Kent State University Looking for Assistant Director, International Scholar, Graduate International Student, and Data Management Full Time

Position Number: 999762

Home Org/Dept: OGE Int’l Student & Scholar Svcs – Kent Campus [101038]

Location: Kent Campus – Kent, OH

Work Type: Staff/Unclassified

Physical Location:  Kent Campus – Kent, OH

Salary:  $49,705 – $66,150

Basic Function:

Ensure compliance with federal regulations governing the enrollment of international students and scholars. Provide advising, counseling and administrative services to international students, scholars, and dependents. Coordinate and assist in the planning and management of international student and scholar services (ISSS) programs and services for the Office of Global Education (OGE). Reports to Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services or designated supervisor.

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable: 

Assist in setting goals, planning, organizing, recommending, and evaluating ISSS services programs and services; to include preparation of various reports, proposals and other written documents to support the formative evaluation and assessment of programs; prepare and maintain mandatory program documents and records.

Assist with coordinating new and existing strategic ISSS initiatives, including workshops, student and scholar programming, data management, etc.

Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of F-1 and J-1 visa regulations and stay current in the field; maintain a professional presence and participate as needed in meetings and conferences in the field.

Provide advising, counseling and administrative services to international students, scholars, and dependents (including, but not limited to, health insurance, nonimmigrant status, employment authorization, social security and taxation, cross-cultural, financial, academic and personal issues). Maintain student files, records and data in accordance with federal, state and university regulations.

Monitor and stay current on applicable ISSS topics including, but not limited to, regulatory updates, Department of Homeland Security and Department of State guidance, student and scholar visa regulations and student programming best practices.

Perform required functions of a Designated School Official and an Alternate Responsible Officer in accordance with Department of Homeland Security and department of State regulations including 8CFR214.2(f), 8CFR214.2(j), 8CFR214.3, 8CFR 274a, and 22 CFR Chapter I Subchapter G Part 62. May serve as RO or PDSO as assigned.

Provide direct supervision to unclassified and classified staff and/or student, graduate assistant, and temporary employees as assigned.

Attend meetings and functions on Associate Director’s behalf as needed, on- and off-campus.

Serve on department, division, and university committees.

Perform related duties as assigned.

For International Scholar, Graduate International Student, and Data Management Duties:

Serve as the Responsible Officer (RO) for the J-1 exchange visitor program.

Serve as primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders for the J-1 exchange visitor program.

Manage the J-1 exchange visitor program including the approval process and the development of individual programs and management of all scholar and student processes related to this program.

Manage campus engagement efforts to identify and address graduate international student issues and concerns by expanding/enhancing campus-wide support structures, utilizing channels of communication, and creating new initiatives and stakeholders.

Assist in the implementation and management of technological systems and databases for the unit such as the Terra Dotta, Qualtrics, etc.

Coordinate data management and reporting for ISSS including, but not limited to: Open Doors, 15th Day, Banner, Terra Dotta.

For International Student Engagement and Undergraduate Student Coordinator Duties:

Plan and coordinate all international student activities; including but not limited to orientation, internationally-focused workshops and events, and campus and community training and outreach.

Manage retention and persistence programs for international students to include learning outcomes and assessments.

Manage the International Student Activity Fee budget.

Manage campus engagement efforts to identify and address undergraduate international student issues and concerns by expanding/enhancing campus-wide support structures, utilizing channels of communication, and creating new initiatives and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree and three years’ experience working in international education, to include serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) or Bachelor’s degree and five years’ experience working in international education, to include serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)

Must possess general familiarity with best practices pertaining to international student and scholar services.

Must be able to work nontraditional hours, including evenings and weekends.

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

License/Certification:

Knowledge Of:

College/university administrative policies/procedures/infrastructure; academic affairs, including the roles of colleges, schools, departments, etc.; standard curriculum policies; international education systems *
Desktop software (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite) and web-based systems *
Best practices pertaining to international student and scholar advising, international student and scholar visa regulations, yield, orientation and retention activities
Risk management related to department sponsored field trips, excursions, and events *

Skill In:

Orientation and event program development *
Written, verbal and interpersonal communication across a variety of cultures *
Student advising and counseling *
Organizing information and projects; adhering to deadlines *
Work independently and effectively in collaborative groups *
Project management *

Ability To:

Work collaboratively with university departments and academic units; work with constituents from diverse cultural backgrounds; manage volunteers; work with student and community organizations *
Provide leadership and direction *
Organize and prioritize work with a high degree of initiative and independence *
Analyze and perform in-depth research on complex issues pertaining to international students and scholars *
Facilitate with proven creativity and problem solving abilities *
Possess considerable attention to detail and a high level of quality control *
Maintain a high customer focus with contacts *
Assimilate and maintain confidential data *
Work nontraditional hours, including evenings and weekends
Multi-task while managing multiple projects and assignments to meet deadlines within budget *
Relate to international visitors according to their culture *
Work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Formal training by Association of International Educators (NAFSA) or comparable training.

Foreign study abroad or comparable international experience.

Experience with International Student and Scholar Management software (e.g. Ellucian ISSM, sunapsis, or TDS ISSS)

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Light work-Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Incumbent must be able to communicate with others. Incumbent will be required to travel from building to building frequently and off campus occasionally.

Additional Information:
 Telephone interviews for selected candidates will be conducted between job opening and closing date; in-person interviews will then be scheduled for the week of June 20 and June 27.