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Columbia University

International Student Advisor

🇺🇸 New York, NY

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $65K - $70K

💻 Academic Advising

🗓️ December 22nd, 2024

TESOL SEVIS

Edtech.com's Summary

Columbia University is hiring an International Student Advisor based on-site at their Morningside campus. The role involves advising international students on immigration matters and acting as a Designated School Official to issue necessary government documents.

Highlights
  • Advise F-1 international students on immigration regulations and university policies.
  • Manage and process immigration documents as a Designated School Official (DSO).
  • Salary range: $65,000 - $70,000.
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree and two years' experience as a DSO in higher education.
  • Strong skills in organization, communication, and computer literacy are essential.
  • Knowledge of SEVIS reporting and recordkeeping requirements is required.
  • Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and experience with Sunapsis.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident per federal DSO regulations.
  • Full-time position with a 35-hour workweek.
  • Opportunities to participate in regional and national international education conferences.

International Student Advisor Full Description

  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000

Position Summary
Under the supervision of an Assistant Director for International Student Services, the International Student Adviser I advises on basic rights and responsibilities under the immigration laws of the United States; advises international students on immigration matters related to their stay at Columbia University; acts as Designated School Official (DSO) to issue required U.S. government documents to international students; assists in streamlining and improving ISSO processes and services; collaborates with staff, schools, departments and outside organizations (including vendors) to plan and coordinate collaborative events as needed. Performs all other duties as assigned

Responsibilities
  • Advise and provide guidance to F-1 students about their rights and responsibilities under immigration regulations and university policies.
  • As Designated School Official (DSO), process and issue immigration documents (I-20 reprints, change of major, update employer information) and related documents such as social security and certification letters.
  • Complies with federal SEVIS reporting and record keeping requirements.
  • Manage assigned caseload in addition to assisting with case assignments.
  • Consult with the SEVIS Help Desk to correct SEVIS record errors by processing SEVIS Corrections and data fixes.
  • Triages incoming inquiries/requests by email and/or phone and responds as needed to general and specific questions from new or current international students and their academic departments.
  • Presents at various school-specific orientations and immigration workshops.
  • Assist in streamlining and improving ISSO processes and services.
  • Assists with office policy development and modification of standard operating procedures.
  • Collaborates on student advising team projects.
  • Maintains current knowledge of US immigration regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Cultivates a customer service atmosphere when serving as the first point of contact in person and by email or phone.
  • Refers students to the appropriate campus and community resources as needed.
  • Manages ISSO email account as well as day-to-day influx of applications for benefits.
  • Helps to ensure regulatory information is up to date on the ISSO website.
  • Cultivates a professional presence on campus and in the field through local and national partnerships and associations.
  • Participates as requested in regional and national international education conferences.
  • Performs related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree (in Liberal Arts, Management, Communications, or Education) and/or equivalent related experience.
  • Two years’ experience as DSO in a higher education setting advising on federal F-1 immigration regulations and SEVIS.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Strong computer literacy and familiarity with web-based applications.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in international education, higher education, cross-cultural communication, intercultural counseling, area/cultural studies, foreign language, or TESOL.
  • Experience with Sunapsis and in customer service.
  • Fluency in at least one foreign language.
  • Experience living abroad.
  • Completion of NAFSA F-1 Professional Development Program.

Other Requirements
  • Federal regulations require Designated School Officials to be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.