"International Student Services Specialist"

Job Description

Initial Review Date: 04/16/2026

* Any complete applications received after the review date will only be forwarded to the hiring committee at their request.

Salary Grade: C1 - 52

Starting Salary: $6,728.09 (per month)

Full Salary Range: $6,728.09 – $9,040.13 (per month)

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District is currently accepting applications for the classified position above.

The Foothill - De Anza Community College District does not have a remote work policy. All employees are expected to be available to work in person and on-site per the requirement of the department.

DEFINITION:

Under general direction, coordinates and provides technical and functional direction to assigned staff in the performance of a variety of student support services for international students programs; advises and educates students, parents, faculty, and staff on immigration regulations; coordinates processing and reporting for program admissions; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned supervisory and managerial staff. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey-level classification in the International Student Services Specialist class series. Positions perform varied and complex work in support of international students program, requiring the use of considerable discretion and independent judgment in performing assigned work and ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of assigned program or operational area. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver work products or services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

• Oversees and coordinates advising programs for international student services including participating in the planning, development, and implementation of program policies, procedures, and action plans for the assigned functions, including incorporating regulatory updates and technological advancements, as appropriate.
• Oversees and coordinates admissions and reporting processes for international student program by analyzing and evaluating foreign and domestic transcripts and related documents to make determinations on program eligibility and coordinating with various overseas educational advising agencies.
• Researches, interprets, applies, advises on, and explains applicable immigration and admission regulations and compliance requirements to students, parents, faculty, agents, and staff.
• Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) or Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) by reviewing and evaluating applications for completeness and accuracy; enrolling international students and issuing Certificate of Eligibility, Form I-20; reporting changes and violations; preparing, maintaining, and monitoring student records and documentation for international students in accordance with Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and District policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; and serving as a liaison between students and SEVP.
• Plans, coordinates, and oversees a comprehensive outreach and recruitment program for international students by creating and maintaining communication and outreach plan; planning, coordinating, and promoting events; advising students on housing resources; and serving as a liaison between students, the College, and community.
• Coordinates and participates in evaluating, reviewing, approving, and advising students on immigration status and documents, academic standing, change of major, change of education level, program extension requests, transfers, housing, and employment; verifies international student enrollment and updates enrollment information in Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) every quarter; and notifies students not in compliance and recommends corrective steps and actions.
• Monitors alert lists in SEVIS; reviews list of new non-enrolled students entering the United States and contacts to process enrollment or verify non-enrollment and cancel Form I-20; monitors transfer students to process Form I-20.
• Performs complex research assignments having college-wide or District-wide implications, analyzes data, interprets results, and develops reports.
• Reviews transfer requests and releases SEVIS records to other colleges and universities.
• Provides information and resources to students regarding travel requirements; verifies students are eligible for travel and signs off on Form I-20.
• Reviews, approves, enters, and monitors Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in SEVIS.
• Reviews, approves, and monitors Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (PCOPT) application; prepares application for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval.
• Serves as first point of contact for current and prospective students, parents, staff, faculty, agents, other educational institutions, and the general public for the international student program by answering a variety of questions; explaining immigration and admission requirements, policies, procedures, and eligibility questions; and referring visitors/callers to other programs, departments, off-campus services, agencies, and community groups, as appropriate.
• Creates and edits a variety of documents, including correspondence, letters, memos, lists, forms, schedules, flyers, event materials, and statistical reports.
• Verifies and reviews forms and reports for completeness and conformance with established policies and procedures; applies policies and procedures in determining completeness of applications, records, and files.
• Organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, files, and records, verifies accuracy of information, researches discrepancies, and records information.
• Develops informational resources and materials; conducts meetings, workshops, and events on immigration regulations, registration requirements, and information on maintaining students status.
• Performs a variety of office support and customer service duties such as maintaining websites; opening and securing offices; scheduling meetings with other staff; attending meetings and taking minutes; and ordering and maintaining office and other related supplies.
• Oversees and conducts recruitments for and training of student workers; develops work schedules; reviews and approves timesheets; monitors hours worked; provides work direction and confers with student workers to explain performance standards, policies, and procedures.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of international student services programs; attends trainings and conferences; monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect college or District operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Processes, procedures, and guidelines pertaining to international student admissions and services programs.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and District policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.

Ability to:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
• Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to an Associates degree from an accredited college AND five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience international student admissions and services programs at an institution of higher education.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Student Exchange Visitors Program training certificate for Designated School Official issued by United States Immigration and Custom Enforcement.
• Must be either citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States and be able to provide appropriate documentation of status.

APPLICATION PACKET:

• A District on-line application on http://hr.fhda.edu/careers/.
• A cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position.
• A current resume of all work experience, formal education and training.

Position: Full-Time, Permanent, 12-months per year

Starting Date: As soon as possible upon completion of the search process.