What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of International Student Services position at Union College?
The Director of International Student Services at Union College serves as the primary resource and advocate for international students. This role provides strategic leadership to support international students' academic, social, and cultural integration on campus, while actively engaging in direct advising and student support. The Director serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the institution, ensuring compliance with federal regulations for F-1 and J-1 visa holders.
Position Title: Director of International Student Services
Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, Regular Full-time
Supervisor: Head Class Dean
Position Purpose: The Director of International Student Services at Union College serves as the primary resource and advocate for international students. This role provides strategic leadership to support international students' academic, social, and cultural integration on campus, while actively engaging in direct advising and student support. The Director serves as the Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the institution, ensuring compliance with federal regulations for F-1 and J-1 visa holders.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Documentation and Compliance: Issues immigration documents and processes applications through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Maintains accurate records of international students immigration documentation within SEVIS and College systems. Ensures compliance with federal regulations and College policies pertaining to international students. Guides students through new employee hiring processes for on-campus employment, including applying for a social security number. Works closely with Class Deans to ensure proper understanding and application of regulations and policies, taking appropriate initiative and exercising discretion within the scope of assigned duties.
- Student Advising and Support: Advises and assists international students on a variety of matters including immigration and visa regulations and applications, cultural adjustment, personal matters, financial concerns, and College procedures. Refers students to appropriate campus resources. Conducts individual and group advising meetings with students to address any questions or concerns. Advocates for the needs of international students by informing campus policies and practices.
- Programming and Engagement: Oversees the development and execution of orientation programs for new international students. Works with other departments to provide tailored programming to ensure students understand Title IX, the Code of Conduct, and the Honor Code. Creates and implements initiatives beyond orientation that support the retention, well-being, and academic success of international students. Collaborates with campus partners to enhance career readiness, wellness, cultural exchange, and social engagement opportunities.
- Administration: Develops and implements a comprehensive strategy for international student services. Maintains and updates policies and procedures. Produces departmental communications, including newsletters, website content, and student resources. Manages the department budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources. Manages programming and event logistics. Actively participates in professional development on the regulations governing international students about College policies and procedures that ensure ongoing compliance.
Qualifications:
- A Bachelor's degree and experience working with international students in higher education, and/or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience. A Master’s degree is preferred.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in order to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), as required by federal regulations.
- Strong knowledge of SEVIS, F-1 and J-1 visa regulations, and international student compliance requirements.
- The ability to work evening and weekend hours is required, especially during Orientation and during other critical times during the academic year. Must be available on-call during peak travel times.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills informed by a deep cross-cultural understanding.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse student populations and campus stakeholders.
- The ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment carrying out administrative duties.
- Extensive computer skills, such as working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and student information systems..
- Ability to work onsite in an office setting including ability to stand and sit for extended periods.
- The ability to foster and enhance a thriving, diverse, inclusive, and culturally vibrant community, while promoting a sense of belonging among students, faculty and staff colleagues, and alumni.
Compensation:
The annual salary range for this position is $70,000.00 - $75,000.00. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady, NY
We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.
We offer exceptional benefits including:
- Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
- Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
- Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
- Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
- Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
- Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
- Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents
Background Checks: In accordance with our
background check policy
, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.
E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
Salary : $70,000 - $75,000
