Teachers College - Jobs - Job Details - Director, Office of International Students & Scholars

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Teachers College, Columbia University (TC) is seeking a Director who will lead the team responsible for immigration advising and support of international students and scholars. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Global Affairs, the Director of the Office for International Students and Scholars will be responsible for implementing and overseeing all related services and support which includes but is not limited to planning, collaborating, and coordinating activities within the office’s overall scope. The Director will also be responsible for interpreting, establishing and disseminating institutional policies and procedures in accordance with federal regulations, serving as the College’s expert on policies relating to F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, and supporting the College’s ongoing development of international student pathways and engagement.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership, Compliance and Reporting (35%)

• Lead all aspects of the office and establish long-term and short-term goals for ensuring success.
• Serve as the F-1 Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and J-1 Responsible Officer (RO) as the point of contact for federal agencies including the Department of State (DoS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
• Provide oversight of the issuance, review and processing of Form I-20/DS-2019 for international students and scholars in F and J status
• Oversee matters pertaining to immigration compliance including the tracking, maintaining, and reporting of student and exchange visitor records within the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of F and J visa holder information as required by SEVIS
• Ensure the College is in compliance with all federal immigration rules and regulations
• Function as the key immigration expert for the College in the interpretation of immigration policies and guidelines related to international students and scholars
• Lead the development and review of internal policies for international students and scholars, and ensure regular and clear communication between academic departments and OISS
• Act as the point person for all matters related to international student services and advising, including but not limited to serving as the emergency on-call for international student and scholar issues
• Advise College Administration and Leadership on institutional F-1/J-1 compliance issues
• Stay current on immigration regulation changes and ensures stakeholders are informed of changes in order to provide accurate and consistent information
• Develop and complete annual reports for DHS, DoS, SEVP, and other government agencies
• Complete annual Open Doors Report
• Ensure accurate communication and information on US government policies and TC procedures to students, faculty, and staff

Programming, Collaboration and Support Services (25%)

• Coordinate with leadership and key TC offices on strategic initiatives involving international students and scholars
• Develop strategies for supporting international students, design relevant programming, and ensure culturally-sensitive engagement.
• Collaborate across various administrative offices to ensure seamless onboarding of international students
• Coordinate assessment protocols to determine quality of programming and social media to promote international student success and engagement
• Collaborate with the Office of Global Engagement leadership to facilitate study abroad and international student exchange programs, and to support visiting delegations.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management and other stakeholders on international enrollment goals and strategies.
• Oversee and expand international student orientation and other student and scholar programming
• Consult regularly with the Departments of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, and academic program departments to support international student exchange and experience
• Advocate for the needs of international students and scholars in partnership with faculty and staff
• Offer and facilitate workshops and training sessions for academic departments on matters related to international students and scholars
• Engage extensively with academic departments, faculty, and administrative offices to help resolve student and scholar issues and promote student success
• Represent office to serve on College-wide committees
• Manage crisis and emergency situations involving international students and scholars collaborating closely with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Residential Services and other stakeholders

Supervision, Budgeting, and Office Oversight (35%)

• Supervise the daily operations of the office
• Oversee and manage departmental operating budgets, monitor expenses, and establish budget priorities consistent with goals of the department
• Oversee administrative management and day-to-day operations of the office
• Supervise professional team of international advisors responsible for advisement of 1,500+ international students
• Train, mentor and support staff to ensure institutional compliance
• Develop office goals in alignment with the mission of Teachers College and the Division of Academic Planning and Global Affairs to ensure that OISS meets divisional and operational needs
• Manage and strengthen OISS policies and procedures
• Manage guidelines, policies, deadlines, and forms regarding International Student Presentation Funding
• Provide guidance on high and complex level issues regarding student cases, student experience, and programming

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree or equivalent in relevant field
• Six (6) years related experience in administration of international student/scholar programs
• Thorough knowledge of Department of Homeland Security and US Department of State regulations and procedures related to international students and scholars
• Supervisory experience including professional and student staff
• Experience developing and interpreting policies and procedures related to international students and scholars
• Experience supervising and mentoring staff in related field
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and aptitude to learn new technology
• Excellent cross-cultural communication, interpersonal, customer service and presentation skills are essential to interact effectively with diverse internal and external professional groups
• Highly organized and detail oriented; ability to problem solve and to handle multiple responsibilities in a busy student support office
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, customer service commitment and flexibility
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with diverse individuals and groups in a team environment
• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities
• Maintain active membership in appropriate professional organizations such as NAFSA and participate in professional development opportunities
• Ability to use discretion in handling confidential matters
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident in order to serve as a DSO/ARO as required by U.S. federal law

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in relevant field
• Eight (8)+ years of related experience in administration of international student/scholar programs
• Working knowledge of Sunapsis, Banner and database management; desktop publishing and/or website experience
• Substantial experience living or working abroad

Salary Range: $113,600 - $130,000

Work Modality: Hybrid