International Student Advisor

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Job Summary

The International Offices () support the international community at Caltech and JPL, including students, scholars, and families. The staff members of the International Offices work as a team. International Student Programs (ISP) provides immigration support for Caltech’s international student community by ensuring that they are able to enter the United States, maintain their international student status, travel abroad, and work in the United States. Additionally, ISP plans and implements international education programs, including international student orientation.

Reporting to the Associate Director of International Student Programs, the International Student Advisor’s primary responsibilities include the exercise of independent judgment and discretion in interpreting and applying immigration regulation, providing direct immigration advising to international students, educating students on maintaining status, identifying and implementing programs and partnerships that will assist students, and supporting the Office’s important compliance and vibrant programming missions.

The International Student Advisor will work independently and collaboratively with ISP team members and campus partners to maintain and improve processes to support international students. They will collaborate occasionally with staff in both International Scholar Services (ISS) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) International Office to ensure adequate coverage on an as-needed basis and for the completion of interoffice projects. Advisors consult with one another in order to develop a consistent stance on immigration advising for Caltech and JPL.

This role is eligible for remote work , subject to business needs and supervisor’s review. Regular on-campus reporting is required. Programs and events will occasionally include evening and weekend hours.

Essential Job Duties

Immigration & Regulatory Compliance

Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) for Caltech’s F Student program (program) and as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for Caltech’s J Exchange Visitor Program.

In coordination with Caltech’s Principal DSO and Responsible Officer, ensure institutional compliance with applicable F-1 and J-1 regulations, relevant immigration laws, and all federal and state regulations and laws pertaining to the administration of Caltech’s international student and exchange visitor programs.

Comply with DHS and DOS regulations and institutional policy.

Interpret and apply regulatory knowledge when creating, maintaining, and updating SEVIS records for international students.

Maintain accurate federal and internal record keeping through SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) and ISSM (International Student & Scholar Management database).

Stay current on immigration laws, regulations, and policy to provide the appropriate guidance and advice to F and J international students.

Use discretion and independent judgment to advise international undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree students, and alumni (with active Caltech SEVIS records) on F-1 and J-1 immigration compliance.

Manage a caseload of international students independently.

Analyze and evaluate an individual’s needs and circumstances, and investigate

Resolve complex problems and issues by applying job skills, departmental policies and procedures independently and / or through a process of consultative review.

Prioritize actions and case management effectively.

Determine strategies for accurate and timely advising.

Develop services, policies, procedures, and processes to ensure comprehensive, quality service to international students.

Meet individually with international students during regular walk-in hours and by appointment.

Lead group immigration advising forums for international students and alumni.

Independently develop and lead informational presentations and workshops regularly throughout the year.

Partner with International Offices team members to provide consistent advising to the Caltech international student and scholar community, and determine when an internal referral is necessary.

Conduct in-person I-9 verifications and reverifications expertly and professionally.

Programs, Events & Outreach

Independently design and lead workshops and programs for campus partners to provide communication, education, and guidance regarding immigration compliance and services.

Analyze, interpret, and provide recommendations for improving process flow of information to customers.

Use creativity to develop educational, cultural, and social solutions.

Apply discretion to identify and implement process improvements.

Serve as key contributor to provide timely updates and presentations to international students regarding relevant immigration and business practices, opportunities, and regulatory changes.

Conduct and contribute to an innovative, compliant, and enriching orientation for international students. Use discretion to develop appropriate content and structure to guide new international students and to train orientation student leaders.

Establish and maintain relationships with campus partners to support comprehensive social, cultural and educational programs for the international student experience at Caltech.

Consult and collaborate with campus partners to provide guidance and appropriate referrals for international students who need support.Referrals may include, but are not limited to, personal and confidential counseling through Student Wellness Services, academic counseling in the Deans’ Offices, career counseling through the Career Achievement, Leadership, and Exploration (CALE) office, etc.

Office Operations

Update and maintain assigned sections of the International Offices’ website. Independently apply business and regulatory knowledge to ensure clear and consistent online communication.

Participate in creating a collaborative and dedicated welcoming environment for the student community as well as for the International Office team members.This includes, but is not limited to, greeting students, assisting team members with various projects that serve the advising, programming, data, and procedural needs of the office.

Propose ideas for streamlining and improving the office’s efforts at remaining in compliance with appropriate federal and state laws governing the stay of F and J non-immigrants. This includes, but is not limited to, suggesting new processes and procedures that the office could implement.

Respond in a timely manner to in-person, online, and email inquiries in service of the immigration, academic, and personal needs of international students.

Participate in managing the daily flow of student traffic and daily administrative tasks such as data entry and document production.

Maintain discretion and commitment to student well-being and confidentiality.

Utilize Outlook email and calendars in accordance with ISP business practices.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree.

3 years of international student advising or relevant experience.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

A high level of interpersonal and customer service skills

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with little direction and to make appropriate decisions based upon policy, accepted practices, and / or procedures.

Ability to be collaborative while working in a complex and fast-paced organization.

Strong presentation skills.

Demonstrated critical thinking and organizational skills.

Detail oriented and methodical.

Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook and Excel.

In accordance with the regulations at 22 CFR 62, the individual in this position must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree.

Experience working in a college environment and / or a multicultural setting.

In-depth understanding of , procedures, and practices

Knowledge of

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Hiring Range

72,800 - $91,000 per year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our and .

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to .

Disability Accommodations

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at .

Salary : $72,800 - $91,000