"Director of International Affairs"

Director of International Affairs

Company: Ringling College of Art and Design

Job Location: Sarasota, Florida

Category: International Programs and Services

Type: Full-Time

Director of International Affairs

The Director of International Affairs serves as the primary contact point for international students from initial enrollment through integration into the campus community. The position supports international students to enhance their overall experience and maximize retention, serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for current and new students, maintains primary oversight of study abroad and international exchange programs, and serves as the College liaison for all global educational relationships. The Director collaborates extensively across campus to ensure regulatory compliance, student success, and the advancement of the College’s global engagement initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs, and similar or related tasks may be assigned as necessary. Management reserves the right to assign additional duties as required.

Immigration & Compliance

• Serves as the PDSO and is responsible for compliance with SEVIS and all applicable immigration regulations, including OPT and CPT.
• Advises international students regarding immigration issues.
• Supervises the part-time Immigration Coordinator/DSO.
• Processes all paperwork required for students working on-campus or pursuing OPT and CPT.
• Monitors changes in federal regulations and laws related to international students and communicates relevant updates to Ringling Senior Officers and the campus community.

Student Support & Retention

• Serves as the primary point of contact for international students from enrollment through integration into campus life.
• Supports international students to enhance their overall experience and maximize retention.
• Collaborates with Student Life to provide successful orientation and transition to American higher education and Ringling College.
• Provides professional development programming for international students.
• Coordinates annual tax workshops for international students.
• Advises the International Cultures Club.
• Facilitates student engagement with local and regional arts and cultural organizations.

Study Abroad & International Programs

• Maintains primary oversight of study abroad and international exchange programs.
• Oversees the development and implementation of systems for approval of international programs.
• Establishes new and maintains existing study abroad and exchange agreements.
• Advises domestic students on study abroad opportunities.
• Serves on the Fulbright Committee and acts as the Gilman Scholarship Advisor.

Collaboration & Campus Partnerships

• Reports to Academic Affairs and collaborates with Admissions, Student Life, Business Affairs, Student Accounts, and Faculty.
• Collaborates with Admissions on international recruitment strategy (legal and other matters).
• Collaborates with the ESOL Coordinator and faculty on student assessment and programming opportunities.

Institutional & External Representation

• Serves as the College liaison for all global educational relationships.
• Serves as liaison to national and international organizations.
• Represents the College as a member of organizations including NAFSA, the Presidents’ Alliance on Immigration and Higher Education, and ELIA.
• Serves on institutional committees, including Retention Committee, Academic Standing Committee, Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, and President’s Cabinet.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Note: The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are representative but not exhaustive. Candidates may be expected to demonstrate additional competencies relevant to the role. Meeting the listed qualifications does not guarantee job placement or advancement.

• Expert knowledge of SEVIS regulations and F-1 visa compliance.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate complex immigration regulations accurately.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to collaborate across functional areas in a higher education environment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage a large student caseload and multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings or weekends as needed.
• Ability to present a professional image and represent the College effectively internally and externally.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Master’s degree in higher education, international education, or a related field.
• Five years of experience in a U.S. higher education setting.
• Three years of experience as a PDSO (or DSO) for F-1 students; must be very familiar with all SEVIS functions for F visas (processing of CPT/OPT/STEM OPT applications, registration, validation, certification, change of status, corrections, reinstatement, extension, etc.).
• Experience managing professional staff and overseeing a caseload of approximately 400 students.
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet job responsibilities.

Preferred:

• Study abroad advising experience.
• Experience living or working abroad.
• Fluency in two or more languages.

Open until filled. Apply on-line Apply Now

Ringling College of Art and Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer