International Student Advisor - Athletic Liaison

NAFSA: Association of International Educators; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 43,175 - 51,810; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition exemption for qualified positions

Flexible spending accounts

Paid holidays

Job summary

NAFSA: Association of International Educators in Baton Rouge is seeking an International Student Advisor - Athletic Liaison to serve as the primary contact for immigration compliance for international student-athletes. The role requires advising students on various matters and collaborating with the Athletic Department. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and 1–2 years of relevant experience. Benefits include health insurance and tuition exemption opportunities. Knowledge of U.S. immigration laws is preferred.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience working with international students in a university setting.
• General understanding of U.S. immigration laws and classifications.
• Technical ability to interface with student information systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as DSO and ARO for immigration compliance.
• Advise international students on personal and academic matters.
• Build relationships with the Athletic Department.

Skills

Cross-communication skills

Time management skills

Empathy for international students

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Sunapsis

Job description

International Student Advisor - Athletic Liaison

Louisiana State University (LSU) is seeking a dynamic, athletics-driven International Student Advisor. This position has a dual reporting line to International Student Services (ISS) and the Athletic Department. The role serves as the primary liaison between the Office of Global Engagement and the Athletic Department to support immigration compliance, transition, and success of international student‑athletes.

Salary Range: $43,175 – $51,810. Location: 0110 William B. Hatcher Hall, Baton Rouge, LA.

Job Responsibilities

Immigration & Regulatory Compliance (60%)

• Serve as the Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State's reporting requirements impacting international students.
• Advise international students on personal, academic, career, and social matters. The core cohort assigned to this role is international student‑athletes. Other cohorts may also be assigned to maintain best practices in advising ratios and in accordance with the department's advising model.
• In collaboration with the Athletic Department and other units, assist with providing services and support for international student‑athletes.
• Serve as the primary point‑of‑contact for document processing, workloads directly impacting international student‑athletes and international students. This includes pre‑arrival immigration forms, SSN, and driver’s license requests, among other processes and procedures.
• Build relationships with the Athletic Department and colleges to provide relevant and up‑to‑date information on supporting international students.
• Remain current on relevant immigration regulations and policies impacting the international student population at LSU.
• Assist with meeting the ongoing reporting and compliance requirements of immigration regulations using the Sunapsis and SEVIS databases.
• Support programming efforts designed by the Athletic Department and the Office of Global Engagement.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to international student advising.

Athletic Integration & Strategic Liaison (15%)

• Act as the dedicated point‑of‑contact and primary International Student Services liaison for coaches, compliance officers, and academic counselors within the Athletic Department.
• Educate Athletics staff on the intersection of immigration law and recruiting, scholarships, and amateurism.
• Partner with Recruiting Coordinators to provide early‑stage visa pathway advising for prospective international Tigers and their families.
• Collaborate on high‑energy orientation programs specifically tailored to the unique schedules and needs of student‑athletes.

Student Advocacy & Well‑Being (10%)

• Provide responsive advising that supports the mental well‑being, retention, and adjustment of athletes far from home.
• Manage complex cases with empathy and precision, including medical withdrawals or reduced course loads that impact both visa status and roster eligibility.
• Coordinate with the Global Community Center staff and ISS team to conduct specialized workshops on tax responsibilities, post‑graduation career options, and maintaining status.

Data Reporting & Outreach (10%)

• Maintain meticulous, confidential records in compliance with FERPA and federal mandates.
• Track and report on international student‑athlete graduation and retention outcomes for institutional leadership.
• Develop clear, compelling communication materials for international recruits to demystify the U.S. collegiate experience.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

To be assigned as needed.

Additional Requirements

As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health‑related matter, they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students, or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.

Additional Information

This is a full‑time position that requires the flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends to align with the athletic calendar and institutional deadlines. As mandated by federal regulations, U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence is required to be a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for approval to access SEVIS and thereby perform the duties of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with 1–2 years of experience working with international students in a university setting.

Specific Experience

• General understanding of U.S. immigration laws and classifications.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Technical ability to interface with student information systems, such as Workday Student or Sunapsis.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree with 2–4 years of previous DSO and/or ARO experience advising F‑1 and J‑1 international students.

Preferred Specific Experience

• Strong knowledge of immigration regulations pertaining to relevant status categories (e.g., F‑1, J‑1) and familiarity with other immigration classifications.
• Experience with Sunapsis database system.
• Living or studying abroad.
• Knowledge of both athletic and academic terms.

Job Competencies

• Exceptional cross‑communication skills and the ability to translate complex regulations into actionable advice for audiences.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Deep empathy for the international student experience.
• Detail‑oriented.
• Time management skills.
• Ability to work successfully with a variety of individuals.
• Ability to have a student‑centered approach to advising and interacting with students.

Benefits

LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Background Check

An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre‑employment background check.

Equal Opportunity Statement

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.