Director, International Student & Scholar Services

NAFSA: Association of International Educators; Rochester (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan seeks a Director of International Student & Scholar Services to lead the ISSO, oversee immigration compliance, and advance international student and scholar success.

The Director will collaborate with academic units, student affairs, faculty, and administrative partners to foster intercultural engagement and a welcoming campus environment while ensuring SEVIS and other federal requirements are interpreted and applied.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in International Education or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years in international student and scholar services, with leadership or supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of federal regulations governing F-1 and J-1, including SEVIS.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) and serve as Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO).
• Guide immigration compliance and support services for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars.
• Collaborate with academic units, student affairs, faculty, and administrative offices to enhance student success and intercultural engagement.
• Develop and implement programs, policies, and services that support compliance, student success, and cross-cultural learning.

Skills

Intercultural communication

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Oral and written communication

Education

Master’s Degree in International Education

Job description

Director, International Student & Scholar Services

Employer Oakland University Location Rochester, Michigan Salary $77,655 annually Closing date Oct 24, 2026

Specialty Global Affairs & Engagement, Global Education Knowledge Communities International Student and Scholar Services Position Type Director Hours Full-time Employment Type Permanent Organization Type College / University

Oakland University seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to guide services and initiatives that enhance the experience of international students and scholars. The Director will work closely with academic units, student affairs partners, faculty, and administrative offices to foster student success, intercultural engagement, and a welcoming campus environment. Particular importance is placed on expertise in immigration compliance and the ability to interpret and apply complex federal regulations governing international students and scholars.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrated leadership in international education, a strong commitment to student-centered service, and extensive experience managing regulatory compliance in a higher education setting. The Director will play a key role in supporting the university’s internationalization goals through effective collaboration, innovative program development, and the delivery of high-quality services that promote the success and engagement of Oakland University’s international community.

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Global Engagement, the Director leads Oakland University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) and serves as the university’s Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO). The Director oversees immigration compliance and support services for individuals in F and J visa classifications and provides guidance to international students and scholars on immigration, academic, personal, financial, and cultural matters. Through advising, programming, and collaboration with campus partners, the Director promotes the success, engagement, and integration of international students and scholars within the university community.

The Director manages the operations, personnel, budget, and assessment activities of the ISSO and serves as a key university resource on immigration and international student and scholar matters. The position develops and implements programs, policies, and services that support compliance, student success, and cross-cultural learning while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for Oakland University’s international community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in International Education or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in international student and scholar services, including leadership or supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of federal regulations governing F-1 and J-1 students and scholars, including SEVIS compliance requirements.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively across cultures.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience living, studying, or working in a cross-cultural environment.