What are the responsibilities and job description for the International Student Advisor position at Southwestern University?
Opened: 11/26/2024
Closed: When Filled
Southwestern University is hiring an International Student Advisor in the Office of Study Abroad and International Student Services. The International Student Advisor serves as the primary advisor for international students and exchange students and is the Designated School Official (DSO) with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SE VIS). This individual also coordinates exchange programs, maintains records, issues immigration documents, ensures federal compliance, and provides orientation, advising and activities for international students. As a member of the Center for Integrative Learning, the position also supports the myriad of High Impact Experiences offered to Southwestern students. This is a full-time, fully benefited, exempt position.
Primary Duties:
The International Student Advisor will fulfill the role of Designated School Official (DSO), responsible for managing SEVIS records and student files, issuing immigration documents, advising on visa regulations and maintaining status, and collaborating with campus offices to provide support to international students. The advisor will also hold mandatory check-in appointments and regular advising appointments with international students. Other duties include maintaining the International Student Services website, liaising with the Office of Admission, and maintaining data on international students for submission of the annual Open Doors report.
- Event Coordination: Coordinates various events including the semesterly International Student Orientations, OPT/CPT workshops, tax workshops for international students, and international student activities. Liaises with Residence Life, Dining Services and Student Life.
- Exchange Program Coordination: Advises exchange students (incoming and outgoing).
- Exchange Model Implementation: Assists the Director with the implementation of a bilateral exchange model and the development of new exchange and direct enroll programs (applications/forms, develop marketing/outreach and Info Sessions cost handouts, develop specific pre-departure orientations, etc.)
- Student Employee Supervision: Takes charge of hiring, training, and evaluating student workers, as well as managing their timesheets.
Additional Duties:
Support the Center for Integrative Learning: provide support and assistance to the staff in the Center for Integrative Learning for High Impact Experiences (Study Abroad, Internships, Faculty-Student Research, Community-Engaged Learning).
- International Trip Compliance: Oversee and manage non-academic international trip compliance.
- Collaborate with various campus offices to provide services.
- Stay abreast of current international visa regulations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (required for SEVIS access)
- Strong interpersonal, project management, and problem-solving skills.
- Team-player and event coordination experience.
- Strong attention to detail; ability to accurately manage records and data.
- Highly organized with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Proven ability to perform under stress.
- Have knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community, as well as working with international students.
- Ability to attend work consistently in Georgetown, Texas.
- Ability and willingness to do occasional evening and weekend work.
- Willingness to adhere to the University’s core values.
- Possess excellent interaction and communication skills (verbal and written).
- Demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external University constituents.
- Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, and produce reliable work product.
Preferred Position Requirements:
- One year of direct experience as a Designated School Official, advising international students and creating/maintaining records in SEVIS.
- Knowledge of SEVIS reporting requirements, as well as federal laws and regulations pertaining to international students in F-1 status.
- Master’s degree in a related field (i.e. College Student Services Administration, International Education).
- Experienced study abroad advisor.
- Familiarity with Google Workspace, Slate, Colleague, and/or Via TRM.
- International experience and second language skills.
To apply: The University will only accept application materials through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/159965 Interested candidates should submit a cover letter including salary expectation, a resume and names and contact information of three professional references. Only completed applications will be reviewed by the Search Committee. All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer. EOE/M/F
Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds* are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e, underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected and accepted in all aspects of our community. Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating.
*including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities.