Executive Director, The Office of International Programs and Services

Department: University Life

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary starting at mid $110k's, commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The primary purpose of the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) at George Mason University is to support and integrate international students, scholars, and faculty into the campus community. OIPS aims to educate, celebrate, and serve by promoting global awareness, cross-cultural understanding, and providing resources for cultural adjustment and regulatory compliance. They also focus on recognizing individual achievements and celebrating the diverse traditions within the community.

About the Position:

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall vision, direction, and administration of the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS), a key unit within the division of University Life at George Mason University. This role involves direct supervision of the Associate Directors for International Students, International Employees and Exchange Visitors, the Associate Director for Engagement and Assessment, the SEVIS Coordinator, and the Office Manager. Additionally, the Executive Director indirectly supervises numerous part-time wage staff, interns, and Graduate Professional staff. These roles collectively provide central services and programs for over 4,000 international students and scholars at George Mason University.

As the Designated School Official (DSO) responsible for institutional adherence and compliance with immigration procedures, SEVIS, and US government regulations as established by the Department of Homeland Security. The Executive Director works closely with the highest levels of campus leadership to support the university’s vision for supporting a robust experience for its international population, while fostering collaboration, communication, and relationship management with internal and external partners.

Other major components of the role include budget management, oversight of co-curricular program development, assessment, and strategic planning. Additionally, the Executive Director is a key campus leader as a member of Global Assembly and many committees that contribute to the execution, reporting and delivery of University and University Life’s Post Graduate Success and Engagement Student Journey Team and other strategic goals.

Responsibilities:

Unit and Institutional Compliance

• As the Designated School Official (DSO), ensures institutional compliance with federal immigration regulations, University’s compliance with federal immigration law and regulations as well as advises of international students, scholars and faculty;
• Collaborates with the Office of General Counsel, outside immigration attorneys, and government officials, as needed, to ensure university compliance and program reviews;
• Interprets and applies state and federal laws, rules, regulations, regarding the university’s international population;
• Provides timely information and communication to the university leadership and the international community, as needed;
• Oversees the University’s interface with, and utilization of, the SEVIS database system, including the collaboration between OIPS and ITS;
• Oversees OIPS processes related to the admission and enrollment of F-1 and J-1 students, including: compliance related policy and planning for admission of students in language training, pathway, and degree programs; and
• Oversees practices and procedures to facilitate quality service and effective communication with students, administrative offices, and academic units. 

Strategic Leadership

• Provides overall administration and vision for the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) its growth and sustainability;
• Provides guidance on the development and delivery of co-curricular internationalization programs;
• Oversees the unit’s budget to ensure financial sustainability and effective resource allocation;
• Conducts regular assessments of departmental functions t