International Program Specialist

NAFSA: Association of International Educators; Hammond (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plan

Tuition remission

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Job summary

Purdue University Northwest seeks an International Programs Specialist to support students and faculty through education abroad and international exchange processes. Responsibilities include advising, onboarding, visa applications, and credit transfer, with close collaboration across registrar, financial aid, and academic advising units.

The successful candidate will implement programs for a diverse and first-generation student body, oversee SEVIS for J-1 students, and coordinate partnerships

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of work experience in advising, international studies, education abroad, or higher education in a diverse setting.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with students at all phases of the J1 exchange, study away and study abroad processes.
• Oversee student application and enrollment management for study away, study aboard and J1 programs; maintain forms and information.
• Serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and maintain SEVIS records for J-1 students.

Skills

Advising

International experience

Education abroad

Higher education

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Details

International Program Specialist

Employer Purdue University Northwest

Location Hammond, Indiana

Salary $55,000 - $58,000 + benefits

Closing date Sep 27, 2026

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

Overview Of International Program Specialist

The International Programs and Partnerships Department at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is seeking an International Programs Specialist. This position will work closely with students and faculty at PNW at all phases of the education abroad and international exchange student process. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable about other countries and international travel, including systems of higher education, culture, and health and safety issues. The candidate will also interface with relevant offices, such as Registrar, Financial Aid, Bursar, Academic Advisors and Faculty.

Pay: $55,000 - $58,000

Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8am – 5pm with occasional evening work; will flex work schedule to accommodate

Duties And Responsibilities Of International Program Specialist

• Work closely with students at all phases of the J1 exchange student students, Study Away process, study abroad process, including outreach, advising, orientation, visa applications, and credit transfer
• Oversee student application and enrollment management process; process for study away, study aboard and J1 program, maintain web-based forms, refine marketing and orientation information; maintain program information in varying formats.
• Serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and maintain SEVIS records for J-1 exchange students in accordance with U.S. Department of State regulations.
• Coordinate and support development of short-term faculty programs, data collection, student experience surveys, and assessment plans for programming and partnerships
• Support the Director in implementing a vision and program portfolio focused on hands‑on experiences for PNW’s diverse and first‑generation students
• Review and implement, at the request of the director, crisis management procedures and policies.
• Oversee the international student organizations for event and programming.
• Support students, families, and campus stakeholders with identifying and lowering financial barriers including support and knowledge of external scholarships and grants.
• Work with Marketing teams for website update.
• Planning and implementing events and programming for study away/aboard programs and exchange students.

Liaison To Purdue Staff

• Work closely with Academic Advisors; collaborate with other relevant offices such as Registrar, Financial Aid, Dean of Students, Campus Police, Bursar, and the Education Abroad Advisory Council

Represent Purdue Northwest Programs

• Represent Purdue off-campus at professional conferences, events, and site visits
• Promote study abroad/away by attending Global Partnerships and Programs functions on campus
• Meet with other Student Services departments, present study abroad options relative to curricular design and geographic location, and conduct information sessions

Benefits Of International Program Specialist

• Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and moreFull benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
• Accrue 15 days’ vacation your first year, then 22 days’ vacation your 2nd year plus rollover
• University contribution of 10% to retirement (3 year waiting period)
• University contributions to Health Savings Account –
• Plus a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives
• 10 paid holidays
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Paid Parental Leave after one year of service
• Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus

For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Education

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Experience

• 2-3 years of work experience in advising, experience in international studies, international relations, education abroad, or higher education in a culturally diverse setting, program administration or a related field

Preferred

• Master’s degree, International experience (at least one semester living, working and/or studying) and understanding of international education essential, Language ability other than English, Experience designing and supporting custom, short-term faculty programs and working collaboratively across departments.

Additional Information

Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position

Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.

Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university.

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana in the greater Chicago area and near the Indiana Dunes National Park, PNW serves approximately 9,000 students, including 6,000 core students, in a wide range of academic programs at the baccalaureate, master’s and applied doctoral levels.

Purdue Northwest employs more than 1,000 faculty and staff members for operations at its main campus in Hammond, Ind., and its branch campus in Westville, Ind., plus additional sites in Northwest Indiana including the Gabis Arboretum near Valparaiso, Ind. PNW’s values reflect the university’s commitment to respect, innovation, a student-centric university, and excellence.

PNW is consistently ranked among the best public regional universities in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges report and is recognized as a First Scholars institution as well an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. With its vision to cultivate leaders, inspire excellence, and impact our world, PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Company

Part of the internationally respected Purdue University system, Purdue University Northwest offers world-class educational opportunities at an excellent value on two culturally diverse, student centered campuses, located in Northwest Indiana. Purdue Northwest has approximately 10,000 students (7.2% international) and offers more than 70 degree programs at the baccalaureate, masters and doctoral levels. The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) is a consolidated service office comprised of Education Abroad & Student Exchange, the English Language Program, International Admissions, International Programs, International Students & Scholars Services, and Global Partnerships.