"Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services"

Job Description

Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services Primary Purpose: The Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services plays a pivotal role in ensuring that international students and scholars receive the necessary support to navigate their academic journey while maintaining compliance with immigration regulations. This position oversees day-to-day international student and scholar services, with a primary focus on F-1 visa compliance and regulatory adherence for a diverse population of 600+ international students and scholars. In this role, the Associate Director works closely with university departments to streamline administrative processes and improve institutional support services. They play a key role in coordinating immigration advising, student outreach, and compliance efforts to ensure that students are well informed and supported throughout their time at Pacific. Additionally, the Assistant Director serves as a resource for faculty and staff on immigration-related matters and contributes to the university's broader efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students. Essential Functions:

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO), ensuring institutional compliance with SEVIS requirements and federal regulations for F-1/J-1 visa programs while providing guidance to students on maintaining legal status.
• Oversee International Student and Scholar Advisors, optimizing front desk operations, service delivery, and student support initiatives.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to streamline processes and enhance international student services from admission through graduation.
• Ensure data integrity and compliance by managing student information and immigration databases, including Banner, ISSM, and SEVIS, and generating custom reports to improve interdepartmental coordination.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements across university departments to enhance services for international students.
• Interpret and communicate federal immigration policies, offering guidance to faculty, staff, and students on visa-related matters.
• Develop and lead programming for international students on topics such as maintaining F-1 status, employment authorization, and immigration compliance.
• Strengthen communication and workflow between Pacific Global and other university offices to enhance the international student experience.
• Establish and maintain systems for tracking student interactions and monitoring service effectiveness across university departments.
• Manage departmental budget and supervise staff, ensuring optimal resource allocation and staff development.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff. Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) to qualify as a DSO under federal regulations.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in international student services, immigration advising, or a related field in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of SEVIS regulations, F-1 and J-1 visa policies, and U.S. immigration law affecting international students and scholars.
• Experience with student information and immigration databases (e.g., Banner, ISSM, SEVIS).
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex federal policies regarding nonimmigrant visas.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills with a commitment to student-centered service.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and develop interdepartmental strategies for international student success.
• Experience designing and implementing international student programming and compliance workshops.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, supervise staff, and allocate resources effectively.
• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires extended periods of sitting and repetitive hand/wrist motion while using a computer keyboard and phone. Occasional standing, walking across campus, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, and reaching. Occasional lifting, up to 25 pounds. Work Environment/Work Week/Travel: Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment. Work is conducted during standard business hours, with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities. Some travel may be required. Hiring Range: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year depending on experience level. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations. Background Check Statement: All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening. AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years. University of the Pacific is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity. In compliance with applicable law and its own policy, Pacific is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff and does not discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability.