Posting Details

Job TitleInternational Services SpecialistDepartmentOffice of International Students and ScholarsFull Time/Part TimeFull-TimeRequisition NumberS21118Open Date10/05/2020Close Date10/19/2020Salary Information

$48,000

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Benefits EligibleYesEligible for OvertimeNoPosition Summary

Under general direction, the international services specialist I provides first-level support for advising international students and sponsored students on immigration related matters such as the responsibilities and benefits of their visa status, completing government documents, answering general questions, and assisting with the resolution of issues. S/he also supports the manager of international graduate students.

The international services specialist serves as a representative of the University to the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and the Student Exchange Visitor Program. S/he also serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for F and J visa holders.

This position requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and knowledge of immigration regulations and Rice/OISS office procedures/policies to best support the international population that we serve.

Education RequiredBachelor's DegreeMajor/DisciplineSubstitution for Education RequirementExperience may not be substituted for the education requirement.Education Preferred

Foreign language, intercultural studies, business, or other related field of study or master’s degree.

Experience Required1 yearType of Experience

Related professional experience in a university setting or office environment.

Substitution for Experience RequirementEducation may not be substituted for the experience requirement.Experience Preferred

- Professional experience with immigration regulations, quality control, compliance, working with an international population, SEVIS regulations, and/or project management
- Experience with F-1, J-1, and SEVIS regulations
- Experience promoting diversity support
- Experience traveling or living overseas

License/Certification RequiredLicense/Certification PreferredSkills Required

- Must be able to communicate fluently in English, both verbal and written communication
- Must have strong reading comprehension skills
- Must be well-organized, able to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-volume, ever changing work environment
- Proven ability to research solutions and exhibit resourcefulness
- Ability to handle detailed information and the ability to convey accurate information

Skills Preferred

- Fluency in a second language
- Ability to work well with those that have limited English language skills
- Ability to maintain patience in frustrating situations
- Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 visas and SEVIS immigration regulations
- Advising skills
- Ability to maintain a website
- Ability to support/promote diversity in a university setting

Internal / External Contacts

Internal Contacts: The incumbent has extensive contact with all areas of the campus in person and by telephone. This includes extensive contact with upper level administrators.

External Contacts: The incumbent has extensive contact with representatives and leaders of international organizations, institutions, and communities.

Physical Demands

- Walk up a flight of stairs several times daily
- Extensive hours working at a desk

Working Conditions

Occasional after-hours and weekend functions

Essential Personnel

Position is not considered essential during a campus emergency.

Rice University Standard of Civility

Serves as a representative of the University, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Rice community and with the public.

Security Sensitive

As defined under the Texas Education Code and Rice Policy No. 425, this position is security sensitive and employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Special Instructions to ApplicantsQuick Link for Postinghttp://jobs.rice.edu/postings/24736Essential Functions

- Provides first-level immigration advising to graduate international students on their visa status and immigration processes
- Advises international students on university policies and procedures, cultural adjustment, academic, and other matters
- Assists manager for international graduate students with programs, trainings, workshops, and activities to promote the adjustment of international students to life at the university and in the United States
- Provides support for processing immigration documents
- Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions or Information

- Works on special projects as assigned
- Assists with systems management to ensure data integrity across campus and government systems
- Prepares and signs appropriate federal government documents for routine requests; provides signatures for letter of support requests
- Inputs data into the OISS database for F-1 and J-1 students/scholars, processes student I-20 admissions paperwork, and requests missing documents
- Assists with student and scholar check-ins
- Supports advisors, as needed, in areas of immigration, compliance and advising
- Maintains, updates, and edits OISS handouts, booklets, and other materials to ensure effective communication to Rice internationals
- Provides back-up for advisors and the front line, taking front desk calls and walk-ins, etc.
- Provides back-up first-level immigration advising to international scholars on visa status, university policies and procedures, cultural adjustment, academic, and other matters

Job Duties

Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a bachelor's degree?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have a year of more of professional experience in a university setting or office environment?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Please describe your experience with F-1 regulations, SEVIS, and working with international students.

   (Open Ended Question)

4. * Please give an example of how you have been an effective communicator.

   (Open Ended Question)

5. * Please give an example of how you could contribute to the diversity of the Rice campus?

   (Open Ended Question)

6. * How did you contribute to diversity and inclusion in your past position?

   (Open Ended Question)

7. * What is your minimum salary requirement (Please indicate dollar amount)?

   (Open Ended Question)