Director of International Student/Scholar Services/ PDSO

Concordia University is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the world.

Position Summary

The Director of International Student and Scholar Services serves as the Primary Designated School Official and Responsible Officer (PDSO), working on behalf of Concordia University Wisconsin-Ann Arbor (CUWAA) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program branch, part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State (DOS). This position serves as the leader of the immigration advising team, which advises students, staff, and others on the code of federal regulations pertaining to F and J visa holders. This person trains others on immigration regulations and CUWAA best practices. This position requires in-depth knowledge of immigration regulations pertaining to F and J visa types and their application to international students/scholars in a higher education setting. The Director researches regulations and best practices in order to ensure compliance with DHS and the DOS. This position reports to the AVP for International Affairs.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead F-/ J-1 Immigration Advising Team - Supervise and train Immigration Coordinator(s) and student workers to advise students and scholars on immigration procedures and regulations to ensure maintenance of immigration status. These include, but are not limited to, Work Authorization (on-and off-campus), Reduced Course Load, Leave of Absences, Transfer-Outs, Change of Status, Reinstatements, Traveling, and Re-entry.
• Serve as PDSO and represent CUWAA at annual SEVP Field representative site visits and audits. As PDSO, file all I-17 updates and complete re-certification process to maintain F-1 SEVIS certification.
• Establish all institutional policy for F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars. Steer office of ISSS, handling all nuanced immigration cases, as lead expert immigration officer, PDSO and RO, for CUWAA.
• Create budget and oversee all expenditures of the Office of International Student/ Scholar Services.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of immigration regulations, including researching regulations and benchmarking best practices with peer and aspirant institutions. Maintain accurate regulatory information on department portal.
• Lead J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and serve as primary Responsible Officer; Advise international students, scholars, and CUWAA faculty/staff regarding federal immigration and employment regulations, resources, and cultural matters. Create initial Form DS-2019 for incoming scholars and provide advising services upon their arrival. Complete J-1 Annual report and Re-designation with U.S. State Department process every two years.
• Educate university departments and their representatives on polices and federal regulations for students on F/J visas.
• Train new staff members and student workers on institutional policies and federal regulations pertaining to F/J
• Assist other team members in service to international students.
• Ability to work effectively and collegially with others
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interface effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must be customer-oriented and eager to assist students from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain regulations clearly as well as train others.
• Strong organizational skills which include effective planning, time management and project management.
• Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and highly accurate.
• Outstanding problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Supportive of the mission and values of Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in any field is required, master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of three years' professional work experience advising university students is required, preferably at a four-year institution.
• Knowledge of the code of federal regulations governing visa holders on F and J visa categories is required. Must have ability to assess cases a