"Director of International Student Services"

Director of International Student Services

North Carolina Wesleyan University seeks a dynamic and experienced professional and leader with experience in SEVP compliance, international student services and international education to serve as the Director of International Student Services (ISS). The Director of ISS provides strategic leadership and oversight for programs designed to ensure compliance with all student visa requirements as well as support and programming for international students and intercultural engagement. The Director supervises three DSO/staff members and works collaboratively with the senior administration and faculty and staff from across campus.

The successful candidate must have a minimum 2 years of experience as a Designated School Official or 3 years of experience in higher education/student services and must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (Homeland Security restriction).

Basic Function

The Director of the International Student Services Office (ISS) serves as Principal Designated School Official and supervises all functions of the ISS. Under their leadership, the ISS ensures compliance with all federal regulations governing international students studying in the traditional undergraduate, on-campus graduate, and executive residency graduate programs. The ISS provides support and services to the university’s international student population in order to ensure each international student has a positive educational, cultural and social experience. This office also is charged with facilitating international cultural and educational exchange both through domestic and campus-based programs for international students and with encouraging and supporting international exchange programs for domestic students studying abroad.

A long form description of the duties and requirements for this position is posted below and on the North Carolina Wesleyan University website.

North Carolina Wesleyan University is a liberal arts university, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university is located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and serves approximately 1,500 students, including adult and professional students in the evening and online. The Wesleyan community celebrates the rich diversity of its student body, and 20% of Wesleyan students are international students from approximately 30 countries. The International Student Services office provides compliance support and programming for 150 traditional, undergraduate students living and studying on campus on an F-1 visa as well as graduate students enrolled in our executive residency programs and more than 50 recent graduates working in the United States on Optional Practical Training.

Rocky Mount is in the eastern coastal plain region of the state, convenient to the Raleigh-Durham area and beaches, including the Outer Banks. Washington, DC, and the mountains of North Carolina are also within easy driving distance.

North Carolina Wesleyan University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class. Women, historically underrepresented minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Candidates are required to submit their resume and a cover letter in addition to full contact information for three professional references to janderson@ncwu.edu. The application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

A background investigation, reference check, and documentation of PDSO/DSO qualification will be required prior to employment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)
  • Ensure compliance with all Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations for both traditional undergraduates and graduate students. Although most of the functions listed in this description reference F-1 Visa students, the PDSO is responsible for maintaining processes for all international students regardless of their specific visa
  • Maintain University’s status as an approved school with SEVP and complete all necessary paperwork for changes in the university’s I-17 and periodic recertification
  • Maintain student records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
  • Complete all required PDSO training per SEVP guidelines
  • Supervises the training and work of all DSO qualified staff in their work with SEVP and F-1 Visa students (graduate and undergraduate)
  • Supervises the compliance and on-boarding of all F-1 Visa students (graduate and undergraduate) admitted to the University as they meet both federal and institutional requirements to study in the U.S.
  • Advise University administrators regarding issues and activities of F-1 Visa students (graduate and undergraduate). The Director will engage in regular scheduled and situational meetings with the Dean of Students, Provost, Dean of Adult and Professional Studies, and Dean of Traditional Undergraduate Enrollment as well as other University administrators as needed
  • Monitor pending changes regarding SEVP regulations and practice and advise University administrators on the consequences of such changes for NCWU
• Maintain and report data for F-1 Visa students (graduate and undergraduate) to allow for informed decision-making
• Maintain and report issues affecting status of F-1 Visa students (graduate and undergraduate)
• Serve as or appoint and supervise International Student liaison(s) to other University departments
• Serve as or appoint and supervise International Student liaison(s) with local community
• Advocate for all international students enrolled at North Carolina Wesleyan University
• Ensure University academic program compliance with SEVP requirements for F-1 Visa students (graduate and undergraduate)
• Supervise Designated School Officials and other ISS staff
  • Ensure SEVP training is completed as required
  • Train staff regarding University policy and position requirements
• Supervise all ancillary operations of International Student Services
  • ISS programming (including Global WesFest, Fall Ball, International Education month, etc.)
  • New F-1 Visa student arrival logistics for both on-campus study and executive residencies
  • New F-1 Visa student orientation/welcome week for traditional undergraduates
  • Advising for the International Bishop Association student organization
• Represent International Student Services on University committees as appropriate
• Coordinate with faculty and staff on campus to promote facilitate the planning and communications for international educational travel conducted under the auspices of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills Needed

• Computer/technology skills (Jenzabar student information system preferred; Microsoft Office).
• Communication skills (verbal and written); must be able to communicate with empathy; comfortable with high volume of phone, text, and email interactions with students.
• Attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to work as a team as well as independently.
• Ability to mentor and develop professional staff
• Adaptable to changing circumstances.
• High degree of personal and professional ethics.
• Desire to be an engaged member of the campus community.
• Excellent customer/client service.
• Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks/projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education, global studies, international studies, or related field.
• Qualified as a Designated School Official
• Minimum two years of experience as a Designated School Official or three years of experience in higher education/student services.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (Homeland Security restriction).
• Demonstration of increasing responsibilities within international student services.
• Commitment to the mission and values of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity.