Director for JSU Global/International Programs

Jackson State University; Van Winkle (MS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson State University is seeking a Director of JSU Global International Programs to provide strategic and operational leadership for the University's international education portfolio. The role includes oversight of F-1/J-1 student and scholar support, study abroad, ESL, and the International Visitors Center, with cross‑campus coordination.

The Director serves as PDSO (and RO as assigned), translating university priorities into compliant programs while coordinating with academic units,

Qualifications

• Progressively responsible experience in international education or higher education administration.
• Experience with F-1/SEVIS, DSO/RO duties, and federal reporting.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and program development skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee F-1/J-1 student and scholar support and compliance lifecycle.
• Lead Study Abroad, ESL, and international exchanges with cross‑campus coordination.
• Develop annual operational plans for JSU Global and manage partnerships.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and maintain procedures and records.

Skills

F-1/SEVIS experience

DSO / PDSO eligibility

International education leadership

Project management

Cross-cultural leadership

Education

Master's degree in international education or related field

Doctoral/terminal degree (preferred)

Job description

The Director of JSU Global International Programs provides strategic and operational leadership for Jackson State University's international education portfolio. Reporting to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, the Director leads F-1 and J-1 student and scholar support and compliance, Study Abroad, English as a Second Language (ESL), the International Visitors Center of Jackson, international exchanges, and related global programming. The Director translates University priorities into effective programs and services while maintaining strong regulatory compliance. student support, and cross-campus coordination.

The Director serves as the University's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and as assigned, Responsible Officer (RO). The Vice President retains executive leadership for institutional global strategy and major research, governmental, industry, economic development, and strategic partnerships.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. F-1 / J-1 International Student & Scholar Support and Compliance

• Oversee the international student and scholar lifecycle from pre-arrival through program completion, including immigration document processing, orientation, advising, cultural transition, retention, employment authorization guidance, and post-completion processes.
• Serve as PDSO and as assigned, RO; oversee SEVIS administration, Form 1-20 and DS-2019 issuance, F-1/J-1 regulatory compliance, SEVP certification/recertification, federal reporting, recordkeeping, and internal compliance reviews.
• Supervise and train Designation School Officials (DSO); maintain written procedures, service standards, and continuity/emergency protocols for international students and scholars.
• Coordinate with Enrollment Management, Graduate Studies, JSUOnline, academic units, Student Affairs, and other offices to strengthen onboarding, persistence, student success, and graduation.

2. Study Abroad & Global Experiential Learning

• Lead development and administration of faculty-led study abroad, semester and summer exchanges. international internships, research experiences, service-learning, and short-term global' programs.
• Increase student participation by identifying scholarships. sponsored opportunities, partner programs, and strategies that reduce financial barriers.
• Coordinate program review, student preparation, safety, insurance, emergency response, travel risk, and program assessment with appropriate University offices.
• Promote Fullbright and other mobility opportunities for students, faculty, and staff and support faculty in developing high-quality international experiences.

3. English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Provide administrative and strategic oversight of ESL and English-language programming serving international students and other eligible participants.
• Ensure curriculum, instructional delivery, student services, staffing. assessment, regulatory requirements, and applicable accreditation expectations support program quality.
• Assess enrollment demand, financial sustainability, outcomes, and alignment with university priorities; develop opportunities to strengthen or expand language programming.

4. International Visitors Center of Jackson (IVCJ) / Global Tics

• Lead JSU's IVCJ activities and strengthen participation in citizen diplomacy, including the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other sponsored exchanges.
• Coordinate international delegations and distinguished visitors. including itineraries, campus/community engagement, educational and cultural programming, and post-visit follow-up.
• Maintain working relationships with Global Ties partners, governmental and diplomatic organizations, community partners, and other entities supporting international exchange.
• Identify opportunities to translate international visits into sustained educational, cultural, workforce, academic, or other institutional collaborations; coordinate executive-level engagements with the Vice President.

ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

5. Global Programs, Exchanges & Partnerships

• Administer and expand Fulbright programs. including the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program, and coordinate onboarding, immigration documentation, housing, registration, stipends, orientation, cultural integration, and ongoing support.
• Under the strategic direction of the Vice President, identify and manage international academic and programmatic partnerships; maintain an inventory of MOUs and assess agreements for activity and outcomes.
• Work with academic units to activate partnerships through student/faculty exchange, joint programming, visiting scholars, and appropriate research connections.

6. Global Engagement, Grants & Campus Internationalization

• Develop annual operational plans and measurable goals for JSU Global and recommend opportunities that strengthen the University's international presence.
• In collaboration with Research Development and Sponsored Programs, identify and coordinate proposals supporting international education, exchanges, ESL, study abroad, cultural diplomacy, and related global initiatives.
• Promote International Education Week, intercultural programming, global competency, international student engagement, faculty/staff global opportunities, and international alumni engagement.

7. Administration, Personnel & Assessment

• Provide day-to-day leadership of JSU Global; supervise, develop, and evaluate professional and support staff; manage the approved budget and assigned programs.
• Maintain standard operating procedures, internal controls, records, annual reports, performance metrics, and staff professional development, federal regulatory training, and related organizations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in international education, higher education administration, student affairs, public administration, international relations, education, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in international education, international student/scholar services, global programs, or related higher education administration.
• Demonstrated F-1/SEVIS experience; experience as a DSO and ability to meet federal eligibility requirements for service as PDSO.
• Knowledge of U.S. immigration regulations affecting international students and scholars; demonstrated program, personnel, and project management experience.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, cross-cultural, and collaborative leadership skills: ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral/terminal degree; seven or more years of international education leadership; PDSO and/or RO experience; .J-1, Study Abroad, ESL, international partnership, and research-university experience.