Senior International Student & Scholar Advisor

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off/Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

NC State University’s Office of International Services seeks a Senior International Student and Scholar Advisor to provide immigration guidance, manage a substantial caseload, and mentor colleagues. The role involves supervising graduate assistants or advisors, leading process improvements, and delivering campus training on regulatory changes.

You will serve as a liaison for colleges, communicate policies, and participate in rotating drop-in advising sessions, contributing to retention and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in International Studies, Higher Education and Student Affairs, Counseling, Social Work, Foreign Language, Communications, or related field.
• All degrees must be from an accredited institution.
• At least five years of experience as an international student or scholar advisor or five years of equivalent academic advising experience.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and advise on F-1 and J-1 regulations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, and ability to multi-task in a busy environment.
• Experience/train new advisors on immigration regulations and processing procedures.
• Experience with Google Apps or Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage complex advising and immigration processes for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars.
• Process and issue visa documents; manage program extensions, changes in academic level or curriculum, transfers, amendments, and related matters.
• Monitor federal immigration regulations and procedural changes from USCIS, SEVP, ICE, DOS, and others.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert and lead trainer for faculty, advisors, and university partners on international student and scholar processes.
• Lead process improvements and delivery of campus training.
• Serve as OIS liaison for assigned colleges and their students, scholars, interns, faculty, and staff.
• Communicate immigration policies and procedures to students and campus partners.

Skills

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Training/supervision

Office suite experience

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Sunapsis

Terra Dotta

ISSM

WordPress

Job description

About the Department

The Office of International Services at NC State facilitates the University’s global mission in education, research, and community engagement by providing effective educational programs, advising, immigration processing, research, and employment support, cross-cultural experiences, and community extension activities. Our programs and services enable the international student and scholar community, faculty and students, and the broader community around us to achieve inter-cultural success and excellence on and off campus.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

As a Senior International Student and Scholar Advisor, you will provide immigration advice and support to international students and scholars while helping advance the Office of International Services (OIS) policies, processes, and programs. In addition to managing a substantial caseload, you will mentor colleagues, possibly supervise a graduate assistant or International Student and Scholar Advisor, lead process improvements, deliver campus training, and support the implementation of regulatory changes.

Key Responsibilities

International Student and Scholar Advising

• Independently manage complex advising and immigration processes for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars, including sponsored students, exchange participants, Intensive English Program students, J-1 Student Interns, 3+2 programs, and other nontraditional populations.
• Process and issue visa documents; manage program extensions, changes in academic level or curriculum, transfers, amendments, employment benefits, dependent documentation, travel, changes of status, reinstatements, and related immigration matters.
• Monitor federal immigration regulations and procedural changes from USCIS, SEVP, ICE, the Department of State, and other relevant agencies.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert and lead trainer for faculty, advisors, and university partners on international student and scholar processes. Support staff onboarding and professional development.
• Serve as the OIS liaison for assigned colleges and their students, scholars, interns, faculty, and staff.
• Communicate immigration policies and procedures to students, advising colleagues, and campus partners.
• Participate in rotating weekly drop‑in advising and scholar check‑in services.

Process Improvement and Training Leadership

• Own and maintain key OIS processes, including Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), initial scholar requests, and admissions liaison procedures.
• Coordinate process communications and outreach, update OIS website content and training resources, and maintain the internal OIS Advisor Manual.
• Lead recurring projects and programs that strengthen international student and scholar retention and success.
• Develop and deliver training for OIS colleagues and university faculty and staff, communicating policy updates and promoting effective support for international students and scholars.

You will also

• Contribute to OIS staff meetings, policy discussions, case reviews, professional development activities, workshops, and university committees.
• Maintain accurate and current OIS policies, procedures, and related website content.
• Pursue ongoing professional and regulatory training through NAFSA, NCAIE, and other relevant professional organizations.
• Assist with front desk coverage, phone calls, and the OIS inbox as needed.
• Support additional projects and initiatives as assigned.

Join the Office of International Services at NC State University and play a key role in supporting the success of international students and scholars. This position offers the opportunity to apply your immigration expertise, mentor colleagues, strengthen university partnerships, and lead process improvements that enhance service delivery and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in International Studies, Higher Education and Student Affairs, Counseling, Social Work, Foreign Language, Communications, or related field. All degrees must be from an accredited institution.
• At least five years of experience as an international student or scholar advisor or five years of equivalent academic advising experience

Other Required Qualifications

• Prior ARO/DSO experience with larger advising loads (300+ assigned advisees)
• Ability to interpret, apply, and advise on F-1 and J-1 regulations
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, and able to multi-task with accuracy and efficiency in a busy, time-sensitive environment with multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
• Must be able to train and potentially supervise new advisors on immigration regulations and processing procedures.
• Experience with Google Apps or Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be able to work independently and on a team with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a third-party software system for SEVIS reporting such as Sunapsis, Terra Dotta, ISSM, etc strongly preferred.
• Expertise with WordPress.
• Prior experience living or studying abroad.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• Due to federal regulations concerning approval to access the SEVIS system, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident.

Valid NC Driver's License required

No

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail]. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.