About the Department:

The Office of International Programs and Services strives to encourage global awareness by promoting the integration of international students, researchers, and faculty into the campus community. The office provides guidance to students and scholars studying and working at George Mason University in immigration, employment, and exchange, assists with adjustment issues, and fosters cross-cultural understanding through programs highlighting global themes.

About the Position:

The Associate Director for International Employees and Exchange Visitors provides leadership within the advising/regulatory team on matters related to Exchange Visitors, non-immigrant faculty visa matters, alumni employment, and serves as the coordinator and interface with University Counsel and AG appointed Immigration Attorneys for Employment Based Permanent Residency and O-1, TN, E3, and other nonimmigrant employment visas. The position serves as the J-1 Responsible Officer and ensures that the university maintains full SEVIS compliance with respect to J-1 and J-2 non-immigrants sponsored by George Mason University.

This position is not eligible for international visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for setting goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with the university's plans and vision and communicates them to subordinates;
• Organizes workflow and ensures that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks;
• Monitors employee productivity and provides constructive feedback and coaching;
• Receives complaints and resolves problems;
• Maintains timekeeping and personnel records;
• Passes on information from upper management to employees and vice versa;
• Prepares and submits performance evaluations;
• Decides on rewards and promotions based on performance;
• Hires and trains new employees;
• Ensures adherence to legal and university policies and procedures and undertakes disciplinary actions if the need arises;
• Provides leadership and oversight of orientation, regulatory processing, and advising of Exchange Visitors and Faculty;
• Serves as J-1 Responsible Officer, acting as the primary contact with U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program for George Mason University;
• Conducts periodic and annual reporting, files the Annual Report, oversees the Open Doors Scholar Reporting with the International Advisor for Faculty, and works with GMU stakeholders, the federal government, and U.S. Department of State to file GMU's semi-annual Redesignation with the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Unit;
• Supervises the advising staff on the EV/Faculty team and the advising staff and Immigration Specialists on the student alumni team;
• Works collaboratively with the Executive Director, the Associate Director for F-1 Students, and the SEVIS Coordinator to ensure that George Mason University is in SEVIS compliance with respect to the records of J-1/J-2 and F-1/F-2 alumni and dependents sponsored by the University;
• Provides consultation to academic units, administrators and staff on matters relating to Mason sponsorship of Exchange Visitors and non-immigrant faculty;
• Provides consultation to academic units, administrators, and staff on matters related to Mason as an employer of F-1 students on OPT and STEM OPT as well as to employers who will hire Mason alumni;
• Creates and updates HR Liaison training for departments and units who hire international employees needing visa support;
• Provides advising services to non-immigrant students on issues related to their non-immigrant status, cultural adjustment, and academic success;
• Represents George Mason University and OIPS at meetings and conferences, including NAFSA, SEVP, DoS, and other organizations, events, and venues as appropriate;
• Develops and implements training and informational sessions/materials on topics and issues related to Mason's Exchange Visitors and non-immigrant faculty;
• Assists in preparation and updating of the OIPS website, social media, and electronic documents; and
• Oversees and/or collaborates on special projects as requested.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Full-time related professional experience typically obtained in three or more years;
• Experience typically obtained in two or more years supervising professional staff; 
• Programmatic and project management experience in settings where successful collaboration is essential to the effort;
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including demonstrated writing ability, presentation skills, and ability to communicate effectively to non-native speakers of English;
• Ability to research and analyze information, including government documents and regulations, to solve problems;
• Ability to relate well to individuals from diverse cultural, social, and educational backgrounds;
• Ability to balance competing priorities and meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment;
• Ability to meet federal requirements for serving as a Responsible Officer and Designated School Official;
• Ability to solve complex problems as a team in a high pressure and fast paced environment; and
• The Associate Director for International Employees and Exchange Visitors must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States in order to meet federal requirements for serving as a Responsible Officer and Designated School Official

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional experience typically obtained in three or more years as a Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer on a college or university campus;
• Supervisory experience typically obtained in three or more years preferably in student advising, faculty services, or program management on a college campus;
• Experience with cross-cultural communication and adjustment; and
• Experience living, studying, or traveling abroad.

This position is not eligible for international visa sponsorship.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Associate Director for International Employees and Exchange Visitors at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a resume and cover letter for review.

Posting Open Date: May 5, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  May 9, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes