Director, International Student/Scholar Office

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nebraska–Lincoln seeks a Director for the International Student/Scholar Office to provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for immigration advising, employment-based visas, sponsored students, and exchange programs. The role oversees SEVIS compliance, training of DSOs/ROs, and collaboration with staff to support international students and scholars.

The position reports to global leadership and manages 7.5 professional staff, with a focus on policy interpretation, program

Qualifications

• Master’s in international education, international studies, student services, global affairs, higher education administration, or related field.
• 5+ years in an international student and scholar services role with non-immigrant regulations experience.
• 3 years leading effective teams.
• Knowledge of SEVIS and student information systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership to ISSO including immigration advising, visa processing, and programs for students and scholars.
• Serve as PDSO and RO, overseeing SEVIS compliance and training DSOs/AROs.
• Lead strategic management, budgeting, and personnel oversight for ISSO operations.

Skills

International student services

Team leadership

Interpersonal communication

Policy interpretation

SEVIS & compliance

Education

Master’s in international education or related field

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Director, International Student/Scholar Office

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

EEO Statement

Working Title

Working Title Director, International Student/Scholar Office

Department

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260708

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 08/31/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 10/01/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Director of the International Student and Scholar Office ( ISSO ) serves as a member of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s global leadership team. The Director provides vision, oversight, and leadership to all areas of this comprehensive office: immigration advising, employment-based visas, sponsored students, and incoming exchange programs, to ensure that students and scholars maintain their legal status in the United States.

ISSO also supports student engagement and intercultural initiatives to enhance student success, including significant programming dedicated to international students’ personal development and adjustment to UNL , in addition to leading programming that integrates international students, scholars, and their dependents. The Director oversees the delivery of exceptional services in all of these areas in collaboration with 7.5 professional staff who are all direct reports.

Additional Duties: Provides vision, strategic management, expert policy interpretation and analysis, and leadership to the International Student & Scholar Office ( ISSO ); Serves as UNL’s Principal Designated School Official ( PDSO ) and Responsible Officer (RO) in overseeing the student and scholar programs in the government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System ( SEVIS ). Responsible for UNL’s participation in SEVIS and institutional compliance with federal immigration regulations. As such, oversees the training and support of Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Alternative Responsible Officers (AROs) on campus. Provides administrative leadership and oversight of ISSO operations, budgets, and personnel.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s in international education, international studies, student services, global affairs, higher education administration, comparative education, or related field plus 5 years of experience in an international student and scholar services role with direct experience processing F, J, H and other non-immigrant regulations required
• Three year’s experience leading effective teams.
• demonstrated knowledge of best practice in supporting international students and scholars in a university environment.
• excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication
• strong administrative, organizational, and collaborative leadership skills.
• Excellent leadership and supervisory skills
• Demonstrated experience developing immigration policies and procedures and knowledge of employment issues affecting international students and scholars.
• Proven ability to manage complex issues and competing priorities successfully
• Must be able to think creatively and solve problems effectively during periods of intense activity.
• Experience working successfully with international students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Technical experience with Student & Exchange Visitor Information System ( SEVIS ) and student information systems expected.
• Active involvement with NAFSA and/or other appropriate professional associations
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident per federal regulations governing who can serve as a SEVIS Primary Designated School Official ( DSO ) for the Department of Homeland Security’s F visa program and the Responsible Officer (RO) for the Department of State’s BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with UNL -specific software programs, including PeopleSoft and NUView.
• Experience with SUNAPSIS .
• Experience working within a large, decentralized university.
• Experience supporting and consulting on incidents or crises involving international students or scholars.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No

Physical Required No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Posted Salary $85,000/yr. minimum

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Job Type Full-Time

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Planned Hire Date: 1/4/2027

Supplemental Questions

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