Honors and International Advisor – Part Time 20 Hours

Dominican University; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission for employees and/or

Generous paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Dominican University in River Forest, IL, seeks an Honors and International Advisor (Part-Time, 20 hours/week) to support Mazzuchelli Scholars, incoming international students, and exchange visitors. The role leads F-1/J-1 compliance as DSO/ARO and partners with study abroad for course registration and record-keeping.

You'll work across colleges with advisors to promote student retention and graduation, assist with CPT, I-20/DS-2019 processing, and provide proactive immigration guidance in a

Qualifications

• Two years (2) or more, relevant work experience in a higher education environment or combination of education and experience.
• Experience with international student and exchange scholar populations and regulations (SEVIS, F, J).
• US Citizenship or Permanent Residence required to serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Must pass periodic criminal background checks as required by federal regulations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage a high caseload of immigration requests.

Responsibilities

• Provide advising support to Mazzuchelli Honors Scholars including course selections and graduation audits.
• Offer drop-in advising for international and honors students; be familiar with Dominican University programs to answer inquiries.
• Lead Federal Compliance & International Student Services as DSO/ARO for SEVP and immigration regulations.
• Review CPT applications for F-1 students and ensure proper I-20 updates.
• Translate regulations into actionable guidance for students, faculty, and leadership.
• Monitor updates in federal immigration regulations for F and J students and dependents.
• Develop and improve a comprehensive international student orientation program.
• Support study abroad students by coordinating with the Study Abroad Director on course registrations and credits.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of SEVIS/F-1/J-1 regulations

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Honors and International Advisor – Part Time 20 Hours

Department: Academic Affairs

Reports to: Executive Director of Academic Success & University Registrar

Partners with: Director of Study Abroad Programs & Director of the Mazzuchelli Honors Program

Honors and International Advisor is a critical member of the academic advising team, serving three populations: students in the Mazzuchelli Scholars Honors Program, incoming international students for the F-1 program under Department of Homeland Seccurity, and incoming (J-1 exchange visitors under the Department of State) and outgoing students participating in study abroad programs. The position requires a dynamic and collaborative approach, and the ability to work with colleagues from across the university to support these students.
This position will work closely with the Director of the Mazzuchelli Scholars Honors Program to provide academic and programmatic advising support to Mazzuchelli Scholars. Serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), this position leads all aspects of F-1 and J-1 visa compliance and international student and scholar support, ensuring adherence to federal regulations while delivering a high-quality student experience. The position also partners with the Director of Study Abroad to provide academic and advising support to students (both incoming and outgoing) participating in study abroad programs, including maintaining records of course equivalencies with exchange partners, supporting course registration, and promoting study abroad opportunities. This position will work closely with professional advising colleagues and faculty advisors across the schools and colleges to ensure student retention and graduation.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide advising support to Mazzuchelli Honors Scholars including assisting with course selections, performing audits to check for graduation eligibility, supporting students transitioning into and out of the honors program, and following up with the Honors Director and University Registrar.
• Provide drop-in advising appointments for international and honors students; develop familiarity with the range of Dominican University academic programs to be able to accurately answer a broad range of student inquiries.
• Lead Federal Compliance & International Student Services - serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for SEVP, ensuring full institutional monitoring and compliance with all federal regulations governing F-1 (from pre-arrival through post-graduation, e.g. transfer, OPT, departure and after) and J-1 students and scholars. This includes managing records in SEVIS, preparing and issuing I-20s to F-1 students, preparing and issuing DS-2019s for J-1 students and scholars, and managing the OPT process for international graduates. Act as the university’s subject matter expert on immigration policies, proactively interpreting regulatory changes and advising stakeholders. Comply with federal regulations, including appropriate record-keeping, to guide F-1 students through all stages of the international student life cycle.
• Evaluate and process Curricular Practical Training (CPT) applications for F-1 students. Review employer offer letters, job descriptions, and academic credit and alignment before updating form I-20 with CPT employment authorization.
• Drive Regulatory Awareness & Strategic Guidance - monitoring federal guidance and global developments impacting international students. Translate complex regulations into actionable guidance for students, faculty, and university leadership.
• Monitor and analyze updates in federal immigration regulations as it relates to F and J students and their dependent(s).
• Enhance International Student Experience - design, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive international student orientation program. Maintain up-to-date resources and provide proactive support, including crisis response and referrals to appropriate campus services.
• Ensure seamless academic transitions for study abroad students – partner with the Director of Study Abroad regarding programs of study for incoming and outgoing exchange students; facilitate and monitor registration processes; provide assistance with adjustments to course registrations; maintain records of course equivalencies across partner institutions to support academic advising.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Two years (2) or more, relevant work experience in a higher education environment or combination of education and experience
• Previous experience with and knowledge of international student and exchange scholar populations and regulations, including understanding of SEVIS, F, and J visa requirements
• Position requires proof of US Citizenship or Permanent Residence required to serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), per Homeland Security
• Must pass periodic criminal background checks as required by federal regulations
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain a high caseload of time-sensitive immigration requests

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with academic advising
• Experience working with a variety of academic information systems
• Experience studying, living, and/or working abroad
  
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies and regulations
• Cultural awareness and the ability to work with a diverse student body
• Comfort with and capacity to work collaboratively within and across teams
• Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy
• Strong communication skills and a high degree of professionalism
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Powerpoint)
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development
• Strategic problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Capacity to work independently while contributing to team success
  

Physical Demands

• Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Note: accommodation will be made for applicants who cannot meet these physical demands

Salary and FLSA Status

• Salary: $30.00/hour
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (hourly); Part-time 20-29 hours/week
  
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents based on hours worked
• Generous paid time off (PTO)

Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.

About Dominican University

Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.

Dominican currently enrolls over 3,300 students, including 2,280 undergraduates and 1,027 graduate students. Sixty‑eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under‑represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first‑generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income; and 58% are eligible for low‑income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.

Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic‑Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu.

Expectations for all Dominican Employees

To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment through involvement in various staff‑driven activities and groups.

Institutional Statement

Dominican University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women,