Assistant Director

FORDHAM University; New York, Northern (NY, KY); On-site; USD 77,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Fordham University is seeking an Assistant Director for the Office for International Services to guide international students and scholars, issue essential immigration documents, and advise on employment authorization and status. The role includes presenting workshops, streamlining processes, and collaborating with HR and legal teams.

The candidate should have a BA and relevant DSO/ARO experience; a Master’s in a related field is preferred, with strong leadership and communication abilities to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience as DSO/ARO preferred.
• Knowledge of F-1, J-1, H-1B regulations desired.

Responsibilities

• Serve as DSO and ARO for Fordham international students and scholars.
• Issue immigration documents and advise on status, travel, and employment authorization.
• Provide orientation and workshops on travel, status, and compliance.
• Manage SEVIS Actions (change of status, reinstatement, data corrections).
• Support OPT/STEM OPT processing and advising.
• Coordinate with HR, Faculty Affairs, GC, and counsel for onboarding.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program ( EAP ); tuition remission; and generous time off.

Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

Reporting to the Director of the Office for International Services ( OIS ), the Assistant Director provides guidance and services in support of international students and scholars. This position also serves as an Alternate Responsible Officer ( ARO ) and Designated School Official ( DSO ).

Essential Functions

Serves as a Designated School Official ( DSO ) and an Alternate Responsible Officer ( ARO ).

Issues required immigration documents and advises international students and scholars regarding their stay at Fordham University, including employment authorization, extensions of stay, travel, and re-entry to the U.S., and their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities under applicable immigration regulations.

Presents at various OIS -specific orientations and immigration workshops, on topics such as travel, employment, and maintaining status.

Creates applications, forms, and other types of communication materials related to various immigration procedures, and helps in streamlining and improving OIS processes and services.

Manages complex SEVIS actions, including change of status, reinstatement cases, correcting SEVIS data errors, and employment-related actions.

Process and issues immigration documentation related to Optional Practical Training ( OPT ) and STEM OPT extensions in SEVIS , including reviewing students’ OPT and STEM OPT applications for completeness and regulatory compliance prior to recommendation in SEVIS .

Advises International students and Alumni on the OPT and STEM OPT application, deadlines, employment reporting requirements, and immigration responsibilities related to OPT.

Process DS-2019 forms and related immigration documentation for J-1 scholars, researchers, and visiting faculty, and monitors scholar records to ensure compliance with U.S. Department of State regulations and SEVIS reporting requirements.

Provides immigration-related support for international scholars, faculty, and staff, including orientation and ongoing support for J-1 scholars and the preparation and filing of H-1B petitions, including collecting and reviewing required documentation from hiring departments and international employees.

Works collaboratively with Human Resources, the Office of Faculty Affairs, the Office of General Counsel, and external immigration counsel to ensure the timely and accurate processing of immigration documents and communications, supporting the successful onboarding and continued employment of international faculty and staff.

Essential Functions Note This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities Supervises individual contributors (admin, clerical, maintenance) and, based on scope, occasionally other managers. Handles hiring, training, development, performance management, and corrective action, with significant input on compensation decisions.

Additional Functions

Represents the OIS on campus committees and working groups as needed, advocating for international student and scholar needs and ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

Works collaboratively across the Office of Student Success to enhance international student engagement, retention, and academic achievement, aligning resources and support services to help students graduate on time and pursue meaningful career and educational pathways.

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Minimum 2 years of experience serving as a DSO / ARO .

Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of F-1, J-1, and/or H-1B regulations.

US citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required in order to be a DSO / ARO .

Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to build consensus, foster collaboration, and inspire others.

Demonstrated sound judgment, integrity, and ethical decision-making skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Proficiency in Google and Microsoft Office suites.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in higher education, international education, or related field.

Experience with international education systems.

NAFSA involvement and/or professional training in immigration compliance.

Fluency in at least one foreign language and/or experience living abroad.

Minimum Starting Salary

Minimum Starting Salary $77,000

Maximum Starting Salary

Maximum Starting Salary $82,000

Note

Note Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

Is this a Union position?

Is this a Union position? No

Posting Number

Posting Number A1131P

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Start Date

Start Date ASAP

Posting Date

Posting Date 08/26/2026

Special Instructions

EEO Statement

Fordham University is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Physical Activity and Work Environment

Physical Activity

Sitting Nearly Continuously

Repetitive Hand Motion (such as typing)

Repetitive Hand Motion (such as typing) Nearly Continuously

Hearing, Listening, Talking Nearly Continuously

Standing

Standing Not Required

Walking

Walking Not Required

Running

Running Not Required

Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, squatting, Crouching, Crawling

Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, squatting, Crouching, Crawling Not Required

Climbing stairs Not Required

Climbing ladders

Climbing ladders Not Required

Reaching overhead

Reaching overhead Not Required

Pulling, pushing

Pulling, pushing Not Required

Shoveling

Shoveling Not Required

Lifting – up to 20 pounds

Lifting – up to 20 pounds Not Required

Lifting – up to 50 pounds

Lifting – up to 50 pounds Not Required

Lifting – over 50 pounds Not Required

Work Environment Office Environment: Employees are protected from weather conditions or contaminants, but not necessarily occasional temperature changes.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental questions you will be required to answer on the application (No action is needed on this page)

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a minimum 2 years of experience serving as a DSO/ARO?
  • yes
  • no