Posting Summary:

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Teachers College, Columbia University is seeking an International Student Advisor who will advise international students on matters related to their F-1 and/or J-1 student nonimmigrant status, travel, and employment eligibility as it relates to their academic needs at Teachers College (TC).

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Reporting to the Director, the International Student Advisor will serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) to deliver immigration support services to the international student community at Teachers College (TC). Specifically, the incumbent will advise international students by providing guidance regarding federal immigration regulations and procedures, and resources to support personal/academic/cultural matters to aid in the successful completion of their degree objectives. The International Student Advisor will also assist with the development and implementation of support services and programming for international students and the wider TC community.

Note: U.S. government regulations require that Designated School Officials and Alternate Responsible Officers be U.S. citizens or legal Permanent Residents.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Student Advising & Support 
● Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) (F-1 student program) for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the U.S. Department of State's J Exchange Visitor Program
● Monitor and maintain student records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) following all applicable rules and regulations
● Provide advising and immigration support for international students in graduate degree-seeking and non-degree programs; process all required documentation for international students and assist them with applications and procedures to remain in good standing
● Ensure the reliability of information related to international students and promptly disseminate information and make it easily accessible to stakeholders
● Develop, maintain, analyze, and disseminate reports related to international students
● Serve as an advocate for international students on campus

Programming 
● Assist and support comprehensive pre-arrival and post-arrival orientation for incoming international students in collaboration with campus partners
● Conduct, maintain and update international student-related workshops and resources
● Develop materials, resources and programs that promote the development and practice of intercultural exchange and academic success in collaboration with campus partners

Collaboration 
● Collaborate with various Teachers College offices and programs in areas that impact international student status to support academic progress, excellence, and student success
● Make referrals to and work cooperatively with other campus and community-based resources
● Maintain contact with other university departments, personnel, outside agencies and individuals as needed to advise international students

● Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications:

● Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, Management, Communications, or Education and/or equivalent experience
● 2 years relevant F-1/J-1 advisement and compliance experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
● Experience managing SEVIS records
● Working knowledge of batch management
● Ability to communicate and present information effectively
● Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
● Strong computer literacy
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team
● Ability to be sensitive to diverse cultural backgrounds and have an understanding of the international student academic experience in the US
● Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and to exercise good judgment

Preferred Qualifications:

● Master's degree in cross-cultural communication, counseling, area or cultural studies, foreign language, international education, or TESOL
● Experience monitoring international student and scholar records across various databases such as Banner, SLATE, and Sunapsis
● 3 years advising F-1 and J-1 students as DSO/ARO in a higher education setting
● Experience teaching/training/presenting
● Fluency in at least one foreign language and/or experience living abroad
● Completion of NAFSA F-1 and J-1 Professional Development Programs

Salary Range:

$57,000-$60,000

Work Modality:

Hybrid