International Student Advisor

Rochester Institute of Technology; City of Rochester (NY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote workdays

Job summary

Rochester Institute of Technology seeks an International Student Advisor to provide immigration expertise and advising for F-1 students and J-1 visitors. The role emphasizes accurate regulatory application, cross‑functional collaboration, and dedicated student support on campus with remote work one day per week in fall/spring and two days in summer.

Responsibilities include maintaining SEVIS records, ensuring compliance, and contributing to orientation and programming that enhances international

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status for DSO/ARO designation.
• Bachelor's degree in International Studies, Intercultural Communication, Counseling, Higher Education, or related field.
• Three years of international education experience and knowledge of F-1/J-1 regulations.

Responsibilities

• Advise F-1 students and J-1 visitors on immigration regulations and policies.
• Serve as DSO/ARO and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Maintain immigration records in SEVIS and related systems.
• Collaborate with departments and community partners to support student success.
• Support orientation, student organizations, and educational programming.

Skills

Immigration regulations knowledge

Cross-cultural communication

Attention to detail

Judgment and problem solving

F-1/J-1 advising experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Studies or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SEVIS

Enterprise information systems

Job description

Position Highlights

Rochester Institute of Technology is seeking a detail-oriented, compassionate, and adaptable professional to join International Student Services (ISS) as an International Student Advisor. This role combines immigration expertise, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication to help international students navigate the complexities of studying, working, and living in the United States. Advisors interpret and apply federal immigration regulations and institutional policies, exercise sound judgment in complex situations, and provide clear, accurate guidance that empowers students to make informed decisions.As a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), the International Student Advisor supports institutional immigration compliance while providing individualized advising and collaborating with campus partners to support student success. The position focuses primarily on international student advising, with opportunities to develop expertise in J-1 scholar advising.The ideal candidate is an intellectually curious and collaborative problem-solver who is comfortable navigating uncertainty and evolving regulations. This position offers the opportunity to combine meticulous attention to detail with cultural understanding, empathy, and a commitment to supporting RIT's international community.This position is primarily on campus, with eligibility for one remote workday per week during the fall and spring semesters and two remote workdays per week during the summer, in accordance with divisional and departmental guidelines. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Advise F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors on immigration regulations and related university policies, including maintenance of status, employment and practical training, program extensions, transfers, reinstatement, changes of status, and travel.
• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), exercising professional judgment in applying federal immigration regulations and supporting institutional compliance.
• Maintain accurate immigration records and process immigration-related requests through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and related university systems.
• Collaborate with academic departments, campus partners, and government agencies to address immigration matters, connect students with appropriate resources, and support international student success.
• Support international student orientation, student organizations, educational programming, and outreach initiatives that promote student engagement and belonging.
• Contribute to departmental initiatives, process improvements, and university partnerships that strengthen immigration compliance and services for international students and scholars.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Ability

• Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations and their application in higher education, or comparable experience.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and policies, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing requirements.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and time-sensitive responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to provide compassionate, culturally responsive advising and establish effective working relationships with students, colleagues, and campus partners.
• Ability to use enterprise information systems, maintain accurate records, and handle confidential information appropriately.
• Knowledge of Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL), or a willingness to learn.

Minimum Education & Experience

• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, as required by federal regulations for designation as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Bachelor's degree in International Studies, Intercultural Communication, Counseling, Higher Education, Student Personnel Administration, or a related field.
• Three years of relevant experience in international education.
• Experience with F-1 or J-1 immigration regulations, including DSO/ARO experience or comparable professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in International Studies, Intercultural Communication, Counseling, Higher Education, or a related field.
• Previous experience serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

International Student Services

International Student Services (ISS) advances RIT's Student Affairs mission by providing immigration expertise, regulatory stewardship, English language education, and comprehensive support for international students and scholars.

Through collaboration across the university, ISS supports institutional and individual immigration compliance, enabling