Search for University Jobs in Staff & Non-Managerial Professionals

Overview

The International Center provides immigration services and intercultural programming to nearly 2,000 international students and 300 international scholars and employees.  The Center staff ensure that students, scholars, and employees are issued appropriate visa documentation and maintain valid immigration status while studying, visiting, or working at Tufts.  Additionally, the staff works to ensure that members of the Tufts international community have personally and professional rewarding experiences while at the University. The Center also supports the University’s ongoing efforts to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion for all members of the Tufts community.

What You'll Do

The Senior International Student and Scholar Advisor is responsible for advising international students and scholars in F-1 and J-1status and appropriately assisting dependents in F-2 or J-2 status. Utilizes University and federal government systems (e.g., Terra Dotta, SIS, SEVIS) to ensure timely and appropriate immigration record creation, maintenance, and updating. Liaises with one or more schools to manage visa processes and complex advising cases. Works with other Center or University staff to improve policies and procedures affecting international students and scholars. Remains current on immigration related regulations and engage in relevant professional development activities. Develops programs and workshops for international student and scholars on varied topics such as immigration regulations, intercultural exchange, career and professional development, and other related areas.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as F-1 Designated School Official and J-1 Alternate Responsible Officer, creates and certifies visa documents for incoming and active international students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status
• Maintains appropriate records for all international students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status through the various databases including but not limited to SEVIS, Terra Dotta, Student Information System (SIS), etc.
• Advises students and scholars on an individual and group basis on issues relating to immigration status, visa requirements, and related topics affecting immigration and visa requirements
• Issues authorizations and recommendations for F-1 and J-1 employment benefits and assist in ancillary procedures such as Social Security Number applications
• In collaboration with other staff, oversees cyclical SEVIS record registrations and validations in order to ensure timely compliance with federal F-1 and J-1 reporting requirements
• Interfaces with federal agencies and units, including the SEVIS Response Center, to assist in timely management of cases affecting international student and scholar visa and related services
• Organizes and conducts immigration and visa orientation sessions
• Serves as Center liaison to one or more schools to manage routine immigration services for specific populations and to serve as primary advising and support contact on individual F-1 and J-1 visa situations and cases
• Develops and implements intercultural programs and events for specific constituencies and audiences in order to support international student and scholar success
• Identifies opportunities for promoting global engagement and supporting the University’s anti-racism and diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice efforts
• Advises F-1 and J-1 students on resources for F-2 and J-2 dependents, as appropriate
• Assists in maintaining an accurate and up-to-date International Center website
• Assists in compiling and maintaining statistics for international students and scholars for the University Fact Book and for International institute of Education Open Doors report
• Participates in writing and editing of periodic newsletters, bulletins, and announcements and assist in disseminating timely communications to different constituencies
• Trains and mentors Center advisors and staff on advising cases, procedures, and processes
• Keeps up to date on immigration regulations, policies, and guidelines
• Participates in staff meetings, retreats and campus-wide meetings
• Engages in appropriate professional and skills development

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• Master’s degree
• 2-4 years’ related experience, especially in a higher education / student services position
• U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency to serve as DSO / ARO
• Competency with web-based applications and software, and database systems such as SEVIS, along with Microsoft Office applications.  Position requires strong editing skills; flexibility and the ability to manage projects simultaneously as well as knowledge of immigration law and regulations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Foreign language experience
• Time spent living, working or studying in a foreign country