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Northern Arizona University

International Student and Scholar Services Assistant Director

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States, 86004


Workplace Culture

NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.

Job Description

The Assistant Director works to support a positive and inclusive working culture, and acts as the subject matter expert, leading initiatives to ensure a high-level of support to stakeholders while ensuring regulatory compliance. ISSS works with F-1 and J-1 visa holder students to support immigration processes prior to their arrival at NAU, and acts as their guide throughout their time on NAU's beautiful Flagstaff Mountain campus, helping them navigate immigration regulations, academic adjustments, and cultural integration.

Personnel Supervision and Oversight - 20%

Leads management of ISSS daily Flagstaff office operations.

Oversees hiring, training, management and oversight of CIE front office services.

Oversees hiring, training, management and oversight of International Student Specialists.

Participates in the development, maintenance, and growth of staff in areas impacting international students.

Compliance Management - 25%

Provides leadership and/or support in the SEVIS Compliance audit projects throughout the semester including SEVIS/Sunapsis alerts, enrollment, new student reporting and immigration compliance audits.

Stays up to date on knowledge of federal immigration regulations to lead policy and advise international students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status on immigration regulations as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

Provides training and support to ISSS Student Advising team on office procedures, immigration regulations and institutional policies.

Oversees maintenance of student files to ensure accurate record keeping and maintaining consistency of PeopleSoft, Sunapsis, and SEVIS records.

Acts in lead role with ISSS team to ensure university SEVIS compliance within regulatory deadlines to for new and continuing students through the use of Sunapsis, Peoplesoft, Salesforce and other technology platforms.

Develops eForms, Checklists and overall business workflows for efficient SEVIS processes utilizing Sunapsis.

Maintain data integrity in Sunapsis and Peoplesoft to support university regulatory compliance.

Advising and Student Support - 30%

Under the direction of the Director of International Student & Scholar Services, this position serves as a lead coordinator for the Student Advising team practices to include advising practices relevant to F-1/J-1 student regulations and Sunapsis/SEVIS workflow.

Acts as lead support role for students who may require additional services and/or response above and beyond day-to-day advising services.

Serves as a Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer for F-1 and J-1 students; advises and processes requested benefits/reporting requirements.

May respond in the event of an emergency, during or outside of regularly assigned work shift.

Acts as a back-up to Director in regards to all student issues, including attending meetings and other functions as needed.

Strategic Liaison and Communications - 15%

May represent ISSS on select committees and work with NAU offices to promote the role of ISSS and support the needs of international students.

Liaises with various government agencies, including but not limited to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (including SEVP and USCIS), and U.S. Department of State.

Works with ISRI and ISSS student advising team to schedule, coordinate, and assess educational presentations, surveys, workshops, programs, and activities.

Leads development of communications & materials to improve consistent advising and communications with students on academic support resources, university resources, adjustment issues, personal and family concerns, and in emergency situations.

Acts as lead on regular newsletter communications regarding regulatory and university updates to the student community to support their experience at NAU.

Strategic Planning and Management - 5%

Works with CIE and ISSS leadership to advance office goals and initiatives.

Other - 5%

As required/requested may be asked to assist with special projects or other assigned duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field; and

2-4 years management experience; and

3-5 years of relevant experience, including:

At least 2 years experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), and

At least 2 years experience utilizing Sunapsis, or other immigration database; or

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

US citizenship or lawful permanent residence status is necessary to qualify as a DSO and ARO.

Preferred Qualifications

Supervisory experience, including hiring, training and providing feedback.

Experience in workflow development and documentation.

Master’s degree or equivalent in appropriate field.

Experience with PeopleSoft and Sunapsis or other similar databases; strong computer and data management skills.

Four+ years’ experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO); or understanding, interpreting, and applying federal immigration laws and regulations affecting non-immigrants in F-1 and J-1 student and scholar statuses.

Experience communicating the needs of the international community with academic and campus support services.

Experience with issues specific to international student or scholar populations.

Fluency in at least one foreign language; experience living abroad.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge of US immigration regulations affecting other non-immigrants in TN, H-1B, O-1 status and non-immigrants seeking US permanent residency.

Knowledge and demonstrated practice of organizational skills.

Knowledge of principles of programs, policy implementation, and department administration.

Knowledge of industry compliance laws and administrative practices.

Knowledge of higher education administrative systems and related business principles.

Demonstrated skill in organizing work of self and others.

Skill in program development, execution and assessment.

Skill in coordinating activities, evaluating data, and establishing priorities.

Organizational and project management skills.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Excellent cross-cultural oral and written communication skills.

The ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.

Awareness and commitment to NAU’s EEO/Affirmative Action Place and Safe Working and Learning Environment goals.

Exercises good judgment and professionalism in a fast-paced setting.

Possesses strong leadership practices.

Works independently.

Communicates effectively.

Possesses strong problem solving, organizational and analytical capabilities.

Promotes a diverse, inclusive environment.

Background InformationNorthern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

SalarySalary range begins at $62,996. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

FLSA StatusThis position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

BenefitsThis is a Service Professional (SPF) position. NAU offers an excellent benefit package including generous health, dental and vision insurance; participation in the Arizona State Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Program; 22 days of vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified dependents.

Application DeadlineOctober 8, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

How to ApplyTo apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline.

Equal Employment OpportunityNorthern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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