Applying for the Assistant Director of International Services at the University of Illinois Chicago Advice for International Education Professionals Are you passionate about fostering international engagement and supporting a diverse academic community? The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is seeking a qualified candidate to join its Office of International Services as Assistant Director of International Services. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of the most dynamic, diverse, and recognized urban public research universities in the U.S. If you’re an international education professional or an experienced immigration advisor, here’s how you can effectively prepare your application with a global perspective in mind. About the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) UIC is a nationally and internationally recognized higher education institution, distinguished by its status as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), including its designation as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). With a student body exceeding 34,000 students from a range of cultural and academic backgrounds, UIC emphasizes a global, inclusive, and transformative educational experience for both students and staff. UIC is also a leader in cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research and works in collaboration with civic, corporate, and community organizations domestically and abroad. The thriving international focus at UIC underpins its mission to create pathways of success for students, scholars, faculty, and staff in an increasingly interconnected world. Overview of the Role As the Assistant Director of International Services, you will: Provide immigration-related support, advice, and resources to international faculty and staff. Oversee employment-based immigration processes, including support for H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1 visas, and employment-based permanent residency petitions. Offer internal consulting and training on immigration policies to university academic departments and administrators. Develop programs supporting international scholars, including orientations, seminars, and workshops. This role requires effective leadership skills, advanced knowledge of immigration policies, and an ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Key Qualifications To excel in this role, candidates are required to meet the following qualifications: Required Qualifications A bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., social sciences, humanities, international studies). At least five years of experience in international education or immigration advising. Strong understanding of U.S. immigration regulations and policies. Capacity to fulfill U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State regulations as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), respectively. Proficiency with immigration compliance systems like SEVIS and FLAG. Preferred Traits A master’s degree in higher education, international studies, or related fields. Familiarity with processes related to H-1B, J-1, O-1, TN visas, and employment-based permanent residency. Excellent cross-cultural communication skills and ability to navigate complex immigration scenarios. Advice for International Education Professionals Applying Highlight Global and Cross-Cultural Expertise Include experience working in multicultural or international environments. Discuss any relevant international education leadership roles, training initiatives, or your personal experience advising individuals with diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds. This is an opportunity to show how your global perspective aligns with the incredibly diverse ethos of UIC. Demonstrate Your Immigration Knowledge and Problem-Solving Abilities In your application material, provide specific examples of successful cases where you helped manage complex immigration issues or designed policies to enhance compliance while balancing the needs of international staff or faculty. Mention your familiarity with SEVIS, FLAG, and other compliance systems, as well as your ability to train university staff on immigration-related topics. Showcase Leadership and Team Management Skills Highlight prior supervisory or mentoring experience you’ve had in working with advisors or operational teams. Institutions like UIC value candidates with the ability to lead with collaboration and cultural sensitivity. Detail Program Development Experience Explain how you’ve implemented successful programs for international employee orientation, professional development, or cultural integration. Share how these programs fostered a sense of belonging and compliance among international communities. Disclose International Policy Knowledge Since this position interacts with U.S. government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and Department of Labor, make sure to indicate your understanding of these organizations’ processes and how you’ve leveraged this knowledge to address individuals’ travel, status, or immigration concerns. Craft a Tailored Cover Letter When preparing your cover letter, reflect on how your skills and experiences align with UIC’s mission as a diverse urban research institution. Personalize your application by demonstrating how your ambitions contribute to advancing UIC’s global engagement strategies while ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration standards. Application Requirements & Deadline For the fullest consideration, please submit: A detailed cover letter (clearly identifying your global experiences and how they align with this role). Your current resume or CV. Contact details of three professional or academic references. Application Deadline: November 28, 2025 Your application must be submitted through the University of Illinois Chicago’s online application system . This is the only accepted submission method for this role. UIC’s Inclusive Environment The University of Illinois System is an equal-opportunity employer, welcoming applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities and veterans. Should you require accommodations during the application process, UIC will provide assistance upon request. If you are committed to international education, community engagement, and excellence in immigration advising, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a globally focused university. Begin your journey now, and become part of a team that shapes the success of international students and faculty at UIC! For more details about UIC and its efforts in creating an equitable and diverse learning environment, visit their Non-Discrimination Statement and Required Notices .