International Student Advisor

General Notes

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is home to 18 schools and colleges, including the Dell Medical School, over 5,500 International Students, more than 800 ESL students, and nearly 1,500 international scholars representing more than 120 countries, annually. Over 4,200 UT Austin students each year participate in education abroad across 80 countries and at least 5% of UT Austin’s 475,000 alumni live and work abroad in 175 countries. Students and alumni have received numerous prestigious international awards including Fulbright, Gilman, Rhodes and Marshall scholarships and UT Austin is ranked among the best and most productive research universities in the world. UT Austin’s leadership is committed to supporting the continued growth of internationalization activities across campus and abroad and Texas Global plays a critical role in shaping and leading these efforts in concert with faculty, staff, and students. 

Texas Global advances UT Austin’s academic mission by leading, supporting, and coordinating the university’s international engagement efforts, fostering strategic partnerships on campus and abroad, welcoming a cadre of impressive International Students and scholars to campus, and creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage with peers and institutions around the world. Texas Global is comprised of nine units, home to over 140 staff members, and continued growth of the organization is expected.

Purpose

Advise International Students on matters including, yet not limited to, immigration. Work closely with academic departments to support International Students. Ensure university’s compliance with federal regulations and keep detailed records of all processes. Work as a highly functioning, collaborative member of the Student Immigration Advising (SIA) team, as well as International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) as a whole.

Responsibilities

• Serve as DHS Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate responsible Officer ARO) for routine SEVIS records maintenance and record updates to ensure federal compliance for both the university and student population. Advise and assist prospective and admitted International Students on pre-arrival immigration-related issues. Advise International Students on complex U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State regulations. Counsel and assist International Students on matters related to university life and the U.S. study experience, including finances, transportation, employment, health insurance, adjustment to the campus, and maintenance of student status. Process immigration documents and immigration applications for International Students. Communicate with federal agencies regarding immigration benefits for International Students.
• Serve as a resource to academic departments to support International Students admitted and enrolled in their degree programs. Serve as liaison to select university offices and departments to inform on and advocate for the needs of International Students. Participate in the implementation and delivery of various programming activities including new student check-in and orientation; intercultural programing; special topic workshops and joint programming with other campus or community entities.
• Actively participate in the development and growth of team expertise in the laws and regulations governing International Students and in informing university administrators about university policies and procedures that ensure ongoing compliance. Work closely with ISSS leadership, as needed, to ensure proper understanding and application of immigration regulations and university policies, taking appropriate initiative and exercising discretion within the scope of assigned duties.
• Provide support to overall functions of office where needed; actively support the critical priorities of ISSS and Texas Global; serve on internal committees and participate in work groups to support the mission of the unit.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and three years of related international experience.  Effective problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to take initiative. Ability to work independently and as a team member. Evidence of strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume, environment. Possess excellent written communication skills with attention to detail. Commitment to high quality and efficient customer service. Ability to be professional, diplomatic, composed, and proactive in varied interactions. Excellent cross-cultural communication skills with documented experience in public speaking and delivering presentations. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Due to federal database access requirements, only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Significantexperience advising students on F-1 and J-1 regulations in a university context. Significant experience as a Designated School Official (DSO).

Salary Range

$51,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Work in a shared office environment. Work around standard office conditions. This position is located in Austin, Texas. This position is eligible for a hybrid working arrangement.