Director, International Student & Scholar Services

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Department:

Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Director of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) provides university-wide vision and leadership in the development and implementation of programs, services, and policies for the American University’s international community. As the senior international officer, the director works closely with Admissions (Graduate, Undergraduate, and Special Programs) and academic schools to support the institutional strategic enrollment and retention goals; provides strategic direction and support to ISSS staff that manage all immigration processing and SEVIS reporting, administer intercultural programs and services, and advise scholars and students. Participates in or chairs university-wide and off-campus committees to address current issues related to international education exchange. Keeps abreast of laws and regulations that affect international students and scholars; interprets regulations and develops appropriate policies and procedures to assure institutional compliance with immigration regulations. Serves as a cross-cultural consultant to the university community.  Represents the University to federal, local, and international government agencies and foundations, sponsoring organizations, professional associations, and community agencies involved in specialized services and programming for non-immigrant students and scholars.

This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students and supervises 6-7 full-time employees and 10-15 part-time students.

Essential Functions:

• Leadership and General Administration: The director leads the administrative operations of ISSS, sets the strategic vision, formulates policies and procedures, and manages a budget of $700,000+. This position serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue immigration documents and grant immigration benefits to students in F-1 visa status, and as the Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) approved by Department of State (DoS) for administering the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. The Director of International Student and Scholar is responsible for designing, promoting, monitoring, and overseeing cross-cultural programs and training in orientation programs, diversity programs, and mentoring programs for specific populations and groups. The director serves as a cross-cultural consultant to the university community, facilitating cross-cultural workshops and seminars for staff and students. The Director is also responsible for monitoring trends in the international student population including the changing landscape of regulations. They will also work with graduate and undergrad enrollment managers on innovative and creative approaches in recruitment, support, options after graduation. May create/review information material and policies written by university staff on matters relevant to maintaining the immigration status of international students and scholars.

• Staff Supervision: Recruit, train, mentor, and oversee the International Student and Scholar Services, staff. This includes assigning work, evaluating performance, and seeking opportunities for their professional and skill development.

• Compliance with Immigration Regulations: Works collaboratively with the staff of International Student and Scholar Services to monitor compliance with U.S. government, DHS, DOS regulations necessary for admission, conversion, and retention, as well as the academic and cultural adjustment of international stu