International Scholar Advisor

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional training opportunities

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an International Student and Scholar Services Advisor. The role focuses on immigration status, compliance, and advising for international students and faculty, serving as ARO and DS0 under SEVIS, with ongoing training opportunities and campus collaborations.

The position supports a diverse community, collaborates with campus units and government agencies, and may include a hybrid work arrangement in line with UNC-Chapel Hill policies.

Qualifications

• Interest in U.S. immigration law and related regulations.
• Strong cross-cultural communication and teamwork.
• Excellent oral and written communication; accuracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist in obtaining appropriate immigration status and acclimation support.
• Serve as Alternate Responsible Officer and Designated School Official.
• Liaise with university units and federal agencies.
• Prepare employment-based immigration petitions and advising.
• Advise UNC-Chapel Hill international faculty and scholars and supervising staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal labor and immigration laws.
• Monitor regulatory updates; update procedures and materials.
• Provide trainings for campus departments and stakeholders.
• Make referrals for international faculty and scholars.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Immigration knowledge

Cross-cultural communication

Teamwork

Oral and written communication

Database skills

Attention to detail

Education

Post-baccalaureate degree

Bachelor’s degree + 3+ years experience

Tools

Database tools

Job description

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

International Student and Scholar Services ( ISSS ) is part of the Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs ( OVPGA ) and serves as the principal administrative, advising and programming office for all international students, faculty and scholars at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ( UNC -CH), a top ranking global public research university. The Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs has primary responsibility for shaping and implementing the University’s global strategy while supporting global activity across campus. Units that report to the Vice Provost for Global Affairs include: Global Partnerships, Global Education, Communications, the Global Research Institute, International Student and Scholar Services, the Duke- UNC Rotary Peace Center and the UBC : Unified Business Center/Shared Services.

Position Summary

International Student and Scholar Services ( ISSS ) serves as the principal administrative, advising and programming office for approximately 4,300 international students, faculty and scholars at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ( UNC -CH), a top ranking Global Public Research University. The International Scholar Advisor supports the recruitment and retention of top global faculty and researchers. This position offers the opportunity to build on existing skills as ongoing training and professional development opportunities will be provided.

• 1. With a focus on excellent customer service, assists in obtaining appropriate immigration status, provides education about maintaining status, and provides general support for acclimation to a new community
• 2. Serves as Alternate Responsible Officer of the University Exchange Visitor Program (J-1) and as a Designated School Official for F-1 Students
• 3. Serves as liaison to multiple University units and to various agencies of the federal government
• 4. Prepares employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant petitions and related advising
• 5. Advises and provides information to UNC -Chapel Hill international faculty and scholars, appointing unit staff, and faculty on government regulations and University policies affecting international faculty and scholars and their dependents
• 6. Ensures compliance with federal labor and immigration laws and regulations
• 7. Monitors regulatory updates, assists in the development and maintenance of online campus procedural materials and assists in making necessary changes to processes, forms, and information for distribution
• 8. Provides trainings (workshops, information sessions, and orientation presentations) for campus departments involved in international faculty and scholar hosting
• 9. Makes appropriate referrals for international faculty and scholars related to personal matters
• 10. May perform other duties as assigned

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, consistent with UNC -Chapel Hill’s Flexible Work Policy. Final arrangements will be made in partnership with the hiring manager and are subject to change based on departmental needs and university guidelines.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to the delivery of student advising and counseling or student personnel services, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

-Interest in U.S. immigration law. Demonstrated cross-cultural communication skills and sensitivity. Ability to work as a team member in a group environment in an office dedicated to high-quality services for international students and scholars. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Skills with database tools and technology. Position requires accuracy and attention to detail. Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident to serve as Alternate Responsible Officer and Designated School Official in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System ( SEVIS ), as required by federal regulation.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Master’s degree in an area related to international education. A year or more of experience as an Alternate Responsible Officer and Designated School Official in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System ( SEVIS ). Knowledge of federal regulations regarding nonimmigrant classifications for international scholars, including H-1B, O, TN, E-3 and J-1 Exchange Visitors. Experience preparing and filing employment-based immigration cases. Experience working on immigration cases in a college or university setting. Cross cultural experience gained by living and/or working outside the United States.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Focus, reading, interpreting, and applying federal guidance on immigration issues.
Ability to report to work, on campus, in person during regular business hours (8a – 5p, M-F).

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or most closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
  • Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
  • None of the above