Director of International Office – Bloomington, Illinois job with Illinois Wesleyan University | 161076

The International Office Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the study abroad program and providing support to staff in international student advising and international student/scholar services (ISSS). The Director must possess expertise in student advising best practices, resource management, database systems, and study abroad engagement and outreach, ensuring equitable access to opportunities. Depending on their level of experience, the Director may also serve as the PDSO/RO for the University’s F and J visa programs, collaborate with University-retained counsel for H-I and PERM applications, and act as the primary contact for officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and related agencies such as SEVP and USCIS. Staying current on changing regulations and federal policies that impact international services and supervising ISSS staff are also essential duties. The position may require occasional travel for site visits and attendance or facilitation of meetings and conferences both domestically and internationally. Some evening and weekend hours will be necessary to lead events. It is a requirement for the candidate to be a US citizen or US lawful permanent resident. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position located on-campus, with benefits including health insurance, retirement options, generous time off, and access to various tuition programs for employees and dependents.

Responsibilities:

1. Study abroad advising: Provide guidance to students regarding study abroad options, assist students throughout the application process, review and process IWU study abroad applications, prepare and deliver pre-departure orientations both in-person and online, coordinate the review of study abroad scholarship applications with the Advisory Committee, and develop and implement marketing campaigns for study abroad programs.

2. Administer study abroad programs: Oversee IWU’s semester abroad programs, provide support for May Term Travel and IWU Freeman Asia, serve as a liaison with affiliated partners and custom program providers, ensure adequate student support and academic content, coordinate information sharing with other campus offices, and monitor risk and safety abroad in accordance with guidelines from USDOS, CDC, OSAC, NAFSA, and AlertTraveler.

3. Manage International Office: Supervise the office budget, allocate resources effectively between study abroad and international students/scholars, establish and review policies related to study abroad and international student compliance, manage and update the Terra Dotta SaaS system, ensuring that information on affiliated programs is up to date, and provide support for non-study abroad international travel, such as athletic team trips.

4. Oversee and support international student/scholar services, including international faculty: Supervise the ISS advisor, and if qualified, serve as the PDSO/RO in the University’s SEVIS program, and collaborate with university-retained counsel for H-1 and PERM applications.

Requirements:

– Bachelor’s degree is required, a Master’s degree is preferred. Experience studying, working, living abroad, and/or advising college students may be considered as a substitute for some educational requirements.
– A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in higher education.
– Dedication to international education and the promotion of cross-cultural understanding.
– Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively engage individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
– Familiarity with Terra Dotta or other SaaS study abroad systems is preferred.
– Experience as a DSO/ARO in SEVIS or evidence of training in those areas through NAFSA is preferred.
– Must be a US citizen or US lawful permanent resident, in accordance with US immigration regulations.

Application Information:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. The cover letter should include the candidate’s understanding of inclusion and how their experiences have prepared them to contribute to creating a diverse and inclusive environment at IWU. The application can be downloaded from the university’s website. The review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled.

Application materials can be sent via email to hr@iwu.edu or via fax to 309-556-1710 (please use a cover sheet).

Illinois Wesleyan University
Human Resources, Holmes 209
1312 N. Park Street
Bloomington, IL 61701

The final candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.

The salary for this position ranges from $54,000 to $58,000, depending on experience.

Illinois Wesleyan University does not provide H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout their employment.

Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and civil community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students. Candidates who demonstrate a commitment to supporting and further building this community in these dimensions are encouraged to apply. Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer and upholds the principles of diversity and inclusive excellence. More information can be found at www.iwu.edu/diversity. Illinois Wesleyan University’s sexual misconduct policy is available at www.iwu.edu/human-resources/SexualMisconductPolicy.html