International Student/Scholar Advisor I

Job no: 579814
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade: 12
Major Administrative Unit / College: International Studies And Programs
Department: Office Of International Students Schol 10054354
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Full Time (90-100%), Administrative/Business/Professional, Advising/Counseling, Student Services/Student Affairs, Union, Administrative Professionals- AP
Position SummaryThe Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) is dedicated to serving MSU’s international community. Our goal is to assist international students in successfully accomplishing their academic and personal objectives. OISS provides support services to over 6,000 international students and more than 1,000 visiting international scholars annually. In addition, OISS develops year-round academic, cultural and social programming and serves as a global resource for the larger MSU community. OISS contributes to the internationalization of MSU by providing opportunities for growth through cross-cultural interactions.

Reporting to the Assistant Director and Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), the International Student and Scholar Advisor is part of a dynamic team of professionals committed to supporting a large international population at MSU, with 6,000+ international students representing more than 100 countries worldwide. The incumbent provides the full range of immigration services to students and scholars and serves as Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 student program. Maintains in-depth, advanced knowledge to interpret and provide guidance on federal immigration regulations as they pertain to our international students and scholars. Independently advises students and scholars and their respective departments and recommends solutions related to immigration status and overall immigration strategy. Advises staff, faculty and management on immigration and intercultural issues as they arise. This position will serve as an Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) for the University.

Federal law requires DSOs/AROs to be U.S. citizen or a U.S. Lawful permanent resident.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the university’s F-1 student program and J-1 Exchange Visitor programAdvise international students and scholars and academic departments on immigration matters related to F and J statusesInterpret complex U.S. immigration regulations and policies/procedures concerning F/J immigration benefits related to maintenance of status, practical training and various other regulations related to student visaWork as part of a team to assure MSU’s reporting compliance and ability to host international students and scholarsPrepare Immigration documents for international students, scholars and their dependentsWork with students and scholars on various personal, academic and financial issuesAssist in development, coordination and delivery of OISS programs, workshops and presentationsAssist with special projects, student outreach efforts and the support of student organizations as needed

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing one or two years of post-bachelor degree work in International Education, a foreign language, Education or Guidance Counseling; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in academic counseling, a familiarity with immigration regulations, experience working with university level students, international experience that may include studying, living or working abroad, or interacting with international students; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited institution with significant international experience that may include studying, living or working abroad, or interacting with international students; experience advising international students and scholars; working knowledge of international student/scholar management software such as sunapsis; experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO); sensitivity to the unique needs and cultural differences of international students and scholars, and the ability to work in a cross-cultural environment; background in supporting and developing students from diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and ability; ability to develop relationships and collaborate with colleagues on complex situations; fluency in a second language

Required Application MaterialsResume or CV, cover letter and contact information for three (3) professional references. Include name, position, phone and email.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Bidding eligibility ends on 5/28/2019 at 11:55 PM

Advertised: May 22, 2019 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 6, 2019 Eastern Daylight Time