International Student Advisor - #001811

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University seeks an on-site International Student Advisor to support international students from admission through graduation. The role acts as a liaison among admissions, academic programs, and campus services to ensure smooth visa processes, orientation, and access to scholarships and resources.

Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree with U.S. residency or citizenship eligibility for DSO/ARO duties, strong writing and social media skills, and experience collaborating

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• DSO/ARO eligibility requires U.S. permanent resident or citizen status.
• Proficiency in Excel/Word and social media experience are required.
• Strong writing, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork are essential.
• Experience with diverse cultural groups and organizational skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate a seamless experience for international students throughout their academic journey.
• Coordinate with admissions to guide on requirements, programs, and scholarships.
• Manage visa processes and pre-arrival logistics for campus transition.
• Serve as primary contact for international students across campus.
• Plan and execute International Student Orientation and related programming.
• Assist in international student recruitment and global engagement initiatives.

Skills

Social media management

Strong writing skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on‑site at the Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). The primary purpose of this position is to facilitate a seamless and supportive experience for international students throughout their academic journey at WCU. This role serves as a vital link between prospective and current international students and various university departments, ensuring that all admissions processes are navigated efficiently and effectively. By collaborating closely with the graduate and undergraduate admissions offices, the position aims to provide comprehensive guidance on international admission requirements, academic programs, and scholarship opportunities. Additionally, the role encompasses the critical responsibility of managing visa processes and pre‑arrival logistics, thereby laying a strong foundation for students’ successful transition to campus life. Beyond admissions, this position is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for international students by serving as their primary contact for support services across campus. By coordinating with various departments, the role ensures that students receive the necessary resources and assistance to thrive academically and socially. The position also plays a key role in planning and executing International Student Orientation, which is essential for acclimating new students to the university community. Furthermore, through active involvement in international student recruitment and campus programming, this role contributes to the university’s commitment to global engagement, enhancing the overall educational experience for all students.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate a seamless experience for international students throughout their academic journey.
• Coordinate with admissions offices to guide prospective and current international students on admission requirements, academic programs, and scholarship opportunities.
• Manage visa processes and pre‑arrival logistics to ensure a smooth transition to campus life.
• Serve as the primary contact for international students to provide support services across campus, coordinating with various departments.
• Plan and execute International Student Orientation and related campus programming.
• Assist in international student recruitment and global engagement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• U.S. permanent resident or citizen status to qualify as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, demonstrated by the ability to create and edit documents and spreadsheets.
• Experience in managing social media accounts for professional purposes, including content creation and engagement metrics.
• Strong writing skills, evidenced by the ability to produce clear and concise written communication.
• Experience working with diverse cultural groups, demonstrated through previous roles or projects.
• Proven organizational skills, as shown by the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• 1–2 years of experience working in a higher education setting.
• Experience studying or working abroad.
• Proficiency in a second language.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227‑7218 or email at [e-mail].

Contact

For questions or additional information, please contact Kaitlin Ritchie, Search Committee Chair at [e-mail].