International Student Advisor (Student Services Professional 1 - MR07)
Office of International Student Services
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
The International Graduate Student Advisor is responsible for providing guidance and support to prospective and current international graduate students. This position is responsible for providing immigration, academic, cultural, and personal advising to graduate international students to ensure their academic success, personal well-being, and smooth transition to life in the United States. The International Graduate Student Advisor will work closely with the Executive Director, faculty, and staff to ensure a seamless and positive experience for international applicants and create a supportive environment for international students. This role will serve as the Designated School Official (DSO), maintain and comply with UTC admission policies and Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) regulations. The advisor will work collaboratively with all members of the colleges and the community to support international students through inquiry, enrollment, student engagement to completion and graduation. This position will oversee the CGE's website and social media presence, ensuring that they are up-to-date, engaging, and informative for prospective and current students and faculty and staff.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Administrative Responsibilities
Review and evaluate international graduate student applications and make admissions decisions in accordance with the UTC's policies and procedures; advise on immigration issues related to work, transfer, academic, and transcripts, including work permit on and off campus and ensure that international graduate students are in compliance with federal regulations regarding their immigration status and advise them on maintaining their status; provide guidance and support to prospective international graduate students on a range of issues, including but not limited to admissions requirements, application process, financial aid, scholarships, and visa requirements; develop and implement programs and services to support international graduate students' success, including workshops, cultural events, and orientation programs; maintain accurate and up-to-date records on international graduate students, including advising notes and immigration documents; scan and index immigration and academic documents on Reach, Navigate, Argos, and Banner Management System (X-tender).
Website and Social Media Management
Manage the CGE's websites, including content creation and editing, site maintenance and updates, and development of new features and functionalities; use web analytics tools to monitor website traffic and user engagement and make recommendations for improvements; manage the CGE's social media accounts, including content creation, engagement with followers, and development of social media campaigns; ensure that social media content is timely, relevant, and engaging, and aligns with the brand and messaging; use social media analytics tools to monitor engagement and make recommendations for improvements.
Additional Responsibilities
Process health insurance requests and waivers for F1 students; help coordinate international student orientation and workshops for international students; support English as a Second Language Institute with immigration issues and the process of I-20s; stay current with federal regulations, best practices, and trends in international education through participation in professional development opportunities; other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
- Knowledge of F-1 visa regulations and SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)
- Knowledge of computer programs utilized in the generation of reports and other documents
- Knowledge of building of views, applications, events, inquiries, targets, email campaigns and communication plans to maximize the potential of the CRM
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and knowledge of international student issues and cross-cultural communication
- Excellent customer service and public relations skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Detail-oriented work style with focus on accuracy, ability to research and analyze information, including government documents and regulations
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees and external agencies
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical, and web management skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively
- Familiarity with social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Knowledge of admissions requirements and procedures for international graduate students
Review of applications will begin on April 17, 2023.
Minimum Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor's degree; 3-5 years of experience in higher education; 1-3 years of experience in F-1 and J-1 student advising and SEVIS operations; must be US citizen or US Lawful Permanent Resident.
Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in related area or combination of equivalent experience; experience working with international students in a higher education setting, preferably with admissions and recruitment; familiarity with web content management systems.
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.
