Assistant Vice President For International Affairs & Senior International Officer

Assistant Vice President forInternational Affairs & Senior International Officer
(Administrator III)

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring salary is $150,000 - $175,000 and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for International Affairs and Senior International Officer is an Administrator III position within the California State University Management Personnel Plan (MPP) and serves at the pleasure of the University President. The AVP reports directly to the Dean of the Division of Continuing and Global Education (CGE) with an indirect reporting responsibility to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. 

As a senior-level administrator, the AVP for International Affairs provides strategic leadership for the development, operation, and administration of a full range of international education programs at Fresno State.  In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for the fulfillment of the University's vision of global impact as specified in the University's strategic plan.  The incumbent will serve as a senior member of the Continuing and Global Education Leadership team. They will have direct responsibility supervising approximately 10 employees in the International Office with responsibility for International admissions and recruitment and international student advising. The incumbent also has shared responsibility with CGE leadership for student travel study, study abroad, international exchange, and philanthropy, as well as a wide array of other functions that support campus international activities.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles of institutional planning and budget processes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in supporting international students and scholars.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (as required by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to serve as a Designated School Official and Alternative Responsible Officer.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective leadership, motivation, and performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in the coordination of staff and resources such as strategic planning, resource allocation, and human resources.
• Knowledge of program evaluation to set goals and objectives, develop quantifiable measurements, and provide sound recommendations regarding work processes and organizational structures.
• Knowledge of computer office systems and ability to use a broad range of technology, systems, and software packages (Microsoft Office Suite, Google apps)
• Ability to interpret and apply federal immigration policies and regulations and U.S. Department of State policies and procedures relevant to international students and scholars.
• Motivate and manage others and prioritize workload to meet strict deadlines and requirements.
• Interpersonal skills with demonstrated commitment to serving, promoting, and enhancing a diverse population with cultural competence, sensitivity and diplomacy and tact.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and prepare detailed written reports and correspondence.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and make strategic business decisions.
• Collaborate with others to help advance the goals of the college and university.  Show courtesy and respect towards others and promote a positive and service oriented collegial work environment.
• Ability to facilitate group participation, consensus building and foster employee development through coaching, counseling, and training.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• An earned master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education relating to the areas under the responsibility of the AVP.
• Four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in an international programs environment.
• 1 year of experience directly supervising full-time employees. 
• Ability to meet campus Principal Designated School Official/Designated School Official (PDSO/DSO) eligibility, as defined in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement 8 CFR 214.3 and perform all duties associated with such designation.
  • Preferred Qualifications:
    • An earned doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education, with experience in an academic leadership role.
    • Two to five years of experience in international recruiting, specifically in public institutions of higher education.
    • Experience with international student migration from some or all of the countries listed as the Leading Places of Origin by annual IIE OpenDoors data.
    • Superior communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated intercultural and global competencies.
    • Concise knowledge of, and experience with, federal regulation pertaining to F-1 and related visas and student immigration processes for both international students studying in the U.S. and U.S. residents studying abroad
    • 1 year of experience directly supervising full-time unionized employees. 
    • Knowledge of the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Department Summary

Our mission is to provide high quality services to international students and serve as an international education resource to the university community at California State University, Fresno.

We are committed to:

• Providing a warm and informative welcome to international students and recognizing their importance and their contributions to the campus and the Fresno community.
• Providing appropriate services and assistance to international students so they do not face challenges alone.
• Working with international students to assist with their adjustment and understanding of their new environment in a comfortable setting where they have opportunities and encouragement to pursue their dreams, be involved in the University community and have their efforts recognized.
• Encouraging international students to ask questions and offer suggestions while we do our utmost to address their concerns with respect, reassurances and understanding.
• Serving as a resource to faculty and staff to facilitate international exchange, enhance cross-cultural communication and support international endeavors.
• Providing information to prospective students and parents about the university and the quality of available educational experiences that enhances and promotes the continued flow of students from nations around the world.
• Offering our friendship today and tomorrow as we work together to dream and build a better world.

Deadline & Application Instructions

This position is open until filled with a first review date of November 13, 2023.

Please click "Apply Now" to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resume/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

WittKieffer is assisting Fresno State with this search for this position. Please direct all nominations, inquiries, and nominations to Rob Springall, Shelby Pykare, Roxana Woudstra and Ben Haden via email to FresnoStateInternational@wittkieffer.com.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)