Director-International Student Services/Dso

Position -  Director - International Student Services/DSO 

Summary:

The Director of International Students Services/DSO takes the lead for all policy and compliance issues related to international students including working closely with all related federal government agencies. This role is responsible for designing and providing programmatic support, advising, immigration information and orientation to F1 and J1 international students. The Director works closely with Enrollment Management and relevant academic support units to ensure that newly accepted students have a successful transition to Avila. The role implements and manages international student orientation, provides direct support to individual students as they matriculate through their college experience. The director develops and communicates critical information to the international student population in support of their persistence and success. The position typically supervises a team of International Student Services Coordinators to support international students and English Language learners on Avila Campus. 

Responsibilities:

• Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) through Department of Homeland Security (DHS), updates and maintains Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) according to Department of Homeland Security regulations.
• Acts as primary liaison with government agencies including DHS, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Consular Affairs Offices.
• Resolves issues related to international student (F1) processes and outlines additional resources to develop solutions
• Review and analyze submitted immigration and related application documents and special applicant requests to ensure accuracy, authentication, completeness and adherence to regulations
• Assist the division of student affairs in developing and implementing strategies to enhance student engagement, retention, persistence and overall success.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to address student concerns, providing guidance and solutions to academic, personal, and social challenges.
• Manage the International student services office, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality services.
• Stay current with trends and best practices in student affairs and higher education to continuously improve the student experience.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field, Master's preferred.
• Due to Homeland Security restrictions, must be either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• 2 years of project/administrative or related experience in an educational institution required, preferably with responsibilities related to International Student Services.
• Sensitivity to the needs of a diverse student population, including minority and international students.
• Incumbents must possess proven ability to effectively work with a culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students. They are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills along with strong Information technology literacy skills such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.) Incumbents are required to have demonstrated advanced knowledge and abilities in the following:
• Experience with programs and strategies to support equitable outcomes for international students which may include first-generation, non-traditional, minoritized, and marginalized communities
• Fluency in or familiarity with at least one language in addition to English; experience with travel or living abroad.
  

Successful candidates should be committed to contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Benefits:

This is a full-time position, eligible for the usual and customary benefits. Avila University’s comprehensive benefit package includes a generous holiday schedule, tuition remission for employee and dependents, vacation and sick leave, retirement benefits and health insurance. 

The Community:

Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities.  Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.