Designated School Official (DSO)

Position Title: Designated School Official (DSO)

Job Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Chief Growth Officer & Dean of Innovative Professional Graduate Studies

Location: Goodyear, Arizona

About GUS Education Arizona

GUS Education Arizona is part of Global University Systems, a global network of higher education institutions dedicated to providing quality education and innovative learning experiences. In collaboration with US partners, GUS Education Arizona is committed to delivering transformational educational opportunities in the USA.

Job Summary

GUS Education Arizona has partnered with a leading university for the launch of their new campus in Goodyear, Arizona, expected January 2025. On behalf of our partner, GUS Education Arizona is seeking a Designated School Official (DSO) to join their inaugural team and provide dedicated support to international students, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience as they navigate their educational journey.

The DSO will provide a welcoming and supportive environment for international students, promoting our partner’s mission and strategic goals for international education. This role focuses on immigration-related assistance, compliance with regulations, and fostering international student engagement and integration into campus life.

Responsibilities

• Issue and sign I-20 forms for newly admitted international students in compliance with US immigration regulations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), including registration of students each academic term, updates to current addresses, changes in degree programs, extensions of stay, etc.
• Liaise with Government Agencies, fostering strong working with federal, state, and local authorities regarding international student matters.
• Provide support for International Students
• Provide guidance to international students on maintaining legal F-1 status, visa renewals and regulations, transfers, extensions of stay, reduced course loads, OPT/CPT authorizations, and other immigration issues.
• Ensure institutional compliance with federal regulations for F-1 status students, work eligibility, and OPT processes. Provide updates on policy changes and trends in international student affairs to relevant stakeholders.
• Report student information to the Department of Homeland Security, such as failure to enroll, completion of studies, change in level of study, early withdrawals, disciplinary issues, etc.
• Advising students on travel signatures, re-entry procedures, and employment eligibility.
• Coordinate with government agencies, including USCIS, the Department of State, and U.S. embassies and consulates, regarding student immigration status.
• Stay up to date on complex immigration laws, policies, and processes that impact international students.
• Serve as a liaison between international students, academic departments, and government agencies.
• Collaborate with the housing department to ensure the availability of clean, safe, and well-maintained living spaces.
• Plan and execute international student orientations, providing guidance on cultural adjustment, academic requirements, and social integration.
• Assist with onboarding, orientation, and ongoing support for international students, with collaborate across cross-functional teams including Admissions, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs.
• Develop and implement educational workshops, cultural events, and social opportunities for international students.
• Collaborate on special projects that contribute to the enhancement of international student services, such as university-wide initiatives, events, and committees.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in International Student Services, higher education administration, or immigration advising.
• In-depth knowledge of F-1 immigration regulations and SEVIS processes.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Multilingual skills highly preferred.

Must meet regulatory eligibility to be a Designated School officer (DSO): A DSO must be either a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Work Conditions

The selected candidate will be required to travel to the University’s home campus in Kansas City, MO to for training and certifications.

This position will initially work primarily remote/hybrid, with on-site expectations aligned with the development of the new campus.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned.

GUS Education Arizona Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, tenure, disability or any other factors that cannot be lawfully considered in its programs and activities as required by all applicable laws and regulations.

GUS Education Arizona reserves the right at any time, with or without notice, to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job positions or assign additional responsibilities.