International Student Support Specialist

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs & Enrollment Services, we are seeking an International Student Support Specialist who will be responsible for developing, leading, and carrying out innovative strategies and relationship-building activities to address the unique needs of the School of Education’s growing international student population. This position promotes the inclusion of these students within the school and local area and focuses on their well-being while helping them persist, excel and meet their educational goals. This position directly supports the school’s overall student enrollment/retention efforts.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform all Office of Student Affairs functions, as needed, and participate in OSA planning and events.
• Assist with school diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Serve on SOE committees and working groups.
• Serve as SOE representative on various University committees and working groups.
• Assist with overall enrollment and retention efforts for international students.
• Participate in academic program orientation programs, new faculty orientation and Admissions events.
• Potentially serve as student group advisor.
• Collaborate with Development and Alumni Relations staff to build relationships with SOE international alumni and connect alumni with current students.
• Provide support, guidance, and information to faculty and staff on the unique needs of international students/conduct workshops for faculty and staff in collaboration with Office of Diversity and Faculty Development and Staff Forum.
• Serve as SOE resource and point of contact to administration, faculty, and staff on all issues pertaining to international students.
• Expand, maintain, and update SOE webpages specifically for international students and assist with social media efforts in conjunction with Office of Marketing and Communication.
• Provide leadership opportunities for students to develop activities to share their cultures and to learn about other cultures.
• Establish and oversee strategies, efforts and programs to help international students with English communication skills.
• Proactively develop, plan and administer social activities and programming that encourage students to develop social networks and effectively deal with challenges of being international students.
• Develop and oversee peer mentor program for international students.
• Conduct American culture workshops for students and educate international students on academic misconduct and other student policies.
• Act as SOE liaison with University’s Office of International Services /communicate with students regarding visa status and situations and act as SOE liaison with University’s Off-Campus Housing Office.
• Connect students with University resources and make referrals/work closely with Career Services, Student Disability Services, and Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program to accommodate student needs.
• Develop, plan, implement and lead New Student Orientation program and assist students with acclimation to local area, School, and University.
• Response to crisis situations involving international students.
• Answer student inquiries and act as point of contact for international students throughout enrollment at School of Education (including onboarding activities such as J-card access, uploading emergency contact information into student database system, completion of required training modules, securing student health insurance, etc.)
• Consult and meet regularly with students to help them overcome personal difficulties and adjust to cultural differences/build supportive relationship with students/act as their advocate.
• Counsel and advise international students/assist with outside-of-classroom needs (provide information on housing, medical care, religious worship locations, shopping options, and other area resources).

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent.
• Three years of strong customer service experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience to theextent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Master’s Degree in Counseling, Higher Education, preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual.
• Five years’ experience as an academic advisor or pre-professional advisor in a higher education setting.

Classified Title: Student Support Specialist 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): International Student Support Specialist   
Role/Level/Range: ATO 37.5/03/OE  
Starting Salary Range: Min $18.00 - Max $33.50 HRLY ($32.00 HRLY targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Part-time