Xavier University is a Jesuit Catholic institution located in the city of Cincinnati. The Center for International Education is seeking a Director for International Student & Scholar Services to lead, direct and provide strategic planning for all processes and programming related to international student and scholars at Xavier.

This position is responsible for the oversight of comprehensive visa and immigration compliance, and other support and advocacy services related to international students and visiting scholars under a student-centered mission and advising philosophy. Additionally, this role has responsibility for the coordination and administrative support of services intended to increase retention and student satisfaction.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide overall direction and strategic planning for the International Student and Scholar Services area.
• Serve as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Responsible Officer (RO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program administered through the Department of State (DOS).
• Lead university efforts to assist international student and scholars through the use of campus resources, advising and counseling. Provide advising and referrals to international students regarding issues such as cultural adjustment, immigration, and personal concerns, specifically regarding unique and complex situations.
• Work extensively with academic, athletic, and other university departments to support the intersection of departmental policies and processes, immigration regulations, and international student needs.
• Coordinate strategy and administer integration programming for efforts leading to retention of international students, including faculty and staff outreach, workshops, student orientation programs in the US and abroad, and on-going acculturation programming.
• Oversee comprehensive orientation for international students to increase integration and student satisfaction, liaise with offices across campus to provide support in student’s first year and manage the Interlink Peer Mentor program.
• Create and maintain university process and policies for academic situations that affect legal status, such as leaves of absences, reduced course load, curricular practical training, health insurance coverage, etc.
• Evaluate escalated situations involving F-1 and J-1 federal immigration law, provide direction for university with regard to applicable new legislation and adjust policy and processes, as appropriate.
• Maintain Terra Dotta software system for international students.
• Oversee the reporting of required information to US government through electronic SEVIS system. Liaise with government agencies.
• Provide internal and external reporting on International Students and Scholars, such as the Institute for International Education (IIE) Open Doors report, J1 Annual Report to DOS, and regular reports to SEVIS.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree required in International Education, Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, Education, International Relations/Affairs, or related field
• 3-5 years of related work experience in international education and working with international students
• Expert knowledge of F-1 and J-1 regulations required
• Cross-cultural communication skills required
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Knowledge of a second language preferred
• Knowledge of Terra Dotta preferred
• Must be a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident to meet DHS and DOS federal requirements for professional practice as a Designated School Official and Responsible Officer

To ensure consideration, qualified/interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references on Xavier University's website by March 25, 2024. Candidates are asked to include with their cover letter a brief statement on how they might support/contribute to Xavier’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In light of the strong commitment to diversity, Xavier seeks a broad spectrum of candidates for this position that includes women and minorities. Xavier University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Benefits:

• Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and employment class.
• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Tax advantaged accounts including health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.
• Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.

Required Skills

Required Experience