International Student and Scholar Specialist

NAFSA: Association of International Educators; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s International Student and Scholar Office seeks an International Student and Scholar Specialist to provide advising and support to international and visiting scholars pursuing academic or research activities.

You will advise on immigration status matters (including H1-B and permanent residency) and serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (RO/ARO) for UNL, delivering confidential, cross-cultural guidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in student services or related field plus 1 year of international student and/or scholar services experience.
• Knowledge of non-academic advising practices (cross-cultural, personal, counseling, immigration) to serve international students and scholars.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret and explain immigration laws and regulations.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Provide advising and support to international students and scholars on immigration status.
• Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (RO/ARO) for UNL.
• Deliver administrative support within the International Student and Scholar Office.
• Maintain confidentiality and cross-cultural communication with university community.

Skills

Cross-cultural communication

Immigration advising

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Discretion / confidentiality

Oral and written communication

Diversity awareness

Decision making

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in student services or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ISS M database

SAP

SUNAPSIS

Job description

International Student and Scholar Specialist

International Student & Scholar Office

University of Nebraska – Lincoln

The International Student and Scholar Specialist delivers administrative and support services to international and visiting scholars pursuing academic or professional/research activities at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The person in this position is responsible for providing advising and support to the University community on matters related to valid immigration status, including H1-B visas and Legal Permanent Residency status. The Specialist will serve as a Designated School Official and as an Alternate Responsible Officer for UNL.

Salary $43,000 minimum

Employment Type Permanent

Position Type Specialist

Hours Full-time

Organization Type College / University

Location Lincoln, Nebraska

Closing date Oct 10, 2026

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a student services or related field plus 1 year of experience in an international student and/or scholar services role.
• Knowledge of non-academic advising practices (cross-cultural, personal, counseling, immigration) to serve international students and scholars.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret and explain immigration laws and regulations.
• Must have a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Must possess effective decision-making skills, exercise good judgment, accept responsibility, and perform duties in an atmosphere of team-like cooperation and which requires a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with ability to communicate complex information effectively required.
• Demonstrated success in working and communicating effectively with individuals of diverse cultures and backgrounds essential.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident as required by federal regulations for Primary/Designated School Officials (PDSO/DSO) and Alternate/Responsible Officers (RO/ARO).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a student services or related field or equivalent experience in international education preferred.
• Experience utilizing a database management system for international students and scholars (i.e. ISSM) desirable.
• Familiarity with U.S. immigration laws and regulations helpful.
• Familiarity with software programs such as the student information system, SAP and SUNAPSIS.
• Knowledge of the University’s policies and procedures.

Direct Interest And Questions To

Karen Cagley
[e-mail]
402-472-5873

Equal Opportunity / Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Company

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln was chartered as a land-grant university on February 15, 1869, to create opportunity for the state of Nebraska. A proud member of the Big Ten Conference, the Big Ten Academic Alliance, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), Nebraska is classified within the Carnegie “R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity” category. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.