International Student Advisor

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

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.