Location
Santa Clara, CA | United States
Job description
Position Title:
Assistant Director for International Students and Scholars
Position Type:
Regular
Hiring Range:
$69,600 - $81,850 annually, commensurate with experience
Pay Frequency:
Annual
The Assistant Director for International Students and Scholars is part of the Global Engagement team of thirteen staff who lead the University’s global programs and strategy for the University. Key programs and responsibilities in Global Engagement include International Students and Scholars, Education Abroad, International Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives, University-sponsored international travel approval for the University, and campus programming that supports global diversity and intercultural learning.
SCU’s Global Engagement is committed to work/life balance and building a globally inclusive community. If you are hired, this is what Santa Clara University will offer you with a few of our benefit highlights:
- 15 days vacation accrued in year 1 of employment, and 20 days accrued vacation after 3 years; 14 holidays, 4 personal days accrued each year, all fully paid
- Option for partial remote work
- Paid Family Leave Insurance
- Retirement contribution of 10% base salary and option for employees to make additional retirement contributions
- Tuition remission for 100% of tuition for employees after 1 year and for dependents after 3 years.
- Commuter benefits for public transit FSA up to $270/month
- Dependent care FSA up to $5,000/year
- Free access to campus fitness center and pool
- Free library access, including free online access NYT, Wallstreet Journal, San Jose Mercury News, Chronicle of Higher Education
- University-sponsored health and wellness workshops and events, such as chair massages on campus, mindfulness and meditation, reiki sound meditation, personal finance workshops and 1:1 financial consulting, nutrition workshops, etc.
- And of course, medical, dental, vision, LTD, Life and healthcare FSA benefits
Detailed information on SCU’s excellent benefits is available here:
International Students and Scholars includes 6 staff including a Director, 2 Assistant Directors and 3 Advisors. Santa Clara University supports approximately 1,600 F-1 international students and approximately 30 J-1 visiting students and scholars annually. SCU’s academic programs connect with Silicon Valley through academic internships and career connections and these are key components of our international program so we support approximately 500 students on OPT and STEM-OPT each year
- ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Advising and programming including:
- Individual and group advising throughout all phases of the international education process including pre-arrival, during the period of study, and through OPT/STEM OPT
- Advising and programming related to intercultural adjustment, adapting to US academic culture, health and safety in the US and other topics as relevant to Global Engagement. Attention to the advising needs among special populations including short-term students and scholars.
- Advising on a broad range of complex issues including: Change of visa status from one category to another; Leave of absence; Concurrent enrollment; Change of academic program; Extension of program of study; Reinstatement applications for students who have fallen out of status; “Travel signatures” for students planning to travel outside the US; CPT and Academic Training; OPT; STEM; Economic hardship work permission; Tax and employment issues
- ----Demonstrated experience in advising on these topics required
- ----Mentors students based on more complex issues or questions.
- Advising for J-1 students and scholars on topics including: Eligibility; Transfer; Academic Training; Employment for J-1 scholars and professors; 12- and 24-Month Bars; the Two Year Rule (212e); and Change of status.
- Administrative/Technical/Compliance Responsibilities in SEVIS and the University’s data system, ISSM, including performing the duties of a Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)
- Coordinate and execute international student orientations (International Student Welcome) and other programming for SCU scholars, students, faculty and staff and evaluate these sessions. Assist in the creation and revision of publications including video, website, e-communication
- Serves as an ISS liaison to a designated unit or area of the University, at the request of the Director, including online graduate programs with on campus residencies
- Serve as an ISS representative on University committees and/or represent the University at conferences and professional associations, at the request of the Director
- Work is mostly Monday through Friday during business hours, but the position will occasionally be required to work evenings and weekends.
- Leads or participates in programming, working groups or designated committees that promote Global Engagement to faculty, staff, scholars, and students across campus.
- Actively promotes and supports Global Engagement’s Mission, Vision, Values.
- Demonstrates flexibility and openness to new ideas; acclimates to new situations and contingencies; assists in other areas when appropriate.
- Takes initiative to improve procedures, processes and services; identifies issues, problems, and opportunities for improvement.
- Adheres to and champions Global Engagement performance expectations.
- Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.
- Uses various styles, techniques and communication methods to achieve successful results and build good relationships. Makes certain that key points in the message are emphasized through brief repetition, voice intonation and/or non-verbal gestures
- Other duties as assigned
- Administration:
- Develops and maintains excellent communication and working relationships with Student Life, Office of the Registrar, Bursar’s Office, Housing, the Health Center, Career Center and graduate career offices, Undergraduate Admission, the graduate admission areas and others.
- Coordinates and administers ISS events for short-term student programs. This includes managing the task calendar and plan for annual programming, soliciting input and participation from the ISS Team. Designates lead staff member responsible for events.
- Responsible for effective implementation of Global Engagement crisis management protocols and communication in the absence of the Director
- Supports the Director in program design through data collection and research while giving feedback based on experience.
- Monitor F-1 and J-1 regulatory changes and updates and implements updates to internal processes, as necessary, in conjunction with Director
- Monitors and implements SEVIS system changes and updates
- Management:
- Supervises Global Engagement Student Assistants
- Train new advisors on F-1 and J-1 immigration topics
- GENERAL GUIDELINES
- Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services.
- Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
- Maintains contact with scholars, faculty hosts, and students and solicits feedback for improved services.
- Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.
- Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
- Prepares progress reports; informs supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.
- Prepares and submits reports as requested and required.
- Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.
- QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.
This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to an inclusive and respectful workplace.
MA or BA required
Minimum 2 years previous experience as a Designated School Official (PDSO/DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO) or Assistant Responsible Office (ARO) required
Master’s degree and 3 years experience, or Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience working in international education required. Demonstration of progressive responsibility preferred.
- Skills and Abilities
- Strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and in diverse roles.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with faculty and staff across the University.
- Advanced administrative and program management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise appropriate judgment and maintain confidentiality.
- Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast paced, dynamic team environment.
- Experience with SEVIS batch software, Sunapsis experience desired.
- Direct experience advising and counseling international students.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and use discretion in decision-making.
- Ability to articulate and interpret university, state, and federal policies and procedures.
- Ability to use judgment to independently analyze and interpret regulations pertaining to F1 & J1 students and scholars and to develop creative solutions to problems.
- Work effectively as both part of the ISS team and also the Global Engagement Team.
- Provide complex immigration advising on F-1 and J-1 issues such as SEVIS transfers, change of status, reinstatement, employment authorizations, etc.
- Interact effectively with a broad range of constituents including students, parents, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
- Execute change and follow through on activities and initiatives.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle matters with sensitivity and tact.
- Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism.
- Knowledge of current issues in higher education, international education and immigration, as it impacts international students and scholars.
- Demonstrated experience understanding and managing highly regulated services in an environment of complex and sometimes ambiguous federal laws and regulations where error can result in significant loss of educational teaching and research mission objectives.
- Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying federal immigration policies and regulations relevant to international students and scholars, including detailed knowledge of SEVIS.
- Must meet federal eligibility requirements to be a DSO/ARO including US citizenship or permanent residence.
- Independently establishes and consistently maintains positive relationships with students and faculty; actively solicits feedback.
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
- May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus, including the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley.
- May be required to attend conference and training sessions within Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.
- WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- Typical office environment.
- Mostly indoor office environment with windows.
- Offices with equipment noise.
- Offices with frequent interruptions.
COVID-19 Statement The health and safety of the university community is a top priority. All Santa Clara University students, and employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or request a medical or religious exemption. Please visit our COVID-19 webpage for additional information.
EEO Statement Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and California State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, see
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Santa Clara University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender, and prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Information about Title IX can be found at Information about Section 504 and the ADA Coordinator can be found at (408) 554-4109,
[email protected]. Inquiries can also be made to the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Clery Notice of Availability Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please go to the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.
Americans With Disabilities Act Santa Clara University affirms its commitment to employ qualified individuals with disabilities within the workplace and to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. All applicants desiring an accommodation should contact the Department of Human Resources, and 408-554-5750 and request to speak to Indu Ahluwalia by phone at 408-554-5750 or by email at
[email protected].
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