Description

: Summary: The Director of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) provides university-wide vision and leadership in the development and implementation of programs, services, and policies for the American University’s international community. As the senior international officer, the director works closely with Admissions (Graduate, Undergraduate, and Special Programs) and academic schools to support the institutional strategic enrollment and retention goals; provides strategic direction and support to ISSS staff that manage all immigration processing and SEVIS reporting, administer intercultural programs and services, and advise scholars and students. Participates in or chairs university-wide and off-campus committees to address current issues related to international education exchange. Keeps abreast of laws and regulations that affect international students and scholars; interprets regulations and develops appropriate policies and procedures to assure institutional compliance with immigration regulations. Serves as a cross-cultural consultant to the university community. Represents the University to federal, local, and international government agencies and foundations, sponsoring organizations, professional associations, and community agencies involved in specialized services and programming for non-immigrant students and scholars.This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students and supervises 6-7 full-time employees and 10-15 part-time students. Essential Functions: Leadership and General Administration: The director leads the administrative operations of ISSS, sets the strategic vision, formulates policies and procedures, and manages a budget of $700,000+. This position serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue immigration documents and grant immigration benefits to students in F-1 visa status, and as the Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) approved by Department of State (DoS) for administering the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. The Director of International Student and Scholar is responsible for designing, promoting, monitoring, and overseeing cross-cultural programs and training in orientation programs, diversity programs, and mentoring programs for specific populations and groups. The director serves as a cross-cultural consultant to the university community, facilitating cross-cultural workshops and seminars for staff and students. The Director is also responsible for monitoring trends in the international student population including the changing landscape of regulations. They will also work with graduate and undergrad enrollment managers on innovative and creative approaches in recruitment, support, options after graduation. May create/review information material and policies written by university staff on matters relevant to maintaining the immigration status of international students and scholars.

Staff Supervision: Recruit, train, mentor, and oversee the International Student and Scholar Services, staff. This includes assigning work, evaluating performance, and seeking opportunities for their professional and skill development.

Compliance with Immigration Regulations: Works collaboratively with the staff of International Student and Scholar Services to monitor compliance with U.S. government, DHS, DOS regulations necessary for admission, conversion, and retention, as well as the academic and cultural adjustment of international students. Monitors current changes in federal regulations. Annually, or as required, compiles and submits detailed reports on non-immigrant populations at American University to internal and external constituents.

Representation/Liaison: Serves as a liaison between the university’s non-immigrant students/scholars and government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State (DOS), The Social Security Administration (SSA), sponsoring organizations, and embassy educational affairs offices. Participates in or chairs university-wide committees to evaluate and update current university policies and programs, improve cross-cultural communication and understanding, and foster intercultural awareness, understanding, and appreciation of American University’s diversity. Works collaboratively with campus partners on a variety of initiatives including but not limited to Optional Practical Training (OPT) and evaluating existing and new options for graduating students. Participates in or chairs off-campus committees to address issues related to international education exchange, federal legislation and regulation, and cross-cultural issues affecting the academic community. The director assumes or delegates to ISSS staff liaison roles with federal officials, immigration attorneys, and other international educators. The director or designee may also represent the university to the embassy community and to international education organizations (NAFSA, IIE, AMIDEAST, etc).

Student Advising & Advocacy: Advises students, staff, and faculty on immigration matters relevant to admission, matriculation, academic status and employment. Advocates for the interests of international students and scholars and ensures that administrative units are responsive to the needs of the international community.

Supervisory Responsibility: Directly supervises two Associate Directors, one Assistant Director, one Advisor, and one Data Manager. Indirectly supervises an Assistant Director, two Advisors, and 10-15 student staff.

Competencies: Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

Collaborative Leadership.

Driving Continuous Improvement.

Developing Plans.

Managing Performance.

Acting Strategically.

Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

Prioritizing and Organizing.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-time.

35 hours/week.

May require some evening and weekend hours.

Salary Range: $110,000-$120,000/yr.

Required Education and Experience: Master’s degree or equivalent.

Minimum 7 years of management and staff supervisory experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Demonstrated knowledge of F-1 and J-1 regulations.

Demonstrated project and program management skills.

Strong organizational and analytical skills.

Strong interpersonal and presentation skills.

Demonstrated leadership and crisis management skills, including an open and flexible management style.

Evidence of effective problem-solving skills in a complex environment and computer literacy.

Specialized knowledge in cross-cultural communication is essential to perform competently in this position.

Travel Required: Domestic meetings and conferences.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance: U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident Status to comply with the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security requirements.

A periodic background check is required to access U.S. Government systems.

Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. . Other Details Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

American University is an employer.

Current American University Employees American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.