Assistant Director - International Scholar Services
- Employer
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Location
- Knoxville, TN
View more
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
Assistant Director for International Scholar ServicesRegular Full-time, Market Range 12The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is a comprehensive, very high research (Carnegie classification) university with approximately 29,000 students, 9500+ faculty and staff, 11 colleges, and 300+ degree programs. There are 1500+ international students and scholars on the UTK campus. The University is located on a 580 acre campus in the city of Knoxville in eastern Tennessee (near the Smoky Mountains). The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. For more information: www.utk.eduThe Center for Global Engagement is comprised of eight units (Asian Engagement, Communications, Programs Abroad, the English Language Institute, the International House, International Student and Scholar Services, and Global Research). For more information: http://cge.utk.edu/ The Assistant Director (AD) for International Scholar Services supports the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and researchers by providing assistance in obtaining and maintaining the appropriate immigration status as well as providing assistance in adjusting to the US. This position implements appropriate compliance, audit and administrative procedures for filing applications for employment based immigration to the Department of Labor and US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The AD advises university faculty, researchers and administrative staff in areas of immigration, employment, and pathways to US Permanent Residence as well as other government and university policies related to international faculty and scholars. The Assistant Director will act as the liaison with the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Labor (DOL), and State (DOS), other federal and State agencies, and private organizations. The Assistant Director serves as the primary liaison with external legal counsel appointed by General Counsel for Permanent Residency processes. The Assistant Director, in consultation with the Director and the Office of General Counsel, will develop federal immigration risk mitigation strategies for the institution. The Assistant Director will also assist with the management of international student services in surge capacity. The AD must be willing to have a flexible work schedule to include some weekend/evening duties at UT as well as evening and weekend national and international conferences/meetings. Duties will include:
- Advise University faculty, staff and researchers in areas of immigration, employment authorizations and US Permanent Residency.
- Understand and implement strategies related to ongoing and complex changes in federal immigration regulation and guidance.
- Develop and distribute appropriate information resources to assist the University in its employment of international scholars.
- Develop effective system of communication for all parties involved in employment based immigration including college and departmental administration, Human Resources, UT Office of Compliance, external counsel and the faculty and staff who are beneficiaries of the immigration petitions.
- Develop training events and programs to assist University members in complying with Federal immigration regulations and related University policy.
- Review, prepare and maintain employment based immigrant and non-immigrant petitions including Prevailing Wage Determinations, Labor Certifications, H1B, O-1, E-3, TN applications.
- Manage the J-1 agreements and processes for the University.
- Advise departments, faculty and staff on pathways to Permanent Residency. Facilitate the relationship between departments, the Provost's designee, General Counsel and the external counsel in the PR process.
- Maintain appropriate records (electronic and paper-based) to comply with State and federal regulations as well as university policy. Perform systematic audits to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and University policy.
- Facilitating surge capacity for student advising within the scholar unit. Provide educational and professional development opportunities for international scholars and those who interact with international scholars (intercultural competence, cross cultural exchange and transition).
Qualifications
REQUIREMEMENTS:Education: Master’s Degree in Law, Educational Administration, Counseling, Human Resources, Communication, International Relations, or other related field required.Experience:
- Three years professional experience as international student or scholar advisor at a major university required, OR three years combined experience in an immigration law office and work in university advising or administration required;
- One year teaching or advising in a University setting required;
- Detailed knowledge of U.S. laws and policies of U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Labor and State, related to international students/scholars and employment of non-U.S. Residents/Citizens;
- Ability to research, read, analyze, and explain U.S. laws and regulations;
- Knowledge of and ability to serve as a Designated School Official and/or Alternate Responsible Officer in the SEVIS system.
- Excellent communication skills (writing and speaking) including ability to explain complex issues and communicate with non-native English speakers and people of other cultures;
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural differences;
- Advising, counseling and teaching skills;
- Management, supervisory, and organizational skills; Strong computer skills;
Job: Other Professional
Primary Location: US-Tennessee-knoxville
Organization: Center For Global Engagement
Schedule: Full-time
Job Posting: May 27, 2021, 12:38:34 PM
Organization
Working at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Founded in 1794, the University of Tennessee is one of the nation’s oldest and most storied public universities. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee’s flagship land-grant institution includes the statewide Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute in Tullahoma. The university embodies excellence in teaching, discovery, scholarship, research, creative activity, outreach, and engagement. Known as the Volunteers, we lead with a spirit of selflessness, empathy, and courage, and strive to be champions for diversity, equity, and inclusion
UT Knoxville is a Research 1 university with 11 academic colleges and more than 900 programs of study. With an enrollment of more than 30,000 students, our academic programs are repeatedly ranked top in their class. The university co-manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the country’s most prominent national lab, driving innovation in advanced manufacturing and materials, national security, and more. We are closely connected with our communities through outreach and extension efforts across Tennessee and through partnerships with non-profits, corporations, and industries—regionally, nationally, and around the globe.
The city of Knoxville is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The modern, thriving community is surrounded by gorgeous lakes and hundreds of miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails. Situated along the banks of the Tennessee River, our beautiful features an eclectic music scene, internationally recognized festivals, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of diverse cultural activities. Knoxville is located within a day’s drive of Atlanta, Nashville, Asheville, Charlotte, Louisville, Cincinnati, Memphis, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a population of more than 850,000 people. The region houses many leading corporations and organizations, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pilot/Flying J, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Regal Cinemas, along with HGTV, Food Network, and other networks owned by Discovery Inc.
As a member of the UT family, you will be surrounded by top-notch faculty, staff, and students from around the world. You will be part of a diverse campus community that is passionate about changing the world and cheering for the Vols on game day.
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