Director of Immigration Services for Students and Scholars

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Department:

The Director of Immigration Services for Students and Scholars reports to the Senior International Officer in the Office of Global Engagement, housed in Academic Affairs. The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) leads the university’s internationalization efforts and includes key functional areas such as immigration services, study abroad, international admissions, English language programs, global partnerships, and international student engagement and success.

Job Summary:

Leads the development, administration, and oversight of institutional immigration services supporting international students, scholars, faculty, and staff. Serves as the primary subject matter expert on U.S. immigration regulations affecting higher education and ensures institutional compliance with federal requirements governing international populations. Provides strategic guidance to campus leadership and operational oversight of visa sponsorship, immigration advising, and regulatory reporting. Directs immigration operations, policies, and staff to support the successful recruitment, employment, and integration of international talent and students.

Job Description:

• Direct and oversee all immigration-related services for international students, scholars, faculty, and staff, including visa sponsorship, documentation, and compliance processes.
• Serves as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO), managing SEVIS compliance for international students and scholars.
• Serve as the institutional expert on U.S. immigration regulations and provide guidance on employment-based and exchange visitor visa categories such as H-1B, J-1, TN, B-1/B-2, and other relevant classifications.
• Ensure compliance with federal immigration regulations, including oversight of required documentation, reporting systems, and institutional recordkeeping.
• Advise institutional leadership, departments, and administrative units on immigration policies, procedures, and the impact of regulatory changes on international hiring and enrollment practices.
• Monitor and interpret legislative and regulatory developments affecting immigration and evaluate implications for institutional policies, programs, and international populations.
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and operational frameworks governing immigration services to ensure regulatory compliance and efficient service delivery.
• Oversee the preparation and filing of employment-based immigration petitions and documentation for international faculty, staff, and scholars.
• Participate in programs and services that support the successful adjustment and integration of international students and scholars, including orientation.
• Lead and manage immigration services staff, including hiring, training, mentoring, performance management, and resource planning to support program operations.

Job Responsibilities:

Collaborate with all units in Global Engagement and offices across the university to meet the immigration needs of international students, faculty and staff.

Serve as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) using software such as Terra Dotta, Slate, and Banner to manage SEVIS compliance for students and scholars.

Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and operational frameworks to ensure compliance and efficient operations.

Manage initial student I-20 and DS-2019 process, including preparation and transmission of I-20/ DS-2019 forms; work with advisors for continuing student immigration paperwork.

Work with Assistant Director and Scholar Advisor for J scholar, H-1b, and other non-student immigration categories.

Supervise and train International Advisors, Assistant Director, and Administrative Coordinator, and student workers.

Assist with complex student, scholar, and faculty immigration questions.

Ensure availability of programming related to immigration matters.

Manage department budget and spending in accordance with university policies.

Stay abreast of immigration rules and advise relevant stakeholders of updates.

Maintain records and prepare reports.

Candidates must provide a cover letter and CV/Resume.

Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Education Qualifications:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Relevant experience | 10 Years Experience, 5 Years Supervisory | Not Required

Compensation:

$83,096.00 - $124,654.40

Interview Requirement:

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement:

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.