Director, International Student Programs & Compliance

Graceland University; Lamoni (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Graceland University seeks a Designated School Official to ensure compliance with F-1 federal mandates and guide international students through immigration procedures. The role includes counseling on OPT/CPT, maintaining SEVIS records, and coordinating onboarding and orientation initiatives.

The position demands strong communication, data management, and crisis-support skills, with collaboration across Admissions, Registrar, and Student Life teams to enhance the global student experience.

Qualifications

• Strong communication across diverse audiences.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies and guidelines.
• Experience supporting international students or similar multicultural communities.
• Familiarity with compliance databases and reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Act as an officially appointed DSO, managing adherence to all F-1 mandates and institutional policies.
• Counsel students regarding immigration protocols including extensions, transfers, employment permissions (OPT/CPT), and visa applications.
• Maintain real-time records in the SEVIS database and adhere to federal reporting timelines.
• Audit student documentation to preserve institutional standing and eligibility.
• Design and execute welcome programs and orientations each term.
• Guide students on logistics such as Social Security, DMV, employment paperwork, and Sprintax usage.
• Track milestones and provide consultations with referrals as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and referrals for personal, financial, academic, cultural, or legal hurdles.
• Foster an inclusive, safe environment; advise IDEA and its organizations; represent the university at conferences like NAFSA.
• Maintain databases, archives, and reports on international cohorts; collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, Residence Life, Career Services, and Academic Success.
• Direct public-facing outreach including web content, newsletters, and social media.

Skills

Communication

Analytical mindset

Independence

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Organization

Technical literacy

Discretion

Resourcefulness

Tools

SEVIS

Job description

Graceland University seeks a Designated School Official to ensure compliance with F-1 federal mandates and guide international students through immigration procedures. The role includes counseling on OPT/CPT, maintaining SEVIS records, and coordinating onboarding and orientation initiatives.

The position demands strong communication, data management, and crisis-support skills, with collaboration across Admissions, Registrar, and Student Life teams to enhance the global student experience.