Director of International Programs - Commerce, United States - InsideHigherEd

Description

Proposed Annual Salary: $78,000.00

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

During the application process the "My Experience" page has a section provided "Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.)" to upload required documents.

• Use the Upload button to add each document.
• You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.
• All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.
• Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration.

Please provide the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references with complete contact information (Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered).
• Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required at time of verbal offer).
  If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the applicant to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.

Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document. If you need assistance with this or any other matter, please contact us at

Summary:

The Director of International Programs, reporting to the Executive Director of Student Access & Success within the Division of Student Affairs, is expected to assume a variety of duties related to the administration and growth of international programs and services at TAMUC. Overseeing staff and working in close collaboration with various departments across campus, the director serves as the main resource for compliance with immigration regulations. The main responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as the University's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO), ensuring Texas A&M University-Commerce students, scholars, and university departments comply with all government regulations regarding international students and scholars.
• Administers and supports the various activities of the office including study abroad, international student and scholar services, faculty and student exchanges; and university agreements with partner institutions - local and abroad.
• 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.
• 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.
• Onboard and 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.
• Oversees University compliance with Department of Homeland Security and Department of State by developing and updating policies, eligibility requirements and application processes for practical training employment and other off-campus employment benefits as well as other benefits (reinstatement, change of status, academic training) for F and J students and scholars and their dependents.
• Manages department budget and daily operations for the ISSS. Signs as the official account manager and approver for operating, HEF and local accounts. Manages and approves annual equipment inventory.
• Directs and assists with health insurance enrollment processes for F and J visa holders to ensure compliance with A&M System and Department of State policies and coordinates liaison efforts for international students and scholars with System Student Health Insurance Provider and local healthcare providers.
• Oversees new and transfer international student pre-arrival processes, communication, resources and information orientations to ensure compliance with system policies and Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations. Creates, implements and supervises informational workshops for international students and facilitates outreach to university departments to provide information or updates about visa requirements and benefits or provides cross-cultural training.
• Chair the International Student Advisory Committee and the Study Abroad Scholarship Awards Committee.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: Seven (7) years related experience. Indirect experience with transferable skills will be considered and can be combined to meet total minimum of seven (7) years.
• Knowledge / Skills: Knowledge of USA immigration laws and regulations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Outstanding organizational skills. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to: Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Ability to work with students from foreign countries whose first language may not be English. Ability to positively interact with various groups of students (including graduate and undergraduate), parents, guidance counselors and college and university personnel. Ability to consistently meet deadlines and handle information confidentially.
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: None
• Physical Requirements: None
• Other Requirements: Available to occasional nights and weekends. Must be eligible to work in the United States.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree
• At least three (3) years senior administrative experience in international programs (e.g., working with a study abroad office, international student admissions, and/or hosting international visitors); including developing and managing budgets, staff supervision and development, and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of a second language preferred
• Knowledge of Terra Dotta software preferred

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

• Administrative Associate, Associate Director, International Student Advisors, Student Workers and Graduate Assistants

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.