International Student Success Advisor (ISSA)

Westcliff University; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Westcliff University seeks an International Student Success Advisor (ISSA) to guide international students from enrollment through graduation. The ISSA blends academic advising, immigration guidance, and student engagement to promote persistence and cultural adjustment in a hybrid work environment.

This role requires knowledge of F-1 regulations, strong communication, and ability to collaborate across campus to ensure compliance and student success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
• Experience advising international students strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of SEVIS or F-1 compliance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic advising to international students from enrollment through graduation.
• Explain academic progress, university policies, and immigration requirements.
• Monitor student progress and identify at-risk students for outreach.
• Coordinate with DSOs and other offices to maintain SEVIS compliance where needed.
• Support cultural adjustment, health insurance, time management, and financial literacy.
• Lead or assist workshops and orientations on status maintenance and success strategies.
• Collaborate with faculty, Registrar, and Student Affairs to align academic progress with immigration requirements.
• Participate in student engagement events to foster community belonging.

Skills

F-1 regulations

Cross-cultural communication

Student advising

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CRM platforms

Student information systems

Google Workspace

Job description

International Student Success Advisor (ISSA)

Description

What if I told you it is possible to find a Company that lived to educate, inspire and empower others while creating a family atmosphere that truly appreciates and respects their team? Would you apply? What if I threw in strong Company values, outstanding benefits, and the opportunity for you to make a tangible impact and feel appreciated?

See below for a feel of what the Company culture is (REALLY) like. Hint: it's amazing.

At Westcliff, we are constantly striving to be the best while valuing each of our team members as human beings and succeeding together!

Westcliff is a leader in innovative global education. We are respected for our transformative, technologically advanced programs and initiatives with a focus on excellence, and social responsibility. Our tagline - “Educate. Inspire, Empower.” - is a summary of our Mission Statement. As it suggests, the main focus of our University is to strive to enhance the opportunities of our students and employees to enjoy success through empowerment, as a result of their education and hard work.

By joining the Westcliff team, you’ll be playing a significant role in our growth, having an opportunity to put your personal touch on Westcliff’s progress as we grow and succeed together!

Position Title: International Student Success Advisor (ISSA) Location: Hybrid

Job Summary

The International Student Success Advisor (ISSA) serves as a dedicated guide and advocate for international students, providing holistic support from enrollment through graduation. Under the direction of the Director of International Affairs and Director of Student Affairs, the ISSA blends academic advising, immigration guidance, and student engagement to promote academic persistence, cultural adjustment, and long-term success. While not directly responsible for SEVIS record processing, the ISSA maintains a strong working knowledge of F-1 regulations to help students understand and meet their compliance responsibilities while completing all degree requirements and staying on track to graduation. This role proactively identifies students who need additional outreach, connects them to appropriate resources, and collaborates across departments to improve retention and create a seamless student experience that reflects Westcliff University’s mission to educate, inspire, and empower a global community.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, timely, and compassionate guidance to international students regarding academic progress, university policy, and general immigration regulations related to maintaining F-1 status.
• Conduct individualized advising sessions to review course registration, academic goals, and degree progress, integrating cultural and personal well-being discussions as part of a holistic approach.
• Monitor student activity and academic performance to identify at-risk students and intervene early through personalized outreach and success plans.
• Support students in understanding work authorization benefits and procedures (CPT, OPT, STEM OPT) and connect them to official Designated School Officials (DSOs) for SEVIS updates when required.
• Assist students with challenges related to cultural adjustment, health insurance, time management, and financial literacy; connect them with internal and community resources.
• Conduct withdrawal and re-entry counseling to retain students and support their successful re-engagement when possible.
• Collaborate with faculty, Student Affairs, and the Registrar’s Office to ensure alignment between academic progress and immigration requirements.
• Lead or support group sessions, workshops, and orientations focused on maintaining status, cultural transition, and academic success strategies.
• Participate in and occasionally lead student engagement initiatives, cultural programs, and networking events to strengthen community and belonging.
• Contribute to a shared repository of advising tools, success plans, and referral resources that promote consistent and student-centered service.
• Support departmental projects and data collection initiatives related to student retention, engagement, and outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional success.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Strong understanding of U.S. F-1 student visa regulations, including knowledge of SEVIS processes (direct SEVIS access not required).
• Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive student cases with discretion, empathy, and professionalism.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Forms).
• Commitment to fostering student belonging, retention, and overall success in a diverse, global university environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and external partners. Experience using student information systems or CRM platforms preferred.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends for events or time zone needs. Ability to lift/carry loads between 25-50 lbs occasionally.
• Some travel between campuses may be required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, International Relations, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in student advising, international student support, or related higher education field.
• Prior experience advising international students strongly preferred.
• Previous exposure to SEVIS or F-1 compliance processes preferred.
• Study abroad or international living experience highly valued.
• Experience in intercultural communication, academic counseling, or student engagement preferred.

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Job requirements may be adjusted to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis unless otherwise specified by written agreement.