Senior Student Advisor, Global Fairfield

Uniglobaltechnologies; Fairfield, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT is seeking a knowledgeable Academic Affairs & Student Life professional to support study abroad programs and international student services. The role involves advising students on approved programs, visa support processes, and coordinating communications with parents, faculty, and staff.

The position requires a Master’s degree and 5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education study abroad or international student services, with DSO/ARO

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• 5 years’ experience in higher education with study abroad and/or international student services.
• Experience as DSO/ARO and US citizenship or lawful permanent residency for professional practice.

Responsibilities

• Advise students about approved study abroad programs and communicate information to partners, students and parents.
• Support students through the study abroad cycle from inquiry to re-entry with regular communication.
• Review applications for compliance with study abroad admissions criteria.
• Communicate deadlines and requirements to students, parents and university staff.

Skills

DSO/ARO

Multicultural competencies

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s Degree in related field

Tools

Terra Dotta

Student Information systems

Job description

United States — International Student Market

1.2M inbound students (2025) +3%

1. India 363K

2. China 266K

3. South Korea 42K

4. Canada 30K

5. Vietnam 26K

9 international branch campuses in United States

Job Description: Academic Affairs & Student Life Department: Global Fairfield Primary Work Location: Fairfield CT Direct Supervisor: Director – Fairfield Office Basic Function: Under the supervision of the AVP Global Strategy, this positions provides support for study abroad programs and international student services. This position advises students about approved study abroad programs, processes information and updates for international student visa support, and works with the Global Fairfield team to communicate appropriate information to students, parents, faculty and staff on internal procedures related to the development and implementation of application, admissions and communications procedures. S/he will represent the university through campus visits, study abroad fairs, regional NAFSA meetings and other relevant events. This position may also advise non-Fairfield students for select programs. Unusual Work Conditions: Evenings and/or weekends to participate on campus events and occasional national business travel. Education, Certification, License, and Experience Requirements: EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in related field or related equivalent experience. EXPERIENCE: 5 years’ experience with increasing responsibilities in Higher Education field of study abroad and/or international student services. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL NEEDED:

• Previous experience serving as DSO/ARO; US citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is required for professional practice as a Designated School Official.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures to improve processes and/or services.
• Demonstrated multicultural competencies; successful experience working with international populations.
• Knowledge of Terra Dotta software and Student Information systems
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Effective verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to multitask and perform duties in a busy, fast-pace environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.

Essential Functions

Study Abroad Advising

1. Advises students about approved study abroad programs, and communicates appropriate information to partners, students and parents.
2. Supports students through the study abroad cycle from inquiry to re-entry through regular and systematic communication using electronic, face-to-face and small group format.
3. Reviews applications for compliance with Fairfield and Partner University’s study abroad admissions criteria.
4. Communicates effectively with students, parents and Fairfield University faculty, staff and administrators about important deadlines, requirements and other relevant information regarding the study abroad experience.
5. Participates in promotional visits to dormitories, classrooms, and student clubs and collaborates on the planning and implementation of the Accepted Students Day, Study Abroad Fair, First Friday, Majors/Minors Fair, etc.
6. Monitors and conducts follow up on compliance with study abroad travel log.

International Student Advising

1. Advises international students in F-1 and J-1 status on a wide range of immigration related matters and other support issues including employment documents and processes, and travel requirements.
2. Maintains visa records and updates visa support systems.
3. Performs assigned DSO/ARO support functions. Interprets complex federal immigration regulations and researches responses before providing advice to students and administration on complex situations affecting enrollment, employment, travel, family and personal issues. These include regulations established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of State (DOS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the Social Security Administration (SSA) Develops and Maintains Procedures for assigned portfolio Collaborates closely with co-workers on this process including attending regular Procedures meetings, ensuring individual deadlines are met, and accomplishing assigned outcomes. Represent Fairfield University at study abroad fairs, NAFSA regional conferences and other external study abroad related events.

Work Schedule: 12-month role Employee Type :Exempt Applicable to all positions: Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. With campuses located in Fairfield, CT Bridgeport, CT, and Austin, TX, we strive to create a workforce that is rich in skill, knowledge, and pride in our work. Members of the Fairfield University community exhibit mutual respect, compassion, and inclusivity, aspiring to be a welcoming environment representative of an ever-changing and diverse global populace. As our University rises in national prominence, we are committed to fostering a healthy workplace and lifestyle for our employees. At Fairfield, the future is filled with opportunities as limitless as your potential, and they all begin with you.