Director, Center for International Students and Scholars
- Employer
- Bentley University
- Location
- Waltham, Massachusetts 02452, United States
- Salary
- commensurate with experience
- Closing date
- Jul 19, 2024
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- Specialty
- Student & Scholar Services
- Position Type
- Director
- Hours
- Full-time
- Employment Type
- Permanent
- Organization Type
- College / University
Job Description Summary
The Director reports to the Associate Dean of Student Equity and Inclusion, within Student Affairs. The Director provides leadership on all aspects of the international student services office, serving as PDSO (Primary Designated School Official) as well as RO (Responsible Officer) in SEVIS to ensure compliance with immigration-related government policy and regulations.
Essential Duties
Immigration Oversight:
- Serve as Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for F-1 Visa Program and Responsible Officer (RO) for J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
- Serve as chief decision maker and resident expert regarding the interpretation and application of Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services and Department of State regulations pertaining to international students and scholars.
- Responsible for ensuring immigration and cultural support of J-1 exchange visitors. This includes processing documents, overseeing events, data management, and liaising with the Business Service Center for visiting researchers, Human Resources for international hires including post-doctoral fellows, and the Study Abroad office for J-1 exchange students.
- Data reporting maintenance including SEVIS recertification for F-1 visa issuance (annual); SEVIS redesignation for J-1 visa issuance (annual, includes written report); Open Doors reporting (annual)
- Ensure office’s delivery of workshops and timely correspondence to international students and scholars regarding the maintenance of visa status, travel, transfer in/out, employment, curricular and optional practical training, and matters associated with the Department of Homeland Security.
- Provide guidance on personal, academic, social and acculturation issues toward supporting a successful transition to life in the U.S. and at Bentley University.
- Manage on-going coordination with university departments before and after student and scholar arrival, program development and implementation, policy development, advocacy, and special projects.
- Collaborate with legal counsel on immigration matters to minimize institutional risk
Manage all programmatic aspects of the office, including but not limited to:
- International Student Orientation
- WorldView Program (Student Ambassador Program)
- Information sessions and workshops on immigration regulations and work authorization
- Travel signature events
- Signature CISS programs
- Seasonal joint programming with other offices (Academic Services, Career Services, Counseling, Disability Services, etc.)
- International student and scholar tax workshop(s)
Supervision and training of:
- 3-4 full-time employees
- Graduate interns (1-2 per semester)
- 7-9 undergraduate and graduate student workers, often multiple at a time
- Temp or part-time staff brought on during busy time
Other Duties
- Responsible for issuing international student statistics and Open Doors report.
- Conduct regular student assessment to determine satisfaction; implement findings through revision of programs and policies.
- Collaborations on programming with different departments, including, Office of Academic Services, Center for Health and Wellness, Counseling Center and Residential Center among others.
- Serve as a BentleyPlus advisor by attending role-specific trainings, facilitating advising sessions, and sending follow-up communications to advisees.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs, International Education, or related field.
- 6-10 years of work experience in international student and scholar advising or related, including time spent as a DSO and/or ARO.
- Ability to become a PDSO and RO, which requires a U.S. permanent resident or citizen status.
- Familiarity with F-1 and J-1 student and scholar regulations.
- Current knowledge of SEVIS functionality, reporting requirements and batch software systems.
- Management experience, preferably in the context of an International Student/Scholar Office
- Demonstrated commitment to the goals and values of international education.
- Ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse community.
Work Environment
- The Center for International Students and Scholars can be very busy several times a year. The ability to be flexible and manage simultaneous tasks is important. During International Orientation and other scheduled activities and programs, occasional weekend and evening hours are necessary. Travel to the NAFSA national and regional conferences and local workshops/meetings such as BAROS are expected.
- There are very few physical demands. Accuracy and attention to detail is critical as many legal matters are being dealt with. Computer skills are critical and much time is spent looking at a computer screen which may cause fatigue.
Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.
Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/dWjxqEFOZle67CPEzu15X7
PI242243874
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