The International Scholar Advisor Team is a part of the employment decision-making process for any non-resident alien employee candidates and supports the recruitment and retention of top international faculty and scholars in support of the university’s research, teaching, and service mission. The Senior International Scholar Advisor also serves as the International Scholar Team lead. The Senior International Scholar Advisor assists in the training efforts of current and new international scholar advisors providing ongoing mentorship to the next generation of international education professionals. In addition, position is called on to consult on complex employment cases for departmental and campus colleagues. This position serves as Alternate Responsible Officer of the University’s Exchange Visitor Program (J 1), including preparing DS-2019s (Certificates of Eligibility), J-1 advising, and fulfilling related reporting requirements. Preparing and handling H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3 and other nonimmigrant employment-based petitions and related advising. Additional employment-based immigrant cases, more complex in nature, may be assigned as needed. This position serves as Designated School Official (DSO) including preparing I-20s, F-1 advising, and fulfilling related reporting requirements, as required by federal law. Acts as liaison with the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Labor (DOL) and the US Department of State (DOS), and USCIS, ICE, SEVP, CBP, and other federal agencies and private organizations who require data on and support UNC’s international scholars. Provides assistance and information to UNC-CH sponsored international faculty and scholars, hosting unit staff, and faculty on government regulations and university policies affecting international faculty and scholars and their dependents. Works closely with international faculty and scholars and hosting units to ensure compliance with federal labor and immigration laws and regulations. Team Lead of the International Scholar team responsible for the development and maintenance of online campus procedural materials. Monitors regulatory updates and assists in making necessary changes to operation processes, the International Scholar website, and other information handouts for distribution. Develops, plans and delivers training (workshops, information sessions, presentations, and orientations) for international faculty, research employees, visiting scholars, campus departments and other stakeholders. Making appropriate referrals to international faculty and scholars related to personal matters as needed. Assisting with and attending programming events organized by the ISSS program coordinator. Performing other duties as assigned and providing support to overall functions of office where needed.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. This experience may be related to the direction/oversight of programs that focus the academic and research resources of a higher education institution towards community or regional issues.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident to serve as Alternate Responsible Officer and Designated School Official in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), as required by federal regulation. Thorough knowledge of regulations pertaining to nonimmigrant classifications for international scholars, including H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3, and J-1 Exchange Visitors. Ability to research and explain complex U.S. immigration and labor regulations in relation to campus policies advising international scholars and preparing J-1 Certificates of Eligibility and employment-based nonimmigrant petitions, preferably in a college or university setting. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and patiently with cross-cultural sensitivity. Ability to work collaboratively as a team member in a group environment and taking appropriate initiative and exercising discretion within the scope of assigned duties. Skills with database tools and technology. Position requires accuracy and attention to detail. Familiarity with F student regulations and federal regulations regarding U.S. immigrant petitions. 1-2 years of immigration case management responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

3-5 years of immigration case management responsibility, preferably at a 4-year university.