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Caltech · 1 month ago

International Student Advisor

Pasadena, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid Level

$76K/yr - $91K/yr

3+ years exp

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that supports the international community, including students and scholars. The International Student Advisor is responsible for providing immigration support and advising to international students, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations, and developing programs to enhance the student experience.

EdTechEducationUniversities

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) for Caltech’s F Student program (program) and as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for Caltech’s J Exchange Visitor Program

In coordination with Caltech’s Principal DSO and Responsible Officer, ensure institutional compliance with applicable F-1 and J-1 regulations, relevant immigration laws, and all federal and state regulations and laws pertaining to the administration of Caltech’s international student and exchange visitor programs

Comply with DHS and DOS regulations and institutional policy

Interpret and apply regulatory knowledge when creating, maintaining, and updating SEVIS records for international students

Maintain accurate federal and internal record keeping through SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) and ISSM (International Student & Scholar Management database)

Stay current on immigration laws, regulations, and policy to provide the appropriate guidance and advice to F and J international students

Use discretion and independent judgment to advise international undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree students, and alumni (with active Caltech SEVIS records) on F-1 and J-1 immigration compliance

Manage a caseload of international students independently

Analyze and evaluate an individual’s needs and circumstances, and investigate U.S. immigration options to construct appropriate approach

Resolve complex problems and issues by applying job skills, departmental policies and procedures independently and/or through a process of consultative review

Prioritize actions and case management effectively

Determine strategies for accurate and timely advising

Develop services, policies, procedures, and processes to ensure comprehensive, quality service to international students

Meet individually with international students during regular walk-in hours and by appointment

Lead group immigration advising forums for international students and alumni

Independently develop and lead informational presentations and workshops regularly throughout the year

Partner with International Offices team members to provide consistent advising to the Caltech international student and scholar community, and determine when an internal referral is necessary

Conduct in-person I-9 verifications and reverifications expertly and professionally

Independently design and lead workshops and programs for campus partners to provide communication, education, and guidance regarding immigration compliance and services

Analyze, interpret, and provide recommendations for improving process flow of information to customers

Use creativity to develop educational, cultural, and social solutions

Apply discretion to identify and implement process improvements

Serve as key contributor to provide timely updates and presentations to international students regarding relevant immigration and business practices, opportunities, and regulatory changes

Conduct and contribute to an innovative, compliant, and enriching orientation for international students. Use discretion to develop appropriate content and structure to guide new international students and to train orientation student leaders

Establish and maintain relationships with campus partners to support comprehensive social, cultural and educational programs for the international student experience at Caltech

Consult and collaborate with campus partners to provide guidance and appropriate referrals for international students who need support. Referrals may include, but are not limited to, personal and confidential counseling through Student Wellness Services, academic counseling in the Deans’ Offices, career counseling through the Career Achievement, Leadership, and Exploration (CALE) office, etc

Update and maintain assigned sections of the International Offices’ website. Independently apply business and regulatory knowledge to ensure clear and consistent online communication

Participate in creating a collaborative and dedicated welcoming environment for the student community as well as for the International Office team members. This includes, but is not limited to, greeting students, assisting team members with various projects that serve the advising, programming, data, and procedural needs of the office

Propose ideas for streamlining and improving the office’s efforts at remaining in compliance with appropriate federal and state laws governing the stay of F and J non-immigrants. This includes, but is not limited to, suggesting new processes and procedures that the office could implement

Respond in a timely manner to in-person, online, and email inquiries in service of the immigration, academic, and personal needs of international students

Participate in managing the daily flow of student traffic and daily administrative tasks such as data entry and document production

Maintain discretion and commitment to student well-being and confidentiality

Utilize Outlook email and calendars in accordance with ISP business practices

Qualification

Immigration advisingU.S. immigration regulationsSEVIS managementMicrosoft Office SuitePresentation skillsCustomer service skillsCritical thinkingOrganizational skillsInterpersonal skillsDetail oriented

Required

Bachelor's degree

3 years of international student advising or relevant experience

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

A high level of interpersonal and customer service skills

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with little direction and to make appropriate decisions based upon policy, accepted practices, and/or procedures

Ability to be collaborative while working in a complex and fast-paced organization

Strong presentation skills

Demonstrated critical thinking and organizational skills

Detail oriented and methodical

Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook and Excel

In accordance with the regulations at 22 CFR 62, the individual in this position must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States