International Student Advisor

Illinois Institute of Technology; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Institute of Technology is seeking an International Student Advisor to support its international student population. The advisor will provide guidance on immigration regulations, cultural adjustment, and individual advising. Responsibilities include SEVIS operations, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and managing student documents. A Bachelor’s degree and significant experience with international student populations are required. The position offers a salary range of $48,000 - $52,000, commensurate with experience, in Chicago, Illinois.

Qualifications

• Two years or more of relevant work experience in higher education.
• Experience with international student and exchange scholar populations and regulations.
• Strong preference for experience with SEVIS and F/J visa requirements.

Responsibilities

• Advise students on immigration regulations and cultural adjustment.
• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Monitor compliance with government regulations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Collaborative skills

Multitasking abilities

Familiarity with FERPA regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

MS Office applications

Terra Dotta

Banner

Job description

Salary: $48,000 - $52,000, commensurate with experience.

Job Overview

Illinois Institute of Technology’s Office of Global Services seeks an International Student Advisor who will primarily serve the diverse international student population at Illinois Tech. The advisor will also be expected to provide support to international scholars as needed.

The selected candidate focuses on providing accurate, compassionate, individualized advising and processing to incoming and present international students and Illinois Tech departments while ensuring institutional compliance with federal regulations governing Illinois Tech sponsored statuses.

General Description

The International Student Advisor provides support and assistance to the Office of Global Services. This position is responsible for advising international students on F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations and cultural adjustment and will serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer(ARO) in compliance with federal regulations. The role will assist with SEVIS operations, document and application processing, support general office needs, and coordinate and lead educational programs for students, faculty, and staff. Advising staff regularly interpret regulations and university policy to ensure compliance, recommend and implement policy based on analysis of immigration regulations, government guidance, and best practices.

Communications

1. In coordination with the Management team – respond to University or U.S. Government requests for data validation.
2. Review regular OGS targeted electronic communications with international students and scholars, and University divisions about programs and events.
3. Develop and deliver presentations to clientele in public forums.
4. Maintain standard protocols in working with confidential documents and sensitive data.

Customer Service

Provides customer service to internal and external customers. Positive relationships and customer service are extremely important when dealing with the IIT community, especially international students. A survey is sent to all international students every other year to evaluate the office’s services. Informal feedback is given from other IIT departments, faculty, and staff.

Key Responsibilities – 55%

• Advise F-1 and/or J-1 students/scholars on immigration regulations, cultural adjustment, academic and English language difficulties, financial concerns, and general orientation to life in the U.S.
• Participate in bi‑weekly advisor meetings.
• Provide consistent and correct information.
• Serve as on‑call advisor on a rotating basis.
• Keep abreast of current issues affecting the student population.
• Oversee and process student documents including program extension, CPT, OPT, OPT Extension, Transfer Out, Academic Training, and workflow.
• Keep abreast of changes in visa regulations.

Key Responsibilities – Regulatory Compliance – 40%

• Act as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Monitor international student and/or scholar compliance with government regulations.
• Evaluate university policy and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
• Remain current with SEVIS‑related and regulatory updates pertaining to international students and scholars.
• Assist management team in compliance reporting, including SEVIS registration, address and employment updates, and maintenance of status.

Key Responsibilities – Other – 5%

• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor, Division, or University.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• Two years or more of relevant work experience in higher education or a combination of education and experience.
• Experience with international student and exchange scholar populations and regulations, including understanding of SEVIS and F/J visa requirements.
• Very strong preference for experience with Terra Dotta and Banner.
• Expertise in MS Office applications, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience with university students and personnel information systems.
• Familiarity with FERPA regulations.
• Strong interpersonal, collaborative, organizational, analytical, and oral/written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, work independently, and manage complex projects.
• US Citizenship or Permanent Residence required to access SEVIS Database.