International Student Advisor

Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

California Baptist University is seeking an International Student Advisor to support F-1 visa holders, maintain SEVIS data, and guide students through immigration benefits and processes such as OPT and STEM extensions.

The role includes advising, outreach, and programming to promote compliant, globally engaged campus experiences, while collaborating with various campus departments and ensuring documentation accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience in international education or student services preferred.
• Familiarity with Terra Dotta or similar systems is desired.

Responsibilities

• Guide F-1 students on visa status per U.S. immigration regulations and institutional procedures.
• Maintain and update SEVIS records for F-1 students and processing CPT and related authorizations.
• Assist in resolving SEVIS-related issues and stay current on regulatory changes.
• Develop immigration-related materials and support DHS reporting requirements.
• Coordinate training for student staff and collaborate with campus departments.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Organize and multitask

Confidentiality

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Terra Dotta

Job description

Summary

International Student Advisor role at California Baptist University (CBU) supports institutional and student compliance with federal regulations governing F-1 visa holders, including maintenance of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) in accordance with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) requirements, while providing guidance regarding immigration benefits and processes administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions. Maintains accurate F-1 student records and SEVIS data and provides guidance to students and university personnel on established immigration policies and procedures. Contributes to international student success through advising, outreach, and programming that supports a compliant and globally engaged campus environment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide guidance to F-1 students on maintaining visa status in accordance with established U.S. immigration regulations and institutional procedures.
• Maintain and update SEVIS records for F-1 students, including registration, program information, address updates, processing authorized Curricular Practical Training (CPT) requests, issuing related SEVIS employment authorizations, and maintaining employment authorization records in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist in resolving SEVIS-related issues by following established protocols and escalating complex matters, as appropriate.
• Remain informed on current F-1 regulations through training, professional development, and available resources.
• Develop and update immigration-related materials, including forms, website content, and Terra Dotta processes.
• Support institutional compliance efforts with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations governing F-1 students by following established procedures and reporting requirements.
• Maintain and organize F-1 student records in accordance with university and federal recordkeeping policies.
• Support enrollment and retention initiatives through orientation programs and student engagement activities.
• Plan and implement semester-based programming for international students, including workshops, cultural events, and excursions that promote engagement with U.S. culture.
• Assist in the recruitment, training, and coordination of departmental student interns.
• Collaborate with campus departments—including Student Success, Student Accounts, Athletics, Student Care, and Housing—on matters related to international students.
• Maintain regular office hours and demonstrate flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the mission, vision, and values of the International Student and Scholar Services department.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities but may provide functional supervision and guidance to student employees or interns.

Other Knowledge Skills And Abilities

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to effectively carry out all essential duties. The following requirements outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the role:

• Demonstrated commitment to living out and upholding the University’s Christ‑centered mission and values.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in standard office software and computer applications.
• Working knowledge of English, basic mathematics, and general office practices and procedures.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks within established timelines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow established guidelines, exercise sound judgment, and handle confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to collect, organize, and report information accurately.
• Ability to coordinate and assist in training student staff.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated customer service and professional communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and data integrity.
• Ability to make routine administrative and procedural decisions within established guidelines.
• Basic knowledge of general accounting principles is preferred.
• Ability to analyze information and follow defined processes to resolve issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and standard office equipment. The position requires visual acuity to read documents and data, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 15 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Work is typically performed in a standard office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety risks. The noise level is generally moderate and consistent with a professional office environment.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field, and one (1) to two (2) years of experience in international education, student advising, student services, or a related area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience working as a Designated School Official (DSO).
• Familiarity with Terra Dotta or similar international student management systems.