Global Immigration Strategy Director

University of Illinois Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition waivers

Paid time off

Job summary

The University of Illinois Chicago invites applications for the role of Executive Director, Office of International Services in Chicago, IL. You will provide strategic leadership and oversee immigration-related services for international students, scholars, faculty, and visiting exchange participants.

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Global Engagement, you will ensure regulatory compliance and advise senior leadership on policy, risk management, and program development across the university and

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Higher Education, International Studies, Public Administration, Law, or a related field (PhD or EdD or JD).
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in international student and scholar services, immigration administration, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience within an international services or immigration-focused office.
• Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. immigration laws, regulations, and procedures affecting international students, scholars, faculty, and exchange visitors.
• Eligibility to meet DHS requirements for designation as a Designated School Official (DSO) and U.S. Department of State requirements for designation as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Demonstrated expertise in SEVIS administration and federal regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical, policy interpretation, and risk management skills.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management skills with diverse constituencies.

Responsibilities

• Direct all immigration services and compliance functions for international students, scholars, faculty, researchers, and exchange visitors.
• Interpret, implement, and monitor complex federal immigration regulations, policies, and procedures related to F-1, J-1, and other employment-based immigration categories.
• Ensure institutional compliance with regulations administered by DHS, DOS, DOL, and other federal agencies.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate immigration policies, procedures, and internal controls to minimize institutional risk and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the University's senior consultant and subject matter expert on immigration-related matters, advising administrators, academic leaders, HR professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor changes in federal immigration laws, regulations, and policy guidance and assess institutional impact while recommending appropriate courses of action.
• Advise senior university leadership on immigration matters affecting international enrollment, faculty and scholar employment, exchange visitor programs, and institutional compliance.
• Provide policy recommendations regarding international student admissions and enrollment processes, international faculty hiring and retention, scholar programs, and related immigration initiatives.
• Lead institutional responses to immigration policy changes, audits, investigations, and compliance reviews.
• Serve as the primary university contact with federal agencies, including DHS, USCIS, SEVP, DOS, and DOL.
• Collaborates with University Counsel with regard to representing the university in communications concerning immigration regulations, compliance matters, audits, and problem resolution.
• Maintain productive relationships with governmental agencies and professional organizations to support effective immigration services and regulatory compliance.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the Office of International Services (OIS), including strategic planning, operational management, and resource allocation.
• Establish priorities and performance standards for immigration services operations.
• Direct the development, implementation, and assessment of programs supporting international student and scholar orientation, transition, retention, and cultural adaptation.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff responsible for immigration advising, case management, and compliance functions.
• Ensure staff maintain current knowledge of immigration regulations, procedures, and best practices.
• Serve on university and system-wide committees addressing immigration, compliance, international education, and risk management issues.
• Lead special projects and initiatives related to immigration services and international student and scholar support.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Supervisory experience

Policy interpretation

Risk management

Education

Doctoral degree in Higher Education, International Studies, Public Administration, Law, or a related field (PhD or EdD or JD)

Job description

The University of Illinois Chicago invites applications for the role of Executive Director, Office of International Services in Chicago, IL. You will provide strategic leadership and oversee immigration-related services for international students, scholars, faculty, and visiting exchange participants.

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Global Engagement, you will ensure regulatory compliance and advise senior leadership on policy, risk management, and program development across the university and