Assistant Director for International Student and Scholar Services (Hybrid)

Apply Now

Job Summary

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter must include examples of how your past work experience is applicable to this position.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Center for Global Engagement and Senior International Officer, the Assistant Director for International Students and Scholar Services will serve as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO).

This position is primarily responsible for providing comprehensive immigration advising to international students, scholars and their dependents, ensuring their successful navigation of complex immigration regulations and fostering a positive academic and educational experience. The role also involves management of all SEVIS reporting, staying current with immigration policies, and ensuring students, scholar and institutional compliance.

The Assistant Director will also support the Director of the Center for Global Engagement with the day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities*

  • Serve as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO).
  • Administer all DHS reporting responsibilities, including but not limited to re-certification-designation Form I-17 and annual reporting.
  • Implement and evaluate policies, processes, and procedures to ensure compliance and efficacy.
  • Issue DS 2019 and I-20, including initials and transfers.
  • Advise and educate international students and scholars on F and J visas during their entire tenure at UM-Flint on matters related to maintaining continued immigration status, campus employment, curricular practical training (CPT), optional practical training (OPT), status change, reinstatements, visa renewal, change of status, economic hardship employment, reduced course load, terminations, reinstatements, academic training, travel authorization, and other regulations and procedures.
  • Responsible for maintaining student records, meeting SEVIS regulatory requirements, and ensuring F and J program compliance.
  • Update website and materials regarding immigration and/or policy and procedure changes.
  • Advise the colleges and departments on all matters pertinent to immigration regulation compliance and communicate any pertinent federal regulations to staff, faculty, and administrators.
  • Manage updates and maintenance of processes, forms, alerts, communications, and alerts in SEVIS and Sunapsis.
  • Organize workshops for students, staff, and faculty on matters pertinent to international students and scholars.
  • Ensure initial and continued health insurance coverage for international students and scholars and assist with reconciliation.
  • Prepare and manage the International Student and Scholar Services Program unit budget in accordance with departmental and institutional policies, assess resource needs, and submit funding proposals to support those needs.
  • Provide training to all Designated School Officials (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
  • Assist the Director of the Center for Global Engagement with the day-to-day operations of CGE.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive orientation programs for new international students and scholars (pre-arrival, arrival, and ongoing).
  • Coordinate and support international student events, activities, and cultural programs to foster community and intercultural engagement.
  • Support the coordination of international academic partnerships (e.g., 2+2 programs, dual degrees).
  • Contribute to marketing and outreach efforts to recruit international students.
  • Develop and deliver workshops, seminars, and resources on topics such as immigration regulations, cultural adjustment, career development, and academic success.
  • Coordinate and support cultural, social, and educational programming that fosters community, intercultural understanding, and integration for international students and scholars.
  • Collaborate with campus partners (e.g., Admissions, Academic Advising, Career Services, Human Resources, Dean of Students, Counseling Services) to ensure seamless support services.
  • Development and coordination of intercultural events, global engagement activities, peer mentoring programs, and leadership opportunities.
  • Liaise with student organizations and cultural groups to enhance community building.
  • Foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment by advocating for the needs and perspectives of international students.
  • Oversee crisis intervention and emergency support for international students and scholars.

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree.
  • To comply with Homeland Security regulations, one must be a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • One or more years of experience serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) at an accredited institution of higher education.
  • Experience and knowledge in developing policies and procedures to support non-immigrant students.
  • Experience with SEVIS and any web-based International Student & Scholar Management (ISSM) software platform, such as Sunapsis or Terra Dotta

Why Work at U-M Flint?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future.

Benefits include:

  • Generous time off
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months of eligible service with immediate vesting.
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Eligibility for benefits based on your job group, your appointment percentage and the length of your appointment. Learn more about employee benefits and eligibility and download the Comprehensive Benefits for Faculty and Staff flier.

UM-Flint offers tuition support for eligible UM-Flint staff members. In addition, UM-Flint offers dependent tuition support (DTS) for qualified dependents of faculty and staff from all UM campuses. Information can be found at: https://www.umflint.edu/hr/benefits/.

Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: https://www.umflint.edu/ chancellor/leadership-mission- vision/

Modes of Work

Hybrid:

The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes here.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.