Position Overview of International Services Specialist

The Admissions & Recruitment Department at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is seeking an International Services Specialist. The International Services Specialist coordinates immigration and related services for international students, exchange visitors, and employment-based visa holders and performs other duties as assigned. The International Services Specialist delivers services related to international students and scholars to facilitate compliance with federal regulations governing immigration and visa status and to ensure student success.

The International Services Specialist evaluates, advises, and prepares cases on issues related to maintenance and/or restoration of good immigration status for students. Interprets federal regulations and exercises judgment in deciding appropriate courses of action in cases requiring reinstatement, change of status, terminations, extension of stays, and any other cases that require adjudication. The International Services Specialist also reviews and utilizes databases to ensure accuracy of data for tracking and reporting of international students/scholars. Ensures compliance with data collection and maintenance requirements of the Department of Homeland Security, Department of States, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Purdue Northwest. Monitors international health insurance compliance.

The International Services Specialist serves and promotes advocacy for the international student and scholar population, both on and off campus. Encourages cultural understanding to assist in the adjustment of international students, their academic departments, and other campus entities. The International Services Specialist assists faculty and staff in the development of programs, policies, and procedures impacting international student in many areas.

The International Services Specialist also supports international admissions with data-entry, application management, credential evaluations, etc., as needed and ISS responsibilities permitting.

This position does have the opportunity for a flexible work schedule but does require a strong on-campus presence.

Pay: $47,393 - $57,393

Duties and Responsibilities of International Services Specialist

• Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with signing authority as approved by Department of Homeland Security and Department of State and authorized to access Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Maintain and manage Sunapsis and SEVIS electronic records for F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant students and scholars.
• Advise students through the OPT and CPT process.
• Review, maintain and process all paper and electronic documents and records as required by USCIS during students' study at Purdue University Northwest.
• Maintain up to date understanding of federal immigration regulations, state, and local laws or policies impacting non-immigrants.
• Maintain understanding of future SEVIS system changes.
• Counsel and advise students, scholars, employees regarding personal, social, cultural and academic concerns.
• Respond to internal and external inquiries regarding immigration and other matters.
• Assist ISS-Director to ensure efficient departmental operations, making decisions and rendering judgments on cases regarding compliance with federal and immigration regulations.
• Serve as additional contact to the Department of Homeland Security, Social Security Administration, Bureau of Motor Vehicles or the Department of State to resolve issues or provide and receive information.
• Oversee health insurance for international students, including enrollment and related issues. Conducts presentations at orientation on health insurance.
• Ensure annual review and renewals of insurance policy and serve as main contact to provider company.
• Communicate with insurance company on range of issues.
• Serve as the liaison to a selected department or program with high international enrollment to ensure successful transition of students from admission to visa obtainment to enrollment and addressing of immigration concerns throughout their tenure.
• Work closely with faculty/staff of the program to provide immigration, pre-arrival, and other advice and services to international students.
• Ensure pre-arrival coordination and data sharing among key offices to anticipate enrollment trends.
• Assist with new international student orientation and pre-arrival information, including travel arrangements, housing information for incoming students, and conducting presentations.
• Assist with various projects, including developing and updating forms, website materials, webinars, conducting orientation and workshops, and programming activities that enhance students’ stay in the USA.
• Compile data to submit for annual IIE Open Doors Report and other surveys requesting information about international students.
• Work collaboratively with other international units on campus.

Benefits of International Services Specialist

• Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
• Accrue 15 days’ vacation your first year, then 22 days’ vacation your 2nd year plus rollover
• University contribution of 10% to retirement (3 year waiting period)
• University contributions to Health Savings Account – Plus a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives
• 10 paid holidays
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Paid Parental Leave after one year of service
• Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus

For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Education of International Services Specialist

BA/BS degree. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

Experience of International Services Specialist

Three years’ experience in a university office setting or an immigration law firm, including some experience in service to international students in the United States. Working experience with SEVIS and immigration regulations highly preferred. Experience with Slate, Banner Student Information System, and Sunapsis desirable.

Core Competencies of International Services Specialist

Must have knowledge of US federal law governing F-1, J-1, and OPT non-immigrant students, scholars, and employees. Must be able to meet both Department of Homeland Security regulatory requirements to be a DSO (F-1 program) and the US Department of State's J-1 Exchange program as an Alternate Responsible Officer. Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and writing skills required. Must be able to develop and maintain databases, Microsoft Word, and Excel documents. Must have the ability to process complex immigration casework for international students, scholars, and employees. Must have the ability to advise and counsel international students and scholars regarding their legal status as non-immigrants. Must be able to advise on personal, cultural, and adjustment matters.

Additional Information

Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position. Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable. Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university.