Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

Within the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS), the Operations Specialist ensures that the university complies with all internal policies and federal regulations related to visa sponsorship for foreign nationals. In this capacity, the Specialist maintains accurate sponsorship data, verifies and monitors documentation for compliance, and provides general guidance on onboarding foreign nationals. Additionally, the position advises university departments at every stage of the visa sponsorship process, offering detailed support on the required documentation and adhering to all relevant deadlines.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Immigration Compliance

• Ensures compliance with university, HR, and federal regulations for immigration, data integrity and documentation. Maintains accurate and timely records.
• Collects and systematically arranges visa sponsorship application materials for upload into OISS systems.
• Processes and manages all visa sponsorship related transactions and petitions in accordance with both internal and federal timelines.
• Tracks employment authorizations to confirm alignment with visa and immigration documentation, executing timely and accurate filings.
• Generates and analyzes reports using systems such as SEVIS, Terra Dotta, Docketwise, and Workday.
• Works with international scholars, employees, and university departments to validate the accuracy and completeness of application materials.
• Uses expertise to oversee workflows, correct errors, conduct audits, and respond to inquiries about international employment status.
• Monitors scholar immigration status to maintain lawful presence, and manages communications regarding impending visa expirations and work authorization renewals.
• Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
   

Customer Service

• Provides timely responses to departmental inquiries about visa sponsorship applications, immigration regulations, and work authorization.
• Advises departments and divisions on hiring practices and maintaining valid employment status for international employees and scholars.
• Assists incoming international scholars, stipend recipients, and employees with relevant policies and procedures.
• Works alongside benefits, payroll, and other campus colleagues to address international employment and sponsorship matters, providing comprehensive support to foreign nationals. 
• Basic understanding of governmental regulations and tailors guidance to individual cultural contexts, ensuring clarity and compliance.
• Directs individuals to appropriate university and community resources.
   

Development and Support

• Stays updated on immigration regulations and best practices through ongoing training.
• Serves as a member of the Operations Team and provides backup assistance to team members as needed.
• Participates in process enhancement initiatives and business process testing to optimize workflows.
   

Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal office environment

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at a desk or table

• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement

• Ability to move to on and off-campus locations

Equipment

• Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (2 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Required Qualifications

• Per U.S. federal regulations, must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and provide proof of status. 
• Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) within six months of start date. OISS will provide training.
• Relevant experience in immigration services or human resources.

Preferred Qualifications<