Lehigh University invites applications for a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). This is a pivotal role for an individual who is passionate about international education and immigration policy and eager to shape the strategic vision of a critical university office that supports a vibrant and diverse international community.
Position Number: S80760
Grade: 11 - 40
Anticipated Salary Range: $82,670 – $100,570 (commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications)
Benefits: Lehigh University offers a comprehensive benefits package, competitive compensation, and an environment that fosters personal and professional growth.
About the Role
As Director, you will lead a dedicated team to deliver exceptional services and compliance oversight for Lehigh’s international student and scholar population. You will serve as the university’s senior immigration officer, advising on institutional policy and U.S. immigration law while ensuring that Lehigh’s practices remain fully compliant and student-centered. This leadership is essential to supporting Lehigh’s research and teaching mission by facilitating the recruitment and retention of global talent.
Key Responsibilities Include:
• Establish the mission, vision, and values of OISS, and advocate for the resources needed to fulfill them.
• Advise university leadership—including senior administrators, deans, and department chairs—on international student and scholar needs, immigration policy, and institutional hiring practices.
• Serve as Lehigh’s Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for F-1 students and Responsible Officer (RO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Ensure compliance with all SEVIS regulations, including biannual recertification and redesignation processes.
• Provide oversight and training for OISS staff in filing employment-based immigration petitions (including H-1B, TN, and E-3 visas) and determine when outside legal counsel is needed for more complex petitions (such as O-1A).
• Represent OISS across campus and in the broader community, acting as the primary spokesperson for international student and scholar affairs.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in International Education, International Relations, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in international student and scholar advising and immigration compliance.
• Demonstrated expertise in U.S. immigration law, including experience with both F-1 and J-1 visa programs, employment-based visa filings (H-1B, TN, E-3), and permanent residency sponsorship.
• Supervisory experience with professional staff and operational budget management.
• Experience with Sunapsis and Banner systems is a strong plus.
• Outstanding communication skills with a proven ability to explain complex immigration matters to non-experts.
This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, service-minded professional who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of international students and scholars. Join a university that values global engagement and is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for its international community. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.
To apply, visit Lehigh’s employment site and search for Position Number S80760. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.
• The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community.
• This position works with minors.
Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.
Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.
