"Assistant Dean of Global Education for International Students"

Position Purpose

The Assistant Dean of Global Education for International Students is responsible for coordinating the comprehensive range of services, programs, and resources designed to facilitate international student success from pre-arrival through graduation and beyond.

Job Duties

Immigration Compliance & Regulatory Advising:

• Serve as an active DSO and collaborate with the PDSO frequently in order to provide expert advising for student visa holders; including approvals and recommendation of student benefits.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date international student records in SEVIS and in an internal database system managed by the PDSO.
• Develop a resource list and connect with community partners, in order to refer students to appropriate immigration services as appropriate.
• Provide and collaborate on resources for tax filing (with Sprintax), CPT/OPT workshops, maintaining status, and other relevant regulatory topics.
• Advise on university policies that impact international students.

Advising and Support:

• Provide expert advising and support to international students on a wide range of issues, including academics, cultural adjustment, personal well-being, financial concerns, and career development.
• Oversee crisis intervention and serve as a point of contact for international students experiencing emergencies or significant challenges; represent the Center for Global Education on the Bates Care Collaborative.
• Coordinate resources and systems to assist students with planning for arrival and departure travel and planning for academic breaks.
• Coordinate efforts to ensure compliance with on-campus employment, including obtaining social security numbers.
• Serve as an assigned support advisor for all visa holding international students.
• Support international students as they apply for visas for international travel to other countries, specifically for off-campus Short Term courses.
• Provide support for immigration status vulnerable students.

Program Development & Implementation:

• Design, implement, and evaluate orientation programs for new international students, ensuring a smooth transition to the university and the U.S.; with collaboration from Campus Life.
• Develop and manage a calendar of programs that foster cross-cultural understanding, cultural celebrations, exploration of Maine, and leadership development among international students.
• Create a regular communication method of sharing relevant immigration information and news with international students.
• Collaborate on a programming model for summer academic breaks for students remaining on campus with campus partners.
• Initiate and manage initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for international students within the campus community.

Advocacy and Outreach:

• Advocate for the needs and interests of international students within the college structure.
• Collaborate with the Admissions Office on international student recruitment efforts and pre-arrival communications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with international students, faculty, staff, and relevant external organizations.
• Represent the university at regional, national, and international conferences and professional organizations related to international education.
• Advise campus departments to ensure seamless support services for international students.

Administration:

• Represent the Center for Global Education at various institutional events, committees, and programs.
• Assist other CGE staff in working with an existing student leader program; including providing training.
• Providing training opportunities for staff and faculty related to international student life.
• With the Director, manage the budget allocated for international student programs and services.
• Develop and analyze data related to international student demographics, retention, and success to inform program improvements. Partner with Institutional Research on a regular international student needs assessment.
• Prepare an annual report and occasional presentations for university leadership on international student affairs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, International Education, Counseling, or a related field, preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in international student services, immigration advising, or a related field within a higher education setting; as a DSO or PDSO.

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. immigration regulations (F-1) and SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
• Excellent cross-cultural communication, interpersonal, and advising skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of international student life at an undergraduate institution.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by international students.

Benefits

Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke-free workplace.