Evaluator/Designated School Official (DSO)

Company Background

INTO Suffolk University is a partnership made up of INTO University Partnerships North America and Suffolk University. INTO Suffolk focuses on the recruitment and enrollment of international students, through a variety of programs at the Undergraduate and Graduate program, both pathways and direct entry.

Reporting line

This position will report directly to the University Director of International Recruitment and Enrollment Director of International Admissions with a dotted line to INTO Suffolk University’s Enrollment Manager.

Job overview

The Evaluator/Designated School Official (DSO) will evaluate credentials and determine if international students are admissible to the University in a variety of programs: undergraduate and graduate degree programs, first-year "pathway" programs; English language programs and special short-term programs. Decisions involve interpretation of complex standards and foreign credentials from all over the world. Impact of decisions are critical to the student’s personal success and the reputation of Suffolk University and the INTO Suffolk University program.

The Designated School Official (DSO), will issue initial I-20s for admitted international students.

Key accountabilities and duties

• Evaluate foreign credentials, convert foreign grading scales, and assist in admissions decision processing for international applicants to university graduate and undergraduate programs, as well as INTO Suffolk University and Academic English programs
• Serve as Designated School Official for F-1 student visa purposes and stay informed on general immigration matters
• Evaluate financial and application documentation, issue immigration documents for new and continuing international students, and update student records in various databases
• Conduct research to determine if post-secondary institution(s) are accredited and/or recognized using reference books and internet resources to determine whether University requirements are met.
• Liaise with the University Office of Admissions and the INTO Application Processing Center on application decisions, processes and procedures
• Work with enrolment managers and credential evaluators at other IUP partnerships to advance best practices
• Remain up to date on evaluation standards, educational practices and the latest information on academic policy regarding international admissions standards at the undergraduate and graduate level
• Contribute to student services activities such as orientation, educational events, and other Center-wide programs as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least one year of experience evaluating foreign academic credentials at a post-secondary institution
• Knowledge of various countries’ educational systems, international credentials evaluation procedures; and the ability to oversee initial transcript evaluation
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and have experience with student data systems, e.g. Technolutions SLATE, Salesforce, Workday, Banner, PeopleSoft, and/or Colleague
• Strong oral/written communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred:

• Knowledge of and/or experience with international student programs such as ESL and academic preparatory programs
• Experience using Salesforce, or similar CRM software
• Experience living and working overseas
• Knowledge of another language

Skills and abilities

• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, work under pressure, and, when necessary, with minimal resources
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to juggle a fast-paced working environment
• Ability to build effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Ability to deploy and manage resources effectively with efficient priority and time management
• Ability to maintain sound judgment and decision-making even when under pressure
• Competent IT and analytical skills

Position Information:

• All candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or have Permanent Resident status at time of application in order to serve as a Designated School Official for F-1 visa purposes.