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Director of International Student and Scholar Services


The Office for Global Engagement at the University of Utah is hiring a Director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). This position is responsible for delivering vision, innovation, advocacy, and guidance related to support services provided to international students and scholars and their families. ISSS is responsible for maintaining compliance with immigration regulations for F-1 students and J exchange visitors. The Director oversees the implementation of immigration-related policies and procedures and the ongoing development of systems and practices in line with regulatory requirements. Reporting directly to the Chief Global Officer, the Director collaborates frequently with campus partners across the university as well as external agencies to ensure the support of the university’s international community.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) serves as the primary resource for non-immigrant students and scholars at the University of Utah. International Student and Scholar Services fosters the education and development of non-immigrant students and scholars to enable them to achieve their academic and professional goals and objectives. ISSS provides advice, counseling, and advocacy regarding immigration, cross-cultural, and personal matters. ISSS supports an environment conducive to international education and intercultural awareness via educational, social, and cross-cultural programs.

Key Responsibilities:

The Director will have responsibility over the daily management and strategic direction of the International Student and Scholar Services office, leading a professional staff of twelve full-time employees and a number of graduate assistants. This position will evaluate, create, and provide counsel on policies and best practices to enhance the experiences of international students and scholars. The Director will collaborate with the PDSO and/or RO to develop, implement, and maintain university policies and processes as they relate to international populations, SEVIS requirements, and federal immigration regulations. A successful Director will maintain a commitment to the University of Utah’s Mission Statement, will represent the ISSS Office and the University Global Engagement leadership team on university and external initiatives, committees, and other programming efforts to help guide and promote the UU’s global objectives and priorities.

  • Manages multiple budget activities including scholarship, salary and operating funds
  • Direct supervision of ISSS Leadership Team: coach, mentor, motivate, and problem solve with senior staff members.
  • Evaluates escalated situations involving F-1 and J-1 federal immigration law and makes final policy and advising decisions.
  • Facilitates outreach and collaboration to create awareness of ISSS services and issues relevant to international students and scholars
  • Collaborates with campus partners to develop and implement external strategies to support international students and scholars
  • Designs and implements internal programs and processes to provide high quality service to international students, scholars, and campus partners
  • Assesses programs and processes: ensures high quality, responsive service in a fast-paced climate with changing and at times conflicting needs
  • Works extensively with academic departments to support the intersection of innovative higher education models, immigration law and unique international student needs
  • Provides training on a variety of intercultural communication and international student and scholar related topics for campus partners
  • Serves on campus-wide committees and task forces
  • Key campus contact point for knowledge of international students’ and scholars’ unique circumstances and needs
  • Builds campus partnerships to support awareness of services and issues relevant to international students and scholars
  • Addresses high level student and department issues, complaints and emergencies.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, or related area, or equivalency (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education).
  • Master’s degree in Education, or related area preferred. Eight years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communications skilled required.
  • Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position’s description.

The Setting:

OGE is a comprehensive international education office reporting to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The office serves as the University of Utah’s hub for global programs and connects, informs, and supports the university’s international initiatives. OGE comprises 55 staff members, including four directors, and is home to:

  • International Student and Scholar Services – providing support services for the university’s international students and scholars and maintaining compliance with immigration regulations.
  • Learning Abroad – providing promotion of opportunities, advising, and support for students to participate in international academic experiences abroad and support for faculty to lead programs abroad.
  • Global Learning Initiative – providing professional development, funding, and advising for faculty to integrate global learning in the curriculum via the development of global and intercultural learning outcomes and an assessment process.
  • Global Campuses – providing oversight for the University of Utah Asia Campus in South Korea and coordinating international recruiting programs with undergraduate studies and admissions.
  • Global Risk Management – providing support services to faculty and students addressing the health and safety risks associated with international travel.
  • Global Programs – promoting the development of revenue-generating customized training programs for international students, educators, and professionals with a focus on the academic strengths of the University of Utah and the expansion of cross-cultural relationships for the university.

The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate degree programs, and an enrollment of more than 32,000 students. In 2019, the university joined the Association of American Universities, an invitation-only, prestigious group of 65 leading research institutions marked by excellence in academic expertise and research impact, student success, and securing resources in support of core missions.

A key mission of the university is to build an inclusive community that fosters a sense of belonging and well-being in which every student can thrive. The university is committed to removing barriers that have been traditionally encountered by individuals from underrepresented groups; strives to recruit faculty and staff who will further enhance our diversity; and makes every attempt to support their success while they are here.

The main campus is located in Salt Lake City, a vibrant metropolitan area with a diverse population, offering exciting urban and cultural experiences as well as access to spectacular outdoor recreation. Combined with the region’s strong economy and dynamic growth, Salt Lake City offers a high quality of life.

To Apply for the Position:

To apply, please access the University of Utah application portal: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/129773 (PRN29492B) where you submit your CV/resume, a letter of application detailing how you meet the qualifications for the position, and the contact information for three professional references. Applications should be submitted by December 20, 2021.  For questions regarding the position, contact: Sovanna Behrmann at sovanna.behrmann@utah.edu (please do not send the application documents to this email address, but apply via the University of Utah job application portal.