University Director for International Programs

What's next for you is the first priority for us! With over 45 programs from associate to doctoral degrees, South University is a private institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities that spark the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population. 

Our 120-year story—past, present and future—is a history formed by the many individuals who have developed the education and spirit of community that have become our pledge to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of South University. Online and at our 8 locations and 2 learning sites, we take pride in our welcoming environment; one-on-one support and personalized attention that helps students define goals and identify the means to pursue them. Our small classes feature hands-on experiences that not only shape students’ skills and excellence in their chosen fields but also shape their characters through encouraging community involvement, volunteerism and the pursuit of life-long learning.  

Visit www.southuniversity.edu today to learn more about what makes us stand apart as a place to Belong, Believe and Become, a place where you can make a difference in the lives of students eager to learn and grow.

South University, the right direction for a brighter future.

Benefits:

*Medical

*Dental

*Vision

FSA/HSA

Tuition Assistant Program

Long/Short Term Disability

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401K Match 

 Paid Time Off

12 Paid Holidays

* includes domestic partner coverage

SUMMARY

The University Director for International Programs is responsible for international student services provided by the South University campuses authorized to enroll F1 students.  The incumbent will ensure all Primary Designated School Officials (PDSO) and Designated School Officials (DSO) at the campuses properly maintain school and international student records in compliance with federal agencies, while simultaneously supporting marketing and admissions efforts to recruit and enroll new international students.  This position serves as the primary contact for marketing and recruitment, provides DSO onboarding and regular DSO training, creates standardized process and procedure for International Student advising, audits International Student records, leads efforts for recertification, develops comprehensive International Student Orientation programs, ensures regular International and Multicultural programming, and supports all activities to grow and retain the International student body.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS

• Interprets and implements complex immigration laws, rules, and regulations, with regards to International Students
• Advises and assists school officials and students in person, by phone and e-mail; and provides training regarding admission requirements, pre-arrival immigration and related matters; school transfers; process updates on records; issues enrollment letters for various government agencies; documents and tracks contact data into SEVIS system, and issues pre-arrival documents, such as the I-20, as needed.
• Develop system-wide pre and post arrival orientation programs and welcome activities to provide general information on subjects including, but not limited to, banking, housing, and US classroom culture.  Maintains awareness and knowledge of how culture and language influence learning styles, adjustment to the US, differences, and impact on attitudes and behavior.  Handles sensitive cases and problems in an appropriate and confidential manner, and refers international students with personal issues to Be Well counseling services.
• Serves, advises, and works effectively as a liaison for students, DSO’s, faculty, staff, administrators, outside organizations that sponsor students, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the community in interpreting and implementing international student immigration rules, regulations and admissions procedures.
• Collaborate with marketing regarding the direction of all aspects of the International Student recruiting efforts, including overseas recruiting events, contract agents and agencies, publication materials, website/landing page, handouts, forms and presentations.
• Maintains the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS), in collaboration with the DSOs, for the University (9 campuses), and ensure federal compliance with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State requirements.  Completes an audit each term, with the PDSO/DSO, to ensure proper registration of each enrolled student in the SEVIS system, report drops below full time enrollment, update personal and program information, and terminate records for students who violate status
• Create programs, workshops and advising materials, addressing international student related issues; presentations on employment as an F1 student, transfer procedures, immigration lawyer learning opportunities, and presentation to the faculty, staff and administrators regarding the international student lifecycle and cultural awareness.
• Ensure international alumni compliance with Optional Practical Training (OPT) experiences
• Participates in recruitment activities as required.  Oversees communication campaigns targeting prospective international students in collaboration with marketing and admissions.
• Serve as the primary trainer for International and Multicultural student matters, including immigration requirements, assimilation, language barriers, etc., for South University Deans of Student Affairs, Primary Designated School Officers, Designated School Officers, Admissions, Financial Aid, Academic Counselors, Program Directors, Faculty, and other administrative staff
• Develop reporting, and provide statistical reports for marketing and University Administration on topics such as International student census, conversion, start rate, retention, graduation, OPT, leave, terminations, compliance concerns and return for additional degrees.
• Participate in all educational and professional development activities provided by SEVP, Field Representatives, and external opportunities, such as NAFSA
• Provide on-site support services for campuses for training, auditing and to meet international student needs, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

• Masters Degree in Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Social Work or International/Multicultural Affairs, or related degree, required
• Five years’ experience in leadership and management in the higher education environment
• Three years’ experience with immigration laws, rules, and regulations, and managing International Student admission, records and compliance.

• Exceptional customer service, interpersonal, organizational and supervisory skills
• Effective in interpreting and applying complex rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and making effective decisions
• Effective in using interpersonal and communication skills including tact, discretion and diplomacy
• Effective in using organizational and planning skills with attention to detail and follow through
• Ability to work independently with effective time management skills, while managing multiple competing priorities

Other Requirements:

• Able to serve the needs remotely of PDSO’s, DSO’s and the student population, at designated campuses
• Able to travel regularly to the South University campuses for training, auditing and student support purposes
• Able to travel as necessary for recruitment purposes
• Must be a US citizen or US Permanent Resident as required by federal regulations and meet all requirements to serve as a PDSO/DSO

ENVIRONMENT:                                                                                                                   

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term "qualified individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email, video conference, and other electronic means, move about the office or school, handle various types of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess.                             

South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures and perspectives can thrive.

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Other details

• Job Family All Positions
• Pay Type Salary
• Required Education Master’s Degree