Associate Director of International Student Services

Job Summary/Basic Function

About the position:
The Associate Director of International Student Services, reporting to the Assistant Vice President for International Programs & Global Engagement, oversees F and J visa programs, serves as DSO/ARO, manages international student and scholar databases, and leads programming to foster retention and completion at Millersville University. This role directs services including orientation, advising, and events for international students and scholars, provides guidance on immigration and academics, supports J visa admissions and the International Visiting Scholar Program, and helps manage the English Language Institute. Additional responsibilities include grant writing, supporting Fulbright and alumni initiatives, building external partnerships, recruiting and supervising student employees, planning events, budgeting, and representing the office at meetings, while collaborating with campus and community stakeholders to promote international student success and recommend improvements to programs and services. This position is dependent on year-by-year funding.

Department:

International Programs and Services

Nature of Position:

Permanent, Full-time

Annual Salary:

$60,753.00

Duties and Responsibilities:

International Student & Scholar Program Coordination

• Assist in development and day-to-day operation of MU’s F and J visa programs. Serve as an authorized U.S. Department of Homeland Security Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). Serve as primary administrator of international student and scholar database. Monitor regulatory updates affecting F and J visa categories.
• Lead the overall strategy and development of programming and services to enhance student retention and completion through the international student journey model, including International Student Orientation, academic and cultural advising sessions and workshops, and other student programming and events throughout the year.
• Provide immigration and cultural advising to international students and scholars, including CPT/OPT/AT, travel, extension of stay, change of status, academic activities, personal and cultural adjustment issues and other related matters.
• Assist in the management of the admissions processing, course registration, immigration and program advising for all J visa students.
• Assist in the management of the International Visiting Scholar Program, including placement, orientation and continued advising.
• Conduct evaluation for continued improvement for IPS programs and services. Recommend changes as appropriate based on analysis.
• Assist in the development and management of MU’s International Index—a database of faculty and staff with interest and expertise in international topics.
• Assist with development and implementation of engagement initiatives including Short-Term Programs and the Global Ambassador Program.
• Engage and coordinate with key administrative and academic constituencies and community stakeholders to support international student and scholar success.

English Language Institute

• Assist AVP of International Programs and Global Engagement and the IPS staff delegate(s) in the general oversight of the English Language Institute and its Intensive English program and other applicable programming.
• Coordinate the language proficiency assessment and placement of incoming ELI students and progressing ELI students.
• Coordinate textbook orders, testing materials order.
• Assist with student orientation, course offerings, room bookings, student registration and grades submissions.
• Manage problem-solving and logistics of program operation, class assignment and scheduling, and assist with the hiring and training of ELI instructional staff.
• Coordinate and facilitate team meetings, instructor orientations, and training.
• Collect, compile, analyze, and develop summary student data and progress for each semester by defined parameters.
• Lead ELI planning and assessment of student achievement.
• Coordinate the tracking and the maintenance of student attendance and grading record and facilitate issuing of correspondence in a timely manner.
• Guide the ELI administrative team in analyzing ELI student achievement data and conducting item analysis for new testing instruments.
• Assist with the maintenance of policy manual and handbook for the English Language Institute.
• Collaborate with ISSS/Global Marauders in the co-curricular implementation involving Conversational Partner Program.
• Conduct classroom observations and annual reviews of ELI Instructors.
• Coordinate and monitor the Language Lab curriculum and procedure.
• Assist with other ELI-related duties on an as-needed basis.

Program Development

• Assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive internationalization strategy, which includes writing grants and foundation proposals.
• Work with the International Advisory Committee to support a broad range of internationalization initiatives on MU’s campus.
• Assist in the development, implementation and marketing of the Fulbright Program. Serve as a Fulbright advisor and chair regular training sessions and workshops for interested participants.
• Assist with the development and implementation of an IPS Alumni initiative.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with government scholarship sponsors, educational agencies, and nonprofit organization related to Millersville University’s international initiatives.

Administration

• Assist in the day-to-day management of office operation including recruitment, hiring, orientation, training and supervision of student employees, interns and graduate assistants.
• Assist with the development and implementation of Office of International Programs and Services special events, including International Education Week and others.
• Assist with budgeting, goal setting, office planning, and special projects.
• Represent Office of International Programs and Services at campus, community, and national meetings as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, or international education with a minimum of 18 graduate semester credit hours in the areas of language teaching such as second language acquisition, second language pedagogy, sociolinguistic, and intercultural communications.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in higher education settings in international education, language program administration, curriculum and assessment development.
• Fluency in one or more languages other than English.
• Experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)
• Excellent interpersonal communication, written communication, and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Experience in helping to plan and administer programs and events.
• Ability to work independently and contribute and collaborate effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to handle communications, information, and data with sensitivity and confidentiality.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Commitment to inclusive practices and working with diverse student populations.
• Successful interview.
• Successful completion of three background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising faculty, staff, and students on international education initiatives.
• Highly developed negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience living and/or travelling abroad.

Essential Functions

Please Note: These duties are to be performed with or without an accommodation. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Ability to work in person on campus in an office setting.
• Most work done at a desk, utilizing a computer and phone.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Extensive verbal communication skills (provide information and assistance regularly).
• Extensive writing skills (prepare and organize complex documents).
• Understanding of written and verbal directions.
• Must be able to lift/pull/push up to 10 pounds.