International Student Advisor

Rochester Institute of Technology; United States; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Rochester Institute of Technology seeks an International Student Advisor to interpret and apply immigration rules for F-1 and J-1 students. The role requires collaboration with campus partners to support student success, while maintaining accurate records in SEVIS and related systems.

As a DSO/ARO, you will navigate complex policies, provide clear guidance, and contribute to compliance initiatives. The position is primarily on campus with remote-work day allowances by season.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations in higher education.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to student scenarios.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Advise F-1 students and J-1 visitors on immigration regulations and policies.
• Maintain accurate immigration records and process SEVIS requests.
• Collaborate with departments and government agencies to support student success.
• Assist with orientation, programming, and outreach initiatives.

Skills

Immigration regulations knowledge

DSO/ARO experience

Cross-cultural communication

Advising students

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SEVIS system

Job description

Position Highlights

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 & Abilities

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 RIT to welcome and support a global community while helping international students and scholars pursue their academic, professional, and personal goals. Our work also enriches the teaching, research, and cultural life of the university by supporting the participation and contributions of international students and scholars throughout the RIT community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Provides operational oversight for administrative systems and policies associated with the operation and management of student clubs and organizations. Provides direction for the recognition process, advisor training, club advising and support services, marketing, communications, resources, and programming. Partners with university and community stakeholders to plan and implement events and initiatives that support student recruitment and engagement in clubs and organizations. Collaborates with department leadership in short- and long-term strategic planning to ensure healthy engagement, student retention and well-being across campus populations, and promote an inclusive and diverse university community. Hires, trains and supervises graduate students, student supervisors, and student staff to support the successful operation of club and organization activities. Maintains oversight of event planning and risk management to ensure student club/organization compliance with the student code of conduct and all other university policies. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of student development and campus engagement. Knowledge of student club and organization program management in a university setting. Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of constituencies within and outside of the university setting. Skill in planning, organizing, coordinating, and performing work in complex situations with competing priorities. Ability to design, implement, and evaluate programming related to the student experience. Ability to understand, review, and interpret legal and risk management policies, compliance expectations, and university guidelines and procedures.

Minimum Education & Experience

Master's degree in related field. 3 years of relevant experience.

Job Level Overview

Specialized Contributor Level 3 - A senior-level role requiring broad understanding of the profession or field of work. Independently leads diverse and often complex assignments, projects, or programs. May act as a mentor and guide less experienced staff.

FLSA Category Exempt

Exempt

Work Location Hybrid Compensation $54,500 - $62,353.20

Hybrid.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology has a long-standing history of innovation that blends the arts, technology, and experiential learning. In addition to its main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT maintains a strong international presence with over 100 active global partnerships and international campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. As of Fall 2024, total student enrollment across all campuses exceeded 21,000. Nationally recognized for its co-op and internship programs, RIT is supported by more than 4,000 dedicated faculty and staff members committed to student success. Its 1,300-acre suburban campus features cutting-edge facilities that reflect RIT’s strengths in applied research, design, and workforce development.