Penn State Global has an opening for a Managing Director of the International Student & Scholar Advising (ISSA) team. This position will work closely with the Assistant Vice Provost of ISSA by assisting in the management of immigration advisement services and office operations.  The ISSA unit within Penn State Global is responsible for overseeing the immigration compliance advisement and support for roughly 10,000 international students, scholars, and faculty across the University. 

Reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost of ISSA, this position serves as a resource to administrators and collaborates with campus colleagues to advance the Penn State Global strategy at the institution. The Managing Director provides leadership and expertise on policy matters related to immigration regulation advisement and support services for international populations and serves as the ISSA lead of information system management (i.e., Sunapsis and SEVIS). This position models excellence in client support by providing high levels of customer services to international students and scholars and also mentors and supports ISSA staff. As a leader in ISSA, the Managing Director has responsibility for accomplishing the goals of ISSA in congruence with the Penn State Global strategic plan.  

As the management lead for the ISSA unit, the successful candidate must possess exemplary interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate successfully with staff, faculty, university leadership and international students, scholars, and faculty within Penn State Global and across the University. The ability to successfully work as a lead member of a collaborative team is crucial. Other essential qualities include strong organizational skills, critical thinking/problem solving, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt swiftly to changes in systems and procedures. 

This position serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) as authorized by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security charged with granting immigration benefits while ensuring compliance with federal laws and guidelines pertaining to international students.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. permanent resident to meet qualifications for appointment as a Designated School Official.

Education and experience:

This position typically requires a master’s degree in higher education administration, international students, international education, public policy, or related field and 8 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

We are seeking candidates who have experience working directly with international students, international J-1 scholars, and international faculty/employees as well as with managing user-end production in international case management software such as Sunapsis and SEVIS. The successful candidate will also have experience managing full-time staff members with significant immigration advisement responsibilities and duties. 

Application information: A complete application for this position will include a resume and cover letter.

Penn State Global is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, combining in-person and remote work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. 

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engages all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.