Director, International Student & Scholar Services

Uniglobalcareers; Rochester (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland University is seeking a Director for the International Student & Scholar Services Office to lead the ISSO and serve as PDSO/RO, ensuring compliance and student success. The role blends leadership with operational management and policy development.

The director advises international students and scholars on immigration, academic, personal, financial, and cultural matters while fostering an inclusive environment across campus.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in International Education or equivalent required.
• At least three years in international student and scholar services.
• Leadership or supervisory experience and strong knowledge of F-1 and J-1 rules.

Responsibilities

• Lead Oakland University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
• Serve as Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO).
• Oversee immigration compliance for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars.
• Provide support and advising on immigration, academics, finances, and culture.
• Manage office operations, budget, personnel, and assessment activities.
• Develop programs and services to support compliance and student success.
• Foster an inclusive, cross-cultural environment across the university.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Program management

Immigration compliance knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in International Education or equivalent

Job description

United States — International Student Market

1.2M inbound students (2025) +3%

1. India 363K

2. China 266K

3. South Korea 42K

4. Canada 30K

5. Vietnam 26K

9 international branch campuses in United States

OVERVIEW

Oakland University is seeking a Director, International Student & Scholar Services to lead the International Students and Scholars Office under the direction of the Executive Director of Global Engagement. The director serves as the university’s Principal Designated School Official and Responsible Officer, overseeing support for international students and scholars in F and J visa classifications. This role combines leadership in international education with operational management, compliance oversight, and student-focused services that support academic and cultural success. The position includes responsibility for office operations, policy development, personnel management, and assessment activities. The director also advises international students and scholars on immigration, financial, academic, personal, and cultural matters while supporting an inclusive environment across the university community.

Key responsibilities

• Lead Oakland University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
• Serve as the university’s Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)
• Serve as the university’s Responsible Officer (RO)
• Oversee immigration compliance for individuals in F and J visa classifications
• Provide support services for international students and scholars
• Advise international students and scholars on immigration matters
• Advise international students and scholars on academic, personal, financial, and cultural matters
• Manage ISSO operations, personnel, budget, and assessment activities
• Develop programs, policies, and services that support compliance and student success
• Support cross-cultural learning and an inclusive environment
• Work under the direction of the Executive Director of Global Engagement

Requirements

• Master’s degree in International Education or equivalent
• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in international student and scholar services
• Leadership or supervisory experience
• Extensive knowledge of federal F-1 and J-1 regulations
• Extensive knowledge of SEVIS compliance WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS This director position plays an important role in supporting international students and scholars throughout their academic experience. Strong leadership in international education and compliance helps institutions maintain regulatory standards while creating supportive services that encourage global engagement and cultural understanding. The role also contributes to the university’s ability to provide effective international services, strengthen inclusion, and promote a positive experience for international communities on campus.

Bonus: Application advice

• Highlight direct experience working with international students and scholar services operations
• Emphasize knowledge of F-1, J-1, and SEVIS compliance

Key responsibilities

• Include examples of leadership, supervision, and program management experience
• Demonstrate experience supporting cultural adjustment and global engagement initiatives
• Showcase policy development, assessment, and budget management experience
• Tailor application materials to reflect experience in international education and compliance