International Scholar and Faculty Advisor

Career Center at Portland State University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Career Center at Portland State University in Portland, OR, seeks an International Scholar and Faculty Advisor. This 1.0 FTE, fixed-term role oversees PSU's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and advises international scholars, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and university policies.

The position involves preparing and submitting employment-based immigration applications, advising departments on visa matters, and coordinating with legal and HR teams.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge and expertise in U.S. immigration law and practice for international students, visiting scholars and employees, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Experience in program support and personal advising.
• Ability to independently solve problems and complex cases for the university and scholar population.
• Knowledge of DHS, DOS and DOL regulations and procedures pertaining to visa classifications and permanent residence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; convey complex information clearly.
• Interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.
• U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency required to serve as Responsible Officer.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Officer for PSU’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and lead the J-1 advising team.
• Manage preparation and submission of employment-based immigration applications (H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, etc.).
• File Labor Condition Applications and other attestations for PSU.
• Advise departments on employment of foreign nationals, visa selection, and related topics.
• Collaborate on policy development for international appointments and visas.
• Keep PSU leadership apprised of regulatory changes and impact on programs and processes.
• Coordinate with OISSS, HR, GCO, OGEI, and academic departments to implement duties.

Skills

Immigration law expertise

Advising experience

Communication skills

Intercultural skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Sunapsis

Job description

Position Announcement

Position Details

Proposed Start Date 12/16/2026 Classification Title Advising and Student Services Rank N - No Rank Working Title International Scholar and Faculty Advisor Department 200840 - INT Int'l Student/Faculty Services Position Number D95371 Representation AU - AAUP Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable Position FTE 1 Tenure Status F - Fixed Term

Position Summary

Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action - in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.

More than 22,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

Serves as the Responsible Officer for Portland State University’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, ensuring university compliance with Department of State J-1 regulations and lead advisor for J-1 student/scholar advising team.

Carries primary responsibility for managing the preparation and submission of employment-based immigration applications on behalf of the university, including H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3 and other categories as needed. Files Labor Condition Applications and other DOL attestations on behalf of the university. Manages permanent residence cases and acts as coordinator between the university and assigned attorneys.

Advises and supports departments and administrative offices on the employment of foreign nationals including visa selection and other special topics involved in bringing foreign nationals to the University.

Collaborates with the Director on developing and setting policy for the university with respect to the appointment of international faculty and visiting scholars.

Responsible for keeping the university (particularly OISSS colleagues, Office of General Counsel, OAA and HR) apprised of changes to the immigration regulations and the challenges they may present to existing programs and processes.

Works in close collaboration with the Director of OISSS, the J student and scholar advising teams and OISSS staff, academic departments and administrative offices, and OGEI. Sets goals and develops plans to implement assigned duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 6 or more years of professional experience or Master’s degree and 4 or more years of professional experience. In-depth knowledge and expertise in U.S. immigration law and practice for international students, visiting scholars and employees, preferably in a higher education setting; experience in program support and personal advising; ability to independently solve problems and complex cases for the university and scholar population.
• Expert knowledge of Department of Homeland Security, Department of State and Department of Labor regulations and procedures pertaining to J, H-IB, TN, B-l/B-2 visa classifications and Lawful Permanent Residence, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of how federal regulations and university policies intersect as well as how to apply this knowledge to complex and often ambiguous situations involving international faculty.
• Practical experience working with immigration regulations and visa application processes preferably in the higher education environment. Preference will be given to candidates with experience advising international students as some University hires have been or still are in student status.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively convey complex information in a clear and concise manner to individuals with varying English skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, patience and tact in dealing with people with limited English proficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions, to work independently and collaboratively, to organize work tasks, set priorities and work under pressure with frequent interruption.
• U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency is required to serve as Responsible Officer for the J-l Exchange Visitor Program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Sunapsis or similar immigration management software is preferred

Key Cultural Competencies

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Benefits

Work Days/Hours Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.

The starting annual salary for this position will be $70,368 but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview

Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator

Additional Information

In Accordance With The AAUP Collective Bargaining Agreement This Position Is Open Only To Current PSU AAUP Academic Professionals. Article 17 Section 11 Refers

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M06dEVNc5Um7oaxRBeZvfQd2dtC6L4jS/view

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Professional References

Optional Documents