International Student & Scholar Advisor

About the Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of an Associate Director/Director within the Office of Global Services (OGS) at Northeastern University, the International Student and Scholar Advisor (ISSA) provides advising services to international students and scholars with F/J non-immigrant status. The ISSA serves as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and utilizes the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to perform necessary functions, gather data, create reports, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ISSA INCLUDE:

• Advise, counsel, and assist F-1 students, J-1 students, and J-1 scholars to ensure maintenance of their non-immigrant status, employment authorization, acculturation, academic, social, personal adjustment, etc.
• Create, update and maintain student and scholar records in SEVIS to include reportable events as required by federal regulations
• Maintain up to date knowledge of federal regulations, SEVIS procedures, Northeastern academic policies, and OGS policy and procedures to provide timely and comprehensive advising
• Provide guidance to NU academic departments and key contacts on regulatory requirements, institutional policies, and OGS policies and procedures
• Advise students on logistical matters including obtaining a social security number and applying for a U.S. driver’s license/state ID
• Liaise with relevant government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the Department of State (DOS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding student requests, data fixes, and travel
• Design and/or deliver regulatory training for students, scholars, and relevant colleagues
• Communicate with academic and co-op/career advisors to support comprehensive international student advising
• Collaborate with OGS academic services and programming support team on orientation programming as it pertains to immigration compliance and the initial review of F and J regulations with new students
• Actively contribute to developing, designing, and implementing programs and systems needed to support and enrich the international student and scholar experience at Northeastern
• Provide consistent on-ground advising support and represent OGS at a U.S. Global network campus, including attending campus-wide meetings and assisting with on-campus events
• Serve within the DSO on-call rotation
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• One to three years’ experience as a DSO/ARO working directly with SEVIS to process documentation, maintain records and comply with regulatory reporting requirements
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency are required to be a DSO/ARO.
• Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 regulations and professional experience working with international student (and scholar) populations throughout all parts of the international student experience (pre-arrival, enrollment, post-completion employment)
• Ability and willingness to multitask and develop systems of organization for managing a high-volume caseload
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment as a contributing member of a high-functioning team
• Knowledge of privacy laws and ability to utilize discretion and confidentiality when advising students/scholars.

Additional Qualifications:

• Knowledge of various computer software systems and applications including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications
• Familiarity with batching systems such as SUNAPSIS
• Strong intercultural communication and interpersonal skills
• Prior study/work abroad or other living experience overseas
• Knowledge of a second or third language
• Prior experience with academic advising

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.