Director of International Student and Scholar Services

Montclair; Montclair Heights (NJ); On-site; USD 98,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Montclair State University is seeking a Director of International Student and Scholars Services to lead immigration compliance, student success, and staff operations. You will serve as PDSO for F-1 and RO for J-1, manage high-volume processes, and drive cross-unit collaboration to advance the university’s internationalization goals.

The role requires a master’s degree in a relevant field, five years in higher education, and the ability to work evenings/weekends.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Master’s degree in higher education, international education or related field
• Minimum of five years in a U.S. higher education setting
• Minimum of five years as P/DSO for F-1 and A/RO for J-1; familiar with SEVIS functions
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing high-volume international student services
• Ability to work on weekends and evenings

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee immigration compliance operations and regulatory monitoring.
• Establish KPIs to evaluate effectiveness of international student services and report to leadership.
• Develop comprehensive international student success initiatives across campus.
• Serve as PDSO for F-1 and RO for J-1 students and scholars; advise on immigration matters.
• Oversee short-term programs and international student orientation; manage events.
• Modernize student service operations with technology and streamlined workflows.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Staff supervision

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Education

Master's degree in higher education or international education

Tools

Terra Dotta

Banner

Workday

Slate

Job description

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years . You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the \"My Experience\" section of your application.Job DescriptionSUMMARY :Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Global Engagement, the Director of International Student and Scholars Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for international student and scholar services at Montclair State University. The Director serves as a member of the Vice Provost for International Academic Initiatives and Chief Global Engagement Officer’s leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, institutional decision-making, and the advancement of the University’s global engagement priorities. The Director is responsible for immigration compliance, international student success and retention, staff leadership, service innovation, and institutional collaboration. The Director plays a key role in creating a welcoming, supportive, and compliant environment that promotes the academic and personal success of international students and scholars while advancing the University’s internationalization goals.PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :Lead and oversee institutional immigration compliance operations, including risk assessment, internal audits, regulatory monitoring, staff training, and the development of procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal immigration regulations. Coordinate with University Counsel and other campus stakeholders on complex immigration and compliance matters.Establish and monitor key performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of international student and scholar services, including immigration processing times, compliance outcomes, student satisfaction, and retention. Use data to identify service gaps, recommend improvements, and provide regular reports to Montclair Global leadership.Develop and implement comprehensive international student success initiatives that support student transition, academic achievement, engagement, retention, and timely graduation. Collaborate with Academic Advising, Student Affairs, Career Services, and academic departments to identify challenges and strengthen institutional support for international students.Serve as PDSO and RO for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. Provide advisement and counsel on immigration mattersProcess any documentation related to students’ and scholars’ immigration records, including but not limited to extension, full-time enrollment verification, change of level, SEVIS registration, OPT/CPT request, academic training request, record validation, etc.In the absence of the Assistant Vice President, serve as the primary contact for crisis responses related to international students and scholars.Lead the development and day-to-day operation of short-term programs (high school summer program, English as a second language, etc.).Lead the review of existing office processes and procedures; develop new processes and procedures when appropriate, to ensure that the University remains in compliance at all times.Conduct workshops and/or webinars for current students and scholars on topics related to their immigration status.Lead the planning and execution of the international student orientation program and any other office-sponsored eventsOversee the department’s social media channels and website to support the promotion of cultural events sponsored by the office or other units on campus.Provide leadership and supervision of professional staff and student employees, including workload management, performance evaluation, professional development, and operational planning. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and student-centered team culture while strengthening partnerships across academic and administrative units.Lead the modernization and continuous improvement of student service operations through effective use of technology, including Terra Dotta and other university systems. Develop streamlined workflows, improve digital service delivery, reduce unnecessary administrative processes, and enhance the overall student and scholar experience.Perform other duties as assigned.Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.QUALIFICATIONS :REQUIRED :Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.Master’s degree in higher education, international education or related field.Minimum of five years of experience in a U.S. higher education setting.Minimum of five years of experience working as a P/DSO for F-1 and as A/RO for J-1 students and scholars. Must be very familiar with all SEVIS functions for both F and J visas (processing of CPT/OPT/STEM OPT applications, registration, validation, academic training, change of status, matriculation, corrections, reinstatement, extension, etc.)Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff and managing high-volume international student and scholar services.Ability to work on weekends and evenings to fulfill the principal job duties.PREFERRED :Prior experience with Banner, Workday, Slate, and Terra Dotta.Ability to analyze and interpret the needs of students and offer appropriate solutions.Fluency in two or more languages.PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY:Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.Salary Range$98,000.00-$108,150.00 AnnuallyThe position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.DepartmentOffice of Global EngagementPosition TypeAdministrativeContact Information:For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2) , or email [e-mail] .Inclusion StatementMontclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.EEO/AA StatementMontclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.Additional information can be found on the website atwww.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 PolicyMontclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/