Director of International Support Services
- Employer
- The University of Kansas
- Location
- Lawrence, KS
View more
- Administrative Jobs
- Academic Affairs, International Programs, Institutional & Business Affairs, Clerical & Administrative Support
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
The Director of ISS oversees International Enrollment Management functions of the university, including international student recruitment, international undergraduate admissions, transfer credit articulation for credit earned by KU students abroad, orientation, the implementation of immigration-related policies and procedures, emergency fund management and scholarship administration, sponsored and visiting student services, the ongoing development of systems and practices in line with regulatory requirements, and institutional programming and support related to the success of KU’s international community. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Provost for International Affairs, the Director collaborates frequently with campus partners within the division and across the university, as well as with external agencies. This position also serves on KUIA’s Administrative Leadership Council.
The Director is responsible for the daily management and strategic direction of International Support Services, leading a professional staff of approximately 30 full-time employees, as well as a number of student employees. The office supports approximately 2,000 international students and over 200 international scholars on campus at any given time. This position will evaluate, create, and provide counsel on processes and best practices designed to enhance the experience of our international community and will develop, implement, and maintain university policies and processes related to this work.
The University of Kansas is a major educational and research institution with approximately 29,000 students on five campuses, and 10,000 employees. The main campus is in Lawrence, a vibrant, thriving community of more than 90,000 that is just 40 miles west of Greater Kansas City and 20 miles from the state capital. In a continuing effort to enrich the campus environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, the university actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education.
Job DescriptionLeadership & Management (50%)
- Develop and implement a strategic operating plan; offer vision, leadership, guidance, and oversight for a forward-looking, service-oriented office which provides a comprehensive program of support for international students and scholars.
- Work directly with unit leadership to ensure resources are leveraged to meet department, unit, and institutional priorities. Additional departmental leader fiscal responsibilities include monitoring budget activities to ensure expenses do not exceed revenue, alerting unit leaders if a material budget variance is anticipated, and developing a plan to balance the unit budget.
- Develop innovative strategies to deliver international support services and programming that enhance the academic and overall experience for KU’s diverse international populations.
- Ensure international recruitment and marketing efforts are well coordinated, transparent, and uphold KU’s standards and brand integrity.
- Supervise and mentor staff; provide clear performance expectations, effective training and feedback, and professional development opportunities.
- Ensure professional orientation and ongoing advising support is provided to prospective and current students and visiting scholars on complex immigration and institutional requirements, options, benefits, and permissions.
- Advocate for international students, scholars and employees on campus through policy development and administration and by partnering with campus entities that serve KU’s international populations.
Immigration & Advocacy (30%)
- Ensure and advocate for institutional compliance with Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations relative to international students and scholars, and oversee the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for the F-1 visa program and Responsible Officer (RO) for the J-1 visa program.
- Engage federal, state, and local offices and bureaus as needed regarding immigration, insurance, visa, and labor matters.
- Oversee reporting and document retention, especially with regard to the J-1 Annual Report, Open Doors report for Students, and Open Doors report for Scholars.
- Ensure that the institution remains current with changes in F-1/J-1 immigration regulations and changes in SEVIS, and ensure that institutional systems are updated as needed to maintain compliance with local, state and federal guidelines.
- Liaise with outside agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, federal program offices, and other programs and governments to promote KU academic programs. Domestic and international travel are integral to this work.
Campus Leadership, Engagement, & Service to the Profession (20%)
- Serve as a primary source of information and expertise to deans, administrators, faculty members, and staff professionals to address issues and concerns related to international students, scholars and employees.
- Build consensus around the university’s positions on key emerging issues related to international enrollment and talent management.
- Provide expert policy interpretation and analysis to campus stakeholders; collaborate with and counsel university administrators on the interpretation of regulations within the context of university, state, and federal policies.
- Work on collaborative programming with and serve as liaison to campus and local partners; guide the integration of international services into the broader university.
- Represent ISS and International Affairs on university committees.
- Ensure ISS remains a strong and active part of the campus referral network, connecting the international community with the broad range of supports and resources for addressing personal, social, academic, cultural, financial, and other service needs.
- Serve on boards and committees of professional associations.
- Other duties as assigned.
- U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status (in order to serve as a designated school official within the federal SEVIS system).
- Travel in the United States and abroad.
- This position begins on-site but has the option of moving to a hybrid model after incumbent successfully completes the 6-month probationary period. After successfully completing probation, incumbent may work one (1) day a week remotely based on a set departmental schedule.
- Master’s degree in higher education administration, public administration, international education, or related field; OR a terminal degree related to international education, such as a Doctor of Jurisprudence.
- Five (5) years of experience working in international education.
- Five (5) years of progressive leadership responsibility.
- Seven (7) years of experience supervising staff.
- Excellent written communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
- Experience planning and managing office and/or program budgets as evidenced by application materials.
- Experience with international education trends and issues as evidenced by cover letter and references.
- Strong personnel management and interpersonal communication skills as evidenced by application materials and references.
- Experience designing and developing campus programs for international students.
- Experience in international recruitment and admissions activities with international students.
- One year of service in a regional or national leadership role with an international education professional association such as NAFSA or AIEA.
- Experience in programming specifically targeted toward international student retention.
- Experience with international employment and permanent residency sponsorship in a higher education setting.
- Foreign language skills or experience teaching English as a Second Language.
- A cover letter addressing how required qualifications are met.
- Resume.
- Names and Contact Information for Three (3) Professional References.
- Completion of the online application.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Application review begins Monday, February 28, 2022. To ensure consideration, apply no later than Sunday, February 27, 2022.
Organization
Working at the University of Kansas
Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.
The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.
KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.
We recognize there are inequalities and privileges generated by historical and persistent intersecting differences by race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, abilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. And we hold ourselves accountable for policies, processes and programs that appreciate these and other differences and create more fair, safe and just learning, working and living environments for KU students, faculty and staff.
Instruction
KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.
Research
The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.
Service
The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.
International Dimension
KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.
Values
The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.
Our City and State
KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.
Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.
Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.
Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.
Making KU Your Home
Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.
At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.
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