Specialist - International Student and Outreach

Posted: 24-Apr-26

Location: Palatine, Illinois

Type: Full-time

Internal Number: 231016

Coordinates international student recruitment, admissions, enrollment, and immigration advising, including the development and implementation of recruitment and enrollment strategies in collaboration with Enrollment Services and campus partners. Provides clear, responsive guidance on college policies, procedures, and U.S. visa regulations for prospective and enrolled international students and oversees communication and visa advising to support recruitment initiatives, facilitate admissions decisions, and promote successful matriculation throughout the admissions and enrollment process.

Interprets, implements, and executes federal policies and procedures to ensure institutional compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and collaborates with campus partners to maintain compliance expectations and coordinate academic, cultural, and personal support for international students.

Develops and implements targeted international student outreach strategies and collaborates with admissions and external partners to support international student enrollment.

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Friday, May 8; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Serves as one of Harper College's Designated School Official (DSO) for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), maintaining current knowledge of Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) rules and regulations impacting F-1 and J-1 student visa designations.

Responsible for institutional compliance with the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations and for maintaining Harper College's authorization to admit international students. Position requires knowledge of complex immigration regulations, laws and processes, and campus policies to develop, recommend and implement procedures to ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations

Authorizes and/or recommends student applications for approved employment and other DHS programs.

Enters data into the SEVIS database to maintain accurate student records and institutional compliance.

Monitors immigration status of international students, including enrollment and regulatory requirements, and follows up with students as needed to ensure compliance for both the student and the institution.

Provides information and guidance to students regarding immigration requirements, visa documentation, and changes affecting visa status.

Attends DHS and Department of State briefings and NAFSA conferences to maintain current knowledge of U.S. regulations.

Coordinates the development of college policies and procedures to support international students at Harper College.

Develops and maintains detailed documentation related to international students, including procedures and processes for recruitment, enrollment, completion, and transfer.

Establishes and monitors policies for the review and approval of academic credentials and identification documents for student visa applicants to determine eligibility for Forms I-20; collaborates with the Admissions Outreach team on the review and final approval of documentation and forms related to the I-20 process, and issues and maintains Forms I-20 as appropriate.

Serves as the primary liaison and source of information for international students throughout their stay on matters of legal status, personal and academic progress, and cultural adjustment, and serves as an advocate in relation to College departments and external agencies.

Collaborates with the student affairs division to develop and implement an international student retention plan. Provides ongoing support and referrals to currently enrolled international students each semester and informs and guides campus academic advisors on U.S. regulations affecting international students.

Provides guidance and maintains records for students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Delivers crisis intervention and directs students to appropriate resources for housing, employment, health concerns, and legal matters.

Facilitates access to information and resources on transfer processes to support student transition to other institutions.

Works with colleagues to develop and manage international student engagement opportunities that support both immigrant and non-immigrant students and promote an inclusive campus climate.

Collaborates with the Center for New Students and Orientation (CNSO), Student Engagement, Job Placement Resource Center, and Admissions Outreach to develop and deliver a comprehensive new International Student Orientation each semester, including presentations and materials for attendees.

Contributes to the development and delivery of ongoing co-curricular programming for international students, including employment workshops, cross-cultural adaptation sessions, healthcare in the U.S., and opportunities for cultural exchange.

Provides input into the development of recruiting communication tools within Salesforce CRM and other platforms to engage international students across all stages of enrollment.

Meets recruitment objectives and supports enrollment goals established by the College and leadership.

Facilitates information sessions, participates in recruitment fairs and events, which may include international travel, and supports campus visits and virtual tours for prospective students and families. Candidates must possess a valid passport and be willing to travel internationally as needed.

Serves as liaison among prospective international students, DHS, and U.S. embassies and consulates regarding visa documentation.

Develops and maintains relationships with community agencies, cultural organizations, and external stakeholders.

Partners with Admissions Outreach on review and approval of documentation related to the I-20 process.

Works with the grants office to identify funding opportunities to attract and support international students.

Performs related duties as assigned

Education: Bachelor's degree in relevant field required. Master's degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum three years of experience with federal regulations pertaining to Department of Homeland Security and SEVIS. Minimum two years' experience working with F-1/J-1 international students.