Associate Director, JPL International Office

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) seeks an Associate Director to oversee the JPL International Office and advise on immigration matters for scholars and students. The role involves coordinating with Caltech and JPL staff to maintain compliant processes and effective programs.

The position requires directing daily operations, developing policies, and preparing complex petitions while ensuring accurate records and smooth collaboration with external counsel and university partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 6 years of international scholar or U.S. immigration advising experience.
• 2 years of direct management of staff in international settings.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of DHS, DOL, DOS regulations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise JPL IO staff and day-to-day operations.
• Develop policies and procedures for immigration advising.
• Prepare and file immigration petitions and related documents.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners on compliance.
• Provide updates to stakeholders on policy changes.
• Maintain records and oversee data integrity.
• Manage office communications and training.

Skills

Leadership

Immigration advising

Policy analysis

Communication

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Database systems

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of the International Offices, the Associate Director will be responsible for supervising the day-to-day operation of the JPL International Office (JPL IO); and for doing direct advising and preparation of immigrant and nonimmigrant documents and petitions. This position strategizes with the Director in the development of JPL policy and procedure on immigration issues for scholars and students.

The staff members of the International Offices at Caltech and JPL work as a team. Advisors consult with one another in order to maintain consistent immigration advising for Caltech and JPL, and support each other when necessary.

Essential Job Duties

Supervisory

• Supervise JPL IO staff, includes assigning tasks monitoring the day-to-day activities; leading team meetings; providing individual staff feedback, guidance, and support; providing training and professional development opportunities; and leading annual performance reviews
• Develop office policies and procedures; initiate and direct improvements
• Manage maintenance of efficient and uniform practices
• Oversee and analyze regular reports for operational audits and data integrity
• Oversee and manage communications - including email templates, website, web forms, and flyers - with international scholars, as well as internal and external partners for consistency of message, voice, design, and content
• Develop innovative, compliant, and enriching orientation for international scholars and students
• Develop international education outreach for lab community and lab business partners
• Collaborate and consult regularly with Associate Directors for International Student Programs (ISP) and International Scholar Services (ISS)
• Establish and maintain relationships with JPL IO lab business partners to educate, collaborate and assist in the service of institutional compliance and the international student and scholar experience
• Provide project management leadership and contributions to system implementations

Scholar and Student Advising

• Provide direct immigration advising to international students and scholars from pre-arrival to departure; prepare E-3, H, TN, O, and green card petitions; prepare F and J documents, as needed; support F-1 OPT/STEM OPT, as appropriate
• Serve as Alternate Responsible Office (ARO) for Caltech's J Exchange Visitor Program and as a Designated School Official (DSO) for Caltech's F Student program
• Stay current on changing immigration laws, regulations, and policy; interpret and apply to internal business practices
• Prepare and file petitions, applications, and correspondence with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and U.S. Department of State (DOS)
• Strategize and coordinate with outside immigration counsel, when appropriate.
• Provide timely updates and presentations to international students and scholars and JPL IO lab business partners regarding immigration changes and business practices
• Work within ISSM/Trilby and SEVIS; comply with DHS, DOL, and DOS regulations and maintain record keeping
• Other duties, as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 6 years of relevant international scholar or U.S. immigration advising experience, covering both nonimmigrant and immigrant categories
• 2 years of direct management of administrative and professional staff in an international scholar or U.S. immigration environment
• Demonstrated ability to initiate efficient and effective business practices and procedures
• Communication and presentation skills
• Critical thinking and organizational skills including policy analysis, evaluation of compliance issues, formulation and implementation of internal business procedures, and completion of complex projects in a timely manner
• In accordance with 22 CFR *62, the individual in this position must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Experience working with complex, system-wide databases
• Experience with the culture, procedures and practices of higher education/research environment

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Hiring Range

$102,000 - $124,000 per year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].