International Student Scholar Advisor

Drexel University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Drexel University is seeking an International Student and Scholar Advisor to support non-immigration status processes for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. The role advises, collaborates with campus partners, and manages electronic records for immigration casework.

It also contributes to ISSS programming and orientation materials. Reporting to an Associate Director, you will educate students on CPT/OPT, assist with travel, and advocate for international communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in higher and/or international education.
• Experience working with international students.
• Basic knowledge of F-1 and J-1 regulations.
• Basic working knowledge of SEVIS.
• Knowledge of FERPA implications on advising.
• Ability to analyze complex immigration issues.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 program and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for J-1.
• Maintain advising caseload as determined by an Associate Director.
• Advise departments and campus partners on visa and immigration matters.
• Collaborate with departments to provide services to international students.
• Prepare, process, and maintain electronic records for immigration casework (F-1/J-1).
• Educate and advise F-1 and J-1 students on CPT, OPT, Academic Training, travel and related topics.
• Advise international scholars on immigration matters and referrals as needed.
• Contribute to ISSS programming and orientation materials.
• Participate in Enrollment Management and Student Success initiatives.
• Support orientation programs and pre-arrival information for new students.
• Support ISSS strategy and operations with the Executive Director.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Deadline management

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's Degree in Global Studies or related field

Tools

SEVIS

Ellucian ISSM

Banner

Ellucian products

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting to an Associate Director, the International Student and Scholar Advisor will advise international students and scholars and accompany dependents on obtaining and maintaining non-immigration status in the United States (U.S.) while serving as a resource to academic departments and other relevant campus partners. This position will handle electronic records and documents in support of immigration casework related to F-1 and J-1 students, J-1 scholars, and other relevant immigration categories. This position will contribute to ISSS programming efforts, including the coordination of programs and workshops.

This is a Hybrid position, working primarily on-campus.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 student program and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
• Maintain advising caseload as determined by an Associate Director.
• Serve as the resource on visa and immigration matters to academic departments and other relevant campus partners.
• Collaborate with academic departments and administrative units to provide exceptional services to international students.
• Prepare, process, and maintain electronic records and documents in support of immigration casework related to F-1 and J-1 students, J-1 scholars, and other relevant immigration categories.
• Educate and advise F-1 and J-1 students on immigration matters, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), Academic Training, international travel, personal, academic, and other related topics.
• Advise international scholars on immigration and other relevant matters.
• Advise or provide appropriate referrals to international students for career, personal, academic, and other related issues.
• Contribute to ISSS programming efforts including the coordination of programs and immigration workshops.
• Contribute to orientation programs and pre-arrival information for new international students.
• Serve as a valuable member of the ISSS team and support the Executive Director in development, implementation, and assessment of ISSS strategy and operations with the goal of continual enhancement of service delivery.
• Serve as an advocate and liaison for international students and scholars to internal and external constituencies.
• Maintain active membership in appropriate professional organizations such as NAFSA: Association of International Educators and participate in professional development opportunities; Adhere to NAFSA's Statement of Ethical Principles.
• Participate in Enrollment Management & Student Success programs and activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support Drexel's international students and scholars (e.g., English Language Center (ELC) liaison, Communication/Marketing/Programming Coordinator, and SEVIS Coordination).

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 2 years experience working in higher and/or international education.
• Experience working with international students.
• Basic knowledge and expertise in F-1 and J-1 regulations.
• Basic working knowledge of Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Knowledge of Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) implications on advising.
• Ability to analyze, or willingness to learn to analyze, complex immigration issues.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, organizational, analytical and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Ability to identify priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build and sustain excellent relationships with campus partners on behalf of ISSS.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and to remain actively informed of ever-changing immigration policies that impact ISSS constituents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Due to U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations, must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Global Studies or related field.
• Experience using Ellucian International Student and Scholar Management (ISSM).
• Experience living and/or working abroad.
• Proficiency in university databases/software, including working knowledge of Banner and Ellucian products.
• Ability to work seldom evenings/weekends to support Enrollment Management and Student Success events.

Location

• Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt, grade I. Compensation for this grade ranges from $45,330 - $68,000 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.