive advising to admitted, current and alum international students on various and often complex issues requiring extensive understanding of federal immigration regulations.
- Works closely with admitted international students to provide comprehensive guidance and support regarding all aspects of the student visa application process and lawful U.S entry.
- Researches, develops and implements support-services that enhance student experience and understanding of F-1/J-1 federal regulations and work authorizations.
Relationships
- Provides information regarding student visas, immigration policy/procedures, work authorization as well as regulations impacting International Students and their dependents.
- Creates and nurtures relationships to develop a network focused on engagement which promotes International Education and support to International Students.
- Collaborates with internal/external partners to implement changes designed to improve/increase program goals/objectives.
- Develops and enhances communication strategy collaborating with the OISS, Integrated Student Services and other Kellogg departments, including pre-arrival materials. Reviews and recommends updates to web site content.
- In Collaboration with the OISS, Student Life, Integrated Student Services, and other partners, designs, and leads acculturation and orientation programs for students and their dependents.
- Develops and leads trainings for international students navigating federal immigration regulations related to employment authorization (F-1 and J-1) and maintenance of status (SEVIS Transfer, Change of Status, Leaves, Etc.).
- Manages development and maintenance of programs/events evaluation processes including associated metrics and key performance indicators.
Compliance
- Ensures institutional compliance of relevant federal immigration regulations and policy.
- Manages International Student data in SES/CAESAR, SEVIS and the OISS Terra Dotta system.
- Ensures data integrity and quarterly compliance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and the university’s SES database.
- Interfaces with government (federal, state and local) agencies as well as other non-governmental organizations.
- Maintains current and up-to date knowledge of immigration laws, regulations, and policies.
Miscellaneous
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 5 years' International Student advising (F/J) in higher education or 5 years' DSO/ARO experience; or other relevant experience required.
- Knowledge of all student and scholar visa categories and federal regulations.
- Experience with assessment and data analysis; programming.
- Must be a U.S citizen or lawful permanent resident (for compliance with the U.S. Government requirements for issuing student immigration documents).
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Prior experience facilitating and advising international students.
- Must have experience in a university setting.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Federal regulations relating to F & J visa holders.
- Strong listening, oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively individually and as part of a collaborative team.
- Ability to take initiative.
- Must be detail-oriented, have excellent organizational skills, cultural experience, and ability to prioritize and multi-task in a constantly demanding work environment.
- Professional demeanor including tact and discretion.
- Prior experience working with a culturally diverse student population.
- Customer support-oriented approach to the job.
- Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
- Ability to work with students from a holistic perspective in regards to their student experience.
- Strong project management skills: Ability to command respect of highly intelligent, energetic student constituents, faculty, and staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Counseling, Higher Education Administration, Social Sciences, Humanities or another related field.
- Understanding of academic culture and higher education program management.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
- PeopleSoft Campus Solutions or similar
- Terra Dotta
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
#LI-
