"Director of International Student Services"

Job Details

Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.

Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern’s core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.

Position Description

Position Summary

The Director of International Student Services (DISS) leads all efforts to support the successful integration and well-being of Eastern University's international students by developing and overseeing specialized social, cultural, and transition programs. Serving as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), the position ensures strict compliance with all U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations, manages necessary recordkeeping and reporting, and provides expert advice on student visa statuses. The DISS actively fosters and maintains strategic partnerships with DSOs and campus departments to promote cross-cultural engagement, community building, and a strong sense of belonging for all international students.

Position Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for the University, ensuring institutional compliance with all U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) F-1 student visa regulations. Independently develop, interpret, and maintain international student policies and procedures, integrating them with University and federal standards, in collaboration with the Admissions Office.
• Ensure the university's compliance with all immigration laws and regulations, including F-1 and J-1 visa status.
• Manage the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and ensure accurate data and records for international students.
• Review and issue necessary documents, such as I-20s, and process applications for programs like CPT and OPT.
• Exercise expert regulatory oversight for the biannual SEVP Form I-17 recertification; responsible for the accurate preparation, submission, and tracking of the application and all subsequent institutional communications until final approval is secured.
• Lead the design, launch, and assessment of high-impact programs and initiatives that strengthen community bonds and sense of belonging among all international students.
• Communicate with and provide transitional support to all incoming international students from enrollment through pre-arrival preparation and arrival on campus.
• Stay current on Federal and State regulations, student trends, and best practices, specifically related to supporting student success.
• Work as part of a dynamic and flexible team in a fast-paced professional office, interacting collaboratively with diverse audiences and navigating complex institutional matters.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education, intercultural studies, counseling, or related field.
• Three to five years of experience as a Designated School Official (DSO), encompassing the responsibilities of managing and updating DSO information in SEVIS, and contributing to the institution's recertification process.
• Demonstrated experience ensuring institutional compliance with all U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) F-1 student visa regulations.
• Experience reviewing and issuing necessary documents, such as I-20s, and processing applications for programs like CPT and OPT.
• Experience working with and supervising teams with strategic and operational responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and shepherd diverse communities with grace and conviction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a Primary Designated School Official (PDSO).
• Experience working in faith-based institutions or ministry settings.
• Experience with assessment and data-informed strategy development.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement orientation programs, workshops, educational, and student engagement activities.
• Experience creating and evaluating programs and services to promote student inclusion, retention, and success.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills and experience working with multicultural, multiethnic, and individuals from diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds.

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.