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NAFSA: Association of International Educators · 1 hour ago

Director of International Student Support

Haverford, PA

Internship

Hybrid

Intern, Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

3+ years exp

Haverford College is a prestigious institution seeking a Director of International Student Support. The role involves providing leadership for compliance, advising, and programming related to international students, ensuring adherence to federal immigration regulations while fostering a supportive environment for global engagement and inclusion.

CharityEducationNon Profit

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Serve as the College’s primary Designated School Official (DSO) and lead all SEVP/SEVIS compliance operations, including institutional reporting, recertification, and record maintenance in SEVIS

Monitor and interpret evolving DHS, DOS, USCIS guidance, federal policy memos, and executive actions, assessing their impact on institutional operations and student success

Ensure institutional readiness for DHS site visits, audits, and compliance reviews, including documentation management and internal process assessments

Develop and execute risk mitigation strategies in response to global events, executive orders, and regulatory changes impacting international students and alumni

Consult with divisional and senior leadership on institutional policies and practices that intersect with immigration compliance, student mobility, and the international student experience

Oversee all DSO advising functions and provide direct, comprehensive advising to F-1 students and alumni on maintaining legal status, employment authorization (CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT), travel and re-entry, and change-of-status processes

Oversee all phases of the student lifecycle — from I-20 issuance and orientation through post-graduation employment compliance

Maintain systems for proactive case tracking (OPT/STEM reporting, unemployment days, SEVIS registration, etc.) and ensure advising consistency and documentation integrity

Develop, implement, and assess co-curricular initiatives, programs, and workshops that support international students

Develop and lead workshops and information sessions on employment authorization options—including Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the STEM OPT extension—with particular emphasis on access to internships and post-graduation success

Create and manage institutional communications—including newsletters, website updates, and campus and alumni outreach—to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of immigration and compliance information

Collaborate with students, staff, and faculty, as well as external stakeholders, in support of the ISS goals and programs

Supervise and mentor the Assistant Director and student interns, ensuring clarity of roles, professional growth, and alignment with office priorities

Manage the ISS budget, and develop annual assessment plans within the context of the divisional and College strategic plans

Support student affinity groups in partnership with other IDEA offices

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

F-1 visa regulationsSEVIS complianceAdvisingCase managementImmigration processesIntercultural competenceBudget managementWorkshop developmentEffective communication

Required

Bachelor's Degree

Three years of experience with progressively increasing responsibilities in higher education, community organizing, or related field

Demonstrated expertise and in-depth knowledge of F-1 visa regulations, immigration and international travel processes, and SEVIS compliance requirements, with the ability to interpret and apply evolving federal policies to institutional practice

Experience managing accurate record-keeping, compliance reporting, and proactive communication with federal agencies

Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex regulatory information for diverse audiences through workshops, training, and public communications

Advising and case management skills, including the ability to guide students and alumni through complex immigration and work authorization with clarity and empathy

Ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively handle sensitive and personal information with respect and discretion

Demonstrated intercultural competence, sensitivity, and commitment to fostering retention and student success

To be a Designated School Official for SEVIS, a person must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and attend appropriate training to operate Student and Exchange Visitor Programs (SEVP) as outlined by the Department of Homeland Security