Senior Program Manager

Florida State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida State University in Tallahassee seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead immigration advisory services in the Center for Global Engagement. The role oversees SEVIS-related processes, training, and compliance for F-1 students and works across academic departments to ensure policy adherence.

The position emphasizes strong communication, leadership, and the ability to manage complex immigration cases, including OPT and STEM OPT applications, with a focus on high accuracy and timely advice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with four years of experience, or a high school diploma with eight years of experience.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident required due to SEVIS database requirements.
• Master’s degree in Higher Education, International Affairs, or closely related field preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience as a DSO in a higher education institution preferred.
• Extensive experience with processing OPT and STEM OPT applications preferred.
• Experience advising students from Bachelor’s through Doctoral level preferred.
• Experience supervising staff preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills preferred.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with high accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuing F-1 advisors for difficult immigration cases and assist with resolution or transfer of cases.
• Handle SEVP Requests for Evidence (RFE) for OPT or STEM OPT extensions and coordinate with SEVP until approved.
• Provide initial and ongoing training to all continuing F-1 Advisors and serve as senior lead in the Center for Global Engagement team.
• Communicate with CGE Director and act as contact for new and ongoing international students and J-1 program areas.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma

Master's degree

Job description

Job Title: Senior Program Manager

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 63283

Department The Center for Global Engagement

Responsibilities

• Serves as lead for continuing F-1 advisors for difficult immigration cases and assist with resolution or take over the cases. Handle all SEVP Request For Evidence (RFE) coming into ISSS when students apply for OPT or STEM OPT extension and more documentation is needed. Work with students to gather evidence and write up and submit to SEVP --monitor until applications approved. Provide initial and ongoing training to all continuing F-1 Advisors. Serve as lead for ISSS in absence of the Associate Director, as well as Program Director, Data and Compliance to ensure that federally mandated reporting continues in absence of one or both. In absence of Associate Director, serve as second in command and serve as initial point of contact for all continuing, as well as new students and J-1 program areas. Communicate with CGE Director as needed.
• Serve as immigration advisor to international students in F status and use SEVIS database and third party data management software, Sunapsis, to process transfers, assist with reinstatements, approval for OPT an STEM OPT extensions, CPT approvals, reduced course load requests. Monitor student enrollment and employment, last semester enrollment and graduation application, and ensure students remain in compliance with immigration regulations and communicate with those not in compliance with options and deadlines before terminating their status. Engage in extensive communication with students and hold advising hours daily for two hours and by appointment as needed.
• Serve as key point of contact for academic departments, admissions and records, Student Business services and DSA departments providing non-academic support for students to assist and support for students to try and resolve non-immigration issues. Keep CGE Director informed of non-immigration issues and outcomes. Identify key information needing to go out to international students on a regular basis to keep them informed on immigration or FSU policy changes. Develop additional methods of communicating with students to ensure messaging is received in various formats.
• Serve on the senior leadership team in the CGE and identify ways to strengthen ISSS and provide better communication and services to students and academic departments. Attend major DSA and CGE events and serve on committees as needed.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree and four years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and eight years of experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to eight years.)
• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident due to federal SEVIS database requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, International Affairs, or closely related field.
• At least 5 years of experience as a DSO in a higher education institution.
• Extensive experience with processing OPT and STEM OPT applications.
• Experience providing immigration advising to Bachelor’s through Doctoral level.
• Experience supervising part-time or full-time staff.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while ensuring a high level of accuracy.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

Anticipated Salary Range

Starting in the high $50,000’s to low $60,000’s, commensurate with education and experience.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.