Program Specialist, Center for Global Engagement

Saint Joseph's University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia seeks a Program Specialist for the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) and ISS to support daily operations, planning, marketing, and program implementation across campuses. The role includes advising international students on immigration and non‑academic issues, processing compliance paperwork, and developing cultural and student engagement programming for ISS.

The position requires strong organizational and communication skills, experience with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent professional experience.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or with a team.
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking communication across diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple deadlines.
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity to cultural concerns.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and web-based software (Drupal).
• Experience with SEVIS and understanding immigration regulations (F, J).

Responsibilities

• Advises international students on immigration and non-academic matters.
• Plans and implements programs, orientations, events, and pre-departure activities.
• Develops promotional materials and social media content for CGE/ISS.
• Processes CGE applications, follow-ups, deposits, and pre-departure forms.
• Manages program budgets and travel expense reporting.
• Maintains records and guidelines for CGE and ISS.
• Serves as DSO for F-1 students and ARO for J-1 visitors.
• Issues I-20 and DS-2019 forms and supports CPT/OPT processing.
• Coordinates travel components of CGE courses and course equivalency sheets.
• Supports students and faculty during travel abroad.

Skills

Program coordination

Cross-cultural communication

Public speaking

Google Suite

Drupal

SEVIS knowledge

CPT/OPT processing

Education

Bachelor's degree

International education experience

Tools

Banner

Cognos

Terra Dotta

Job description

Position Title: Program Specialist

Time Type: Full time

Position Summary and Qualifications

The Program Specialist for the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) assists and supports the day-to-day operations of the CGE and the Office of International Student Services (ISS) across the University campuses. The Program Specialist is responsible for the organization, management, planning, marketing, and implementation of the CEG's portfolio; and will support the advising of international students on immigration and non-academic issues, processing compliance paperwork, and developing cultural and student engagement programming for ISS.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports advising of students on CGE options, as well as international students and exchange visitors on matters pertaining to their immigration status and any personal, social, cultural and/or academic concerns.
• Assists with and coordinates the development of programs, orientations, information sessions, events, workshops, pre-departure preparation, health and safety training, and exit interviews for both CGE and ISS.
• Develops promotional materials, social media content, and web-based information for international students, exchange visitors, and the CGE portfolio.
• Reviews and supports CGE application processing: provides follow up with incomplete applications, deposits, and pre-departure forms.
• Develops and prepares program fee budgets and reconciles travel expense reports for the CGE portfolio.
• Supports the management of records, databases, and guidelines for both CGE and ISS.
• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for student (F-1) visa holders and as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for exchange visitor (J-1) programs.
• Assists with: issuing I-20 and DS-2019 forms to newly accepted students; work permission applications (CPT/OPT), changes of status, reinstatement, and other non-academic support issues; and monitoring alerts in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Works with CGE faculty leaders to implement travel components of their courses; and with Department Chairs and Associate Deans to maintain Course Equivalency sheets.
• Provides continuing support for both students and faculty during travel abroad.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• The person who holds this position has been classified as a Campus Security Authority under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).
• Coordinate delivery of services with various university offices and departments across the University.
• Attend and contribute to OIEIE Team meetings and planning workshops.
• Represent the Center for Global Engagement and the Office of International Students at some evening/weekend events.
• Serve on university-wide and student life committees as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor(s).

Minimum Qualifications (Education/Training and Experience)

Required Basic knowledge of current professional practices and issues in international education.

Excellent problem-solving skills, and ability to work independently as well as closely with team members to achieve goals.

Effective verbal, written, interpersonal, and public speaking communication skills across settings and stakeholders, including diverse constituents both internally and externally.

Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively evaluate details.

Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Demonstrated cross-cultural awareness, intercultural skills, and sensitivity to cultural concerns.

Proficient with Google Suite and web-based software (e.g., Drupal).

Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent professional experience.

Per mandated federal regulations, must be a U.S. citizen or legal Permanent Resident.

Preferred General understanding of laws relating to equal opportunity, affirmative action, discrimination, and harassment relating to faculty, staff, and students.

Experience with SEVIS and basic knowledge of immigration regulations governing F, J and other visa statuses.

Demonstrated commitment to institutional effectiveness, inclusive excellence, and supporting the University Mission.

Experience working, living and/or studying abroad strongly preferred.

Skills in planning, organizing, and managing funds, including fiscally responsible spending, analyzing trends, and ensuring compliance.

Knowledge of Banner and Cognos preferred; and previous experience using Terra Dotta software is beneficial.

Physical Requirements & Unusual Work Hours

Ability and willingness to work occasional weekend and evening hours.

Ability to move about campus.

Pay Transparancy

The estimated pay range for this position is $50,000-$53,000. Offered salary will be commensurate with work experience and educational background.

Click here to learn more about the University's approach to pay and benefits transparency.

Notice to Out of State Applicants

Saint Joseph’s University may only consider applicants from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York (not including New York City zip codes), and Delaware (Delaware residents must regularly be present for over 50% of work time on an SJU campus). If an employee must relocate to meet these conditions, financial assistance may be available but is not guaranteed.

Saint Joseph’s University is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to recruit, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce. The University is committed to the diversity of its faculty and staff so that our students, our disciplines and our community as a whole can benefit from the multiple perspectives it offers. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. EOE Saint Joseph’s University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its programs and activities, including admission and employment, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws and regulations. To contact the Title IX Coordinator, e-mail [e-mail], visit Campion Student Center suite 243, or call 610-660-1145. To learn more about the University’s Title IX policies, the process for filing a report or formal complaint of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or other form of sexual misconduct, and the University’s response to reports and/or formal complaints, please visit www.sju.edu/titleix. Inquiries may also be directed to the Federal agency responsible for enforcing Title IX, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Applicant Information & Disclosures

Please review this article of important information pertaining (but not limited) to: Background checks, the Form I-9, Equal Opportunity Employment (EOE), and Title IX.

Pay Transparency & Benefits Overview

Read more about the university's approach to pay and benefits transparency.

Saint Joseph’s University provides a rigorous, student-centered education rooted in the liberal arts.

We prepare students for personal excellence, professional success, and engaged citizenship. Striving to be an inclusive and diverse community that educates and cares for the whole person, we encourage and model lifelong commitment to thinking critically, making ethical decisions, pursuing social justice, and finding God in all things.