Assistant Director, Student Services

Department: International Student and Scholar Services
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

The target hiring range for this position will be between $67,500 - $73,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of International Student Services within the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS), the Assistant Director serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). This role involves interpreting, evaluating, educating, and advising F-1 and J-1 international students and their dependents on federal immigration regulations. The Assistant Director also assists in training advising staff on regulatory requirements, employment authorization, and OISS processes, including leading weekly Advisor Roundtables.

The position requires assessing complex individual situations, developing and implementing recommendations, and collaborating with internal and external partners to enhance the overall international student experience. Additionally, the Assistant Director coordinates new student orientation, outreach, and pre-arrival engagement programs.

Occasional evening and weekend staffing of events is required.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

Student Advising

• Provide comprehensive, student-centered advising to admitted, current, and alumni international students on complex issues, including federal immigration regulations and cultural/personal support.

Student Programming

• Plan, manage, and implement activities/events to support international students.
• Coordinate new student orientation, outreach, and pre-arrival engagement programs.
• Evaluate programming effectiveness, resources, and services for international students.
• Develop and deliver programming to enhance understanding of F-1/J-1 regulations and work authorizations.

Office Leadership

• Recommend and implement operational improvements to meet organizational objectives.
• Provide guidance to advisors on immigration regulations for international students.
• Oversee administrative functions such as assessment, operations planning, data management, and reporting.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to support international student success.
• Serve as the primary University contact for international Fulbright students.
• Assist in the administration of Terra Dotta and communication outreach (e.g., newsletters, website updates, and specialized emails).
• Manage content updates in Homebase related to orientation and practical training, and explore new content opportunities.
• Coordinate income tax information and access codes for international students.
• Liaise with front desk staff on international student matters, supervising temporary and processing staff as needed.

Compliance

• Ensure institutional compliance with federal immigration regulations and policies.
• Manage international student data in CAESAR, SEVIS, and Terra Dotta.
• Maintain communication with government agencies at federal, state, and local levels.
• Stay up to date with changes in immigration laws, regulations, and policies.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Five years of experience advising F-1 and J-1 international students as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Experience with assessment, data analysis, and programming.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. Government requirements for issuing student immigration documents.

MINIMUM COMPETENCIES:

• Prior experience facilitating programs and advising international students in a university setting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal regulations related to F-1 and J-1 visa holders.
• Strong listening, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.
• Professional demeanor with tact and discretion.
• Customer service-oriented approach.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Strong project management skills and ability to engage with diverse student, faculty, and staff populations.
• Experience working with culturally diverse student populations.
• Ability to support students holistically in their academic and personal experiences.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES:

• PeopleSoft Campus Solutions
• Terra Dotta, immigration solution software
• Homebase, learning platform
• Cascade, website management

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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