International Student and Scholar Advisor

Brigham Young University; United States; On-site; USD 67,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Holiday and vacation

Tuition benefits

Healthcare

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Wellness program

On-campus parking

UTA transit passes

Discounts at BYU Store

Job summary

Brigham Young University in the United States seeks an International Student and Scholar Specialist to guide students, scholars, and faculty through federal visa requirements and to serve as a DSO/ARO for compliance.

You will provide individualized academic and cultural guidance, teach visa law and orientation, and participate in ongoing professional development while supporting BYU’s international program initiatives.

Qualifications

• Firm commitment to BYU's mission.
• Master's degree or current enrollment with at least three years of related full-time experience.
• Experience in higher education compliance and with international students; DSO/ARO preferred.
• Navigate complex regulations with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Communicate clearly with students, scholars, government agencies, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Visa compliance review and document issuance per regulations.
• Holistic advising and student development for non-U.S. citizens.
• Teach STDEV 120 International Student Visa Law and Orientation course.
• Professional development and compliance knowledge through conferences and associations.
• Manage office responsibilities including staffing and budgets; collaborate with departments.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Cross-cultural awareness

Independent work

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Databases

Web design

Workday

Job description

Why Work at BYU

At Brigham Young University (BYU), your work is an opportunity to contribute to a distinctive educational mission rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. As the flagship university of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints, BYU strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. We are devoted to our faith, our students, and the University’s Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life." We seek staff members who enthusiastically embrace and advance this unique mission. Across the university, staff bring their expertise and talents to work that helps students learn, grow, and thrive. A culture of covenant belonging, weekly devotionals, meaningful opportunities for learning and growth, and a beautiful and historic campus make BYU a distinctive and inspiring place to build a career.

Belonging Statement: United by our common primary identity as children of God, BYU values and embraces the variety of individual characteristics, life experiences and circumstances, perspectives, talents, and gifts across the BYU community. This richness strengthens our shared efforts to create and support an environment of covenant belonging centered in Jesus Christ.

Employment Requirements

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints are required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend to be hired and to remain in any position at BYU. In hiring decisions, Brigham Young University lawfully gives strong preference to qualified, faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints. All employees are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university, which are aligned with the principles and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints.

Equal Opportunity

Brigham Young University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or protected veteran status.

International Student and Scholar Specialist

Help international students and scholars thrive at BYU. As an International Student and Scholar Specialist, you’ll guide students, visiting scholars, faculty, researchers, and others through complex federal visa requirements while connecting them with the support and opportunities they need to succeed. As a Designated School Official (DSO) for F‑1 students and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for J‑1 visitors, you’ll help BYU meet federal regulations under 8 and 22 C.F.R. Your careful judgment protects students’ visa status and the University’s legal standing. You’ll also provide individualized academic, social, and cultural guidance, encourage student leadership, and build connections to campus and community resources.

What you’ll do in this position

• Visa Compliance and Federal Regulatory Oversight: Review visa applications and issue required government documents, including Forms I‑20 and DS‑2019, in compliance with federal regulations. Monitor F‑ and J‑visa compliance from pre‑arrival through post‑graduation Practical Training; investigate and report violations under applicable regulations. Coordinate with government officials, agencies, attorneys, congressional offices, and peer institutions, and maintain detailed records of visa decisions and authorizations.
• Holistic Advising and Student Development: Support non‑U.S. citizen students and their dependents, including undocumented students and individuals with DACA, A, B, E, F, H, J, K, L, TN/TD, and TPS status. Mentor students on academic, social, personal, and cultural concerns, goals, and competencies; advise and follow up with at‑risk students in partnership with academic departments. Connect students with on‑ and off‑campus resources that meet their needs, and train campus departments on cultural sensitivity and regulatory awareness. Document and track student communications and follow‑up actions.
• Teach STDEV 120 International Student Visa Law and Orientation Course: Prepare lesson plans and presentations that meet course learning outcomes. Teach classes during Fall or Winter semester, as assigned by the Director. Assess and grade student work and provide feedback.
• Professional Development and Competencies: Maintain current knowledge of federal regulations affecting students, scholars, and BYU’s federal certifications and designations through conferences, webinars, training, and continued learning of international education terminology. Participate in state, regional, or national professional committees, including NAFSA, UBIE, and the CES International Consortium. Attend advising development opportunities, such as Advisor In‑Service, NACADA, and UAA, and maintain proficiency aligned with NAFSA and ACPA/NASPA professional competencies.
• Assigned Office Responsibilities: Plan and assess assigned projects, managing staffing and budgets for programs such as VITA, international programming, New Student Orientation, website administration, and office reporting. Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate student employees; address performance concerns and coordinate staffing with colleagues. Help determine the annual distribution of more than $1 million in ISSS scholarships. Manage international education systems, including Synapsis, SEVIS, and Homebase, and their integration with Workday and AIM.

What qualifies you for this role

• Required: A firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
• A master’s degree in a related field (or current enrollment in a related master’s program) and at least three years of related full‑time experience.
• Experience working in higher education compliance settings and with international students, preferably as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Navigate complex regulations and policies, balancing government requirements, institutional priorities, and visa documentation with sound judgment and exceptional attention to detail.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, scholars, government agencies, and the public, including conducting sensitive interviews and delivering consequential decisions fairly.
• Demonstrate cross‑cultural understanding and awareness of the challenges non‑U.S. citizens face; work independently, prioritize competing demands, and adapt to change.
• Build campus partnerships, support students’ planning and follow‑through, contribute effectively on committees, and develop student employees and volunteers; willing to learn nonresident tax law.
• Preferred Knowledge of international student development theory.
• Proficiency with computer programs, web design, and databases.

What we offer in return

• 401(k): BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. If you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4%. Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans.
• Excellent work‑life balance: 13 paid holidays, 22 vacation days, and 12 sick days accrued annually.
• Employee assistance program available to the employee and all members of their household.
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members.
• Access to athletic facilities.
• Excellent medical and dental benefits.
• Short- and long‑term disability benefits.
• Paid parental and maternity leave.
• Wellness program.
• Free on‑campus parking.
• Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents.
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many BYU events.

Pay Grade: 52 Typical Starting Pay: $67,000.00 - $87,000.00. The actual compensation offered will take into consideration internal equity and may vary based on the candidate’s job‑related experience, knowledge, skills, and other relevant factors. Candidates with significant work‑related experience may receive an offer higher than the posted typical range.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world‑class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ‑centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU! The mission of Brigham Young University — founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints — is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. All employees of Brigham Young University (BYU) agree to maintain the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints as defined by the CES Honor Code and Dress and Grooming Standards, both on and off campus, 24 hours a day. BYU is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.