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The University of Texas at Austin · 2 months ago

Senior International Faculty and Scholar Advisor

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$62K/yr - $62K/yr

5+ years exp

The University of Texas at Austin is a top public university in the U.S. seeking a Senior International Faculty and Scholar Advisor to support the recruitment and retention of international talent. This role involves providing expert guidance on U.S. immigration regulations and managing employment-based visa processes while collaborating with academic departments to ensure compliance and support for international faculty and scholars.

Corporate TrainingEducationHigher EducationUniversities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Prepare and submit employment-based immigration petitions (e.g., I-140, I-129) that enable the University to secure and retain top international talent through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

File Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), Prevailing Wage Determinations, and PERM applications with the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance

Collaborate with University departments to obtain necessary documents, draft supporting documentation, and review letters for petition filings

Utilize immigration case management systems, SEVIS, USCIS and DOL online portals, and University databases to process petitions efficiently, maintain comprehensive records, and track case progress

Communicate proactively with federal agencies to ensure timely responses and full compliance with all requests, requirements, and regulations

Serve as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, ensuring seamless program compliance and supporting scholars through expert SEVIS management and DS-2019 issuance as needed

Stay current on regulatory changes, interpret complex immigration policies, and align unit practices with evolving federal and institutional standards

Maintain accurate, detailed case files and databases to ensure compliance with federal immigration and labor regulations and University policies

Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, reduce processing times, and strengthen compliance oversight

Partner with academic departments to develop holistic immigration strategies for international faculty and scholars—from initial recruitment through ongoing employment

Serve as the primary immigration expert for international faculty, researchers, and visiting scholars, providing guidance on visa options, status maintenance, travel, and employment authorization

Deliver comprehensive orientations, workshops, and one-on-one consultations that equip scholars with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their immigration journey

Translate complex immigration regulations into clear, empathetic guidance and practical solutions that align with federal requirements and University policies

Collaborate with academic units, Human Resources, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless onboarding and sustained support for international talent retention

Serve as a strategic partner to academic departments, building trusted relationships that support the successful recruitment and retention of international scholars

Design and deliver dynamic training sessions, orientations, and events that empower international scholars and the departments that support them

Transform complex immigration regulations into clear, accessible content across websites, presentations, and publications while upholding Texas Global branding standards

Advocate for the needs of international scholars across campus, serving as their voice in university-wide conversations and decision-making

Champion ISSS and Texas Global priorities by leading strategic initiatives that strengthen the international community and advance the University's global mission

Provide leadership continuity by serving as backup to the Assistant Director during absences, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery

Drive innovation through active collaboration in staff meetings and working groups focused on enhancing service delivery and operational effectiveness

Foster a welcoming environment by supporting and staffing programs that connect international scholars with each other and the broader University community

Qualification

Immigration caseworkVisa petition filingSEVIS managementPublic speakingOrganizational skillsInterpersonal skillsProblem-solvingWritten communicationTeam collaboration

Required

Due to federal database access requirements, only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for this position

Bachelor's degree and at least five years of professional experience in immigration casework or a related field

Demonstrated experience filing H-1B, TN, E-3, or O-1 petitions with a strong track record of successful outcomes

Familiarity with employer-sponsored EB-1/EB-2 I-140 petitions, including Outstanding Professor/Researcher and PERM (Basic and Special Handling)

Working knowledge of J-1 regulations for Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Student Intern, and Specialist categories

Exceptional organizational skills with proven ability to manage competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy in a high-volume, fast-paced environment

Excellent written communication skills with meticulous attention to detail and ability to explain complex concepts clearly

Strong problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness, and initiative in navigating ambiguous or challenging situations

Professional demeanor with exceptional interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills that build trust across audiences

Demonstrated experience in public speaking and delivering engaging presentations to varied audiences

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, adapting seamlessly between individual casework and team projects

Commitment to delivering high-quality, efficient, customer-focused service that exceeds expectations

*Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate

Preferred

Extensive experience advising international faculty and scholars in a university or research institution setting

Advanced knowledge of employment-based immigration strategies and petition preparation, including Outstanding Professor/Researcher and PERM (Basic and Special Handling)