The International Student Advisor oversees nearly 750 non-immigrant international students in their relationship to Federal regulations found in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 8 CFR S 214.2(4). The position also ensures that the university complies with federal regulations as implemented through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Carrying out these two functions is essential to the University maintaining its authorization to enroll international students. To accomplish these two mission-critical functions, the position must:
• comprehend complex, detailed, and evolving federal regulations governing international students
• meet and maintain qualifications as a U.S. Department of Designated School Official (DSO).
• understand a broad range of university policies and procedures related to admissions, enrollment, financial aid, student accounts, student affairs, graduate students, and student conduct
• effectively orient, train, and advise graduate and undergraduate students in the benefits and restrictions associated with federal regulations in a manner that is sensitive to their cultural differences and language limitations
• maintain the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SEVIS database with current and accurate information pertaining to the status of all enrolled international students
• wisely counsel students having potentially complex and highly nuanced personal situations in light of university policies and federal regulations with a goal of maintaining their legal non-immigrant status, retaining the student, and facilitating progress towards graduation
• consistently act in such a way to support the university’s spiritual and global mission as well as its enrollment and retention goals
• advocate for international students in the wider university context when such advocacy supports the university’s mission and/or the student’s retention or satisfaction with his or her university experience
• maintain active contact with over 100 university graduates on ‘post-completion’ Optional Practical Training to monitor and report their employment status in SEVIS for up to 36 months post-graduation

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

International Student Advising

• Conduct international student orientation on SSA, DMV, Insurance, F-1 regulations, employment issues; Understand university policies and procedures related to international students; Coordinate with other student service offices; Orient, train, and advise international regarding their student status; Help maintain the U.S. DHS’s SEVIS database; Counsel international students on university policies and federal regulations; Support the university’s spiritual and global mission; Advocate for international students; Maintain active contact with international graduates on OPT; Support students CPT policies and procedures; Maintain smooth functioning of ISSM and future software systems; Anticipate and prevent problems impacting international students.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, in international relations or relevant/ similar field.
• Master’s in Education, Administration or similarly relevant, or MBA.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English articulately and professionally.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with computer and technology skills.
• Willingness to work with members of the international community.
• Familiarity with cross-cultural programs and foreign students’ needs.
• Personal faith commitment to the University’s evangelical Christian purpose

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing to convey clear well-articulated information.

• Ability to understand, speak, and write English to convey messages and correspond articulately and professionally.

• Possess public communication skills that allow the professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Excellent computer skills.

Problem-Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.

• Regularly required to hear and speak to communicate orally effectively.

• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.

• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel, or stoop to conduct business.

• Regularly lift ten or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting.  It is well-lighted, and the noise level is moderate. 

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position.  Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Time Type

Full time

Location

Onsite

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.