OISS Advisor

Overview

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides services and support for Yale's international community, including over 8,500 students, faculty, staff, and their dependents. OISS assists with issues related to employment, immigration, and personal and cultural adjustment, serving as a source of information about living at Yale and in New Haven. As Yale's representative for immigration concerns, OISS helps maintain legal nonimmigrant status for its international constituents. The OISS Advisor is part of a team responsible for international student and scholar services, including immigration advising and ensuring institutional compliance with federal regulations. The advisor acts as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO), liaising with Yale units and federal agencies to uphold university policies and government regulations.

This position follows a hybrid schedule with 3 days onsite and 2 days remote per week.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a high-performing team in a fast-paced and changing environment.
2. Demonstrated intercultural skills and first-hand experience in a multicultural setting. Excellent interpersonal and written and oral communication skills.
3. Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines, manage a high degree of detail, and prioritize multiple projects.
4. Proven ability to manage numerous projects and transactions accurately, consistently, and dependably.
5. Strong computer literacy with proficiency in Excel, data entry, data queries, and database maintenance. Proven experience working with qualitative and quantitative data, engaging in evidence-based analysis, and producing reports.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Master's degree in a relevant discipline. Experience with F-1 and J-1 regulations, H-1B, and employment-based immigration.
2. Experience with international student and scholar software programs (e.g., TDS, Sunapsis, ISSM, or Trilby Suite) and institutional databases (e.g., Banner, Workday).
3. Experience living abroad; knowledge of a second language; intercultural communication skills.
4. Demonstrated success in developing programs to support an international community.
5. Advanced proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite and ability to manage web content and use social networking tools.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Provides advice and guidance primarily to the F-1 and J-1 international student and scholar community with respect to the maintenance of legal immigration status and employability at the university and beyond (graduating students). Monitor, report and establish work authorizations. Advise individuals as well as provide group presentations on student regulations and responsibilities.
2. Serves as a resource to a school-based international student and/or scholar population, customizing services and regulatory compliance to meet needs specific to that unit. 
3. Serves as a DHS authorized Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer.
4. Develops and maintains in-depth and current knowledge of U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations as relevant to the specific academic setting. Use this knowledge, to make recommendations for updates to current policies and guidelines. 
5. Works closely with student affairs and school-based staff, and/or administrative units and scholar service offices throughout the university to ensure needs of particular school populations are well-served by OISS services and programs. 
6. Creates and maintains relationships with students and faculty through good customer service, remaining approachable and knowledgeable. This can include providing general support for non-immigration related issues, to support acclimation to a new community.
7. Develops short- and long-term strategies for exemplary international student and scholar advising, including innovative use of technology, assessment and enhancement of current models and deliverance of outstanding service. 
8. Cultivates a professional presence on campus and in the field through local and national partnerships and associations. Participates in regional and national international education conferences and meetings.
9. Contributes to major projects and programs. Has primary responsibility for at least two major programs each semester which enrich the community or innovate an OISS business process. 
10. Innovate OISS business processes and maximizing the potential of case management and software.
11. May perform other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in a related field and three years of experience in advising international students and scholars in an academic setting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.