International Scholar Advisor

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid leave

Discounts on local events

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an International Scholar Advisor to support the recruitment and retention of international faculty and researchers. This role offers opportunity for ongoing professional development and a chance to contribute to UNC-CH’s global mission within the ISSS office.

The position requires immigration law knowledge, SEVIS/DSO/ARO experience, and strong intercultural communication.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident is required to serve as ARO and DSO.
• Experience with SEVIS and immigration regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and cross-cultural skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a university setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist in obtaining appropriate immigration status and support acclimation.
• Serve as Alternate Responsible Officer for J-1 and as DSO for F-1 students.
• Liaise with university units and government agencies.
• Prepare employment-based immigration petitions and related advising.
• Advise faculty and scholars on regulations and policies affecting them and dependents.
• Ensure compliance with federal labor and immigration laws.
• Monitor regulatory updates and update procedures and materials.
• Provide trainings and information sessions for campus departments.
• Make referrals for international faculty and scholars on personal matters.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Immigration knowledge

Cross-cultural comms

Customer service

SEVIS system experience

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree in international education

Tools

SEVIS system

Student information systems

Job description

Department:

UNC Global - IS SS-506503

Career Area :

Academic Administration

Posting Open Date:

11/06/2026

Application Deadline:

01/10/2027

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title:

International Scholar Advisor

Appointment Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

20079020

Vacancy ID:

NF0010178

Full Time/Part Time:

Full-Time Permanent

FTE:

1

Hours per week:

40

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

Commensurate with experience

Proposed Start Date:

02/08/2027

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. 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.

Essential duties include:

• 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:

Not Applicable.