The College of St. Scholastica
Job Application Advice for International Applicants: Director of the Office of International Programs
Employer: The College of St. Scholastica
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Salary: $57,093 – $74,221
Closing Date: March 21, 2025
As you consider applying for the Director of the Office of International Programs at The College of St. Scholastica, here are some tailored tips for international education professionals:
Understanding the Role:
As the Director, you’ll serve as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations concerning F-1 visas. Your responsibilities will also include managing the daily operations of the Office of International Programs and supporting international students in their educational journey.
What You Need:
Educational Background:
- Possess a Master’s degree in International Studies, Student Personnel, or a related field with at least 2 years of experience in an international education setting, including 1 year as a Designated School Official (DSO).
- Alternatively, hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years of experience as a PDSO.
- Equivalent experience, education, and training combination are also considered.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Must qualify to become a PDSO.
- Experience working closely with ESL (English as a Second Language) speakers is essential.
- Strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse student populations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with flexibility and strong time management.
- Exceptional communication skills both in writing and verbally.
- Fluency in a second language is advantageous and preferred.
Key Responsibilities:
You will ensure that the College adheres to immigration regulations for F-1 students, advocate for international student needs, manage the Office of International Programs, and support students through their academic and professional integration into U.S. culture and systems.
How to Apply: Tips for International Applicants
- Align Your Experience with the Role:
Ensure your resume and cover letter clearly highlight relevant international education experience. Emphasize any past roles where you worked directly with F-1 students, managed compliance tasks, or led education programs.
- Showcase Cultural Competency:
Highlight experiences where you worked with diverse populations or developed programs to support cultural integration. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to foster an inclusive environment.
- Professional Leadership:
Illustrate your leadership skills by detailing your experience in managing teams, overseeing budgets, or guiding committee work in international contexts.
- Leverage Language Skills:
If fluent in a second language, make sure to point that out as it enhances your qualifications and aligns with the preferred requirements listed in the job description.
- Familiarize Yourself with U.S. Regulations:
While applying, ensure you have a clear understanding of the SEVIS system, OPT processes, and other immigration-related procedures, as proficiency in these areas is crucial.
- Highlight Any U.S.-Based Experience:
If you’ve previously studied or worked in the United States, underscore how these experiences have prepared you for this role.
Final Tip:
Before submitting your application, make sure to review your materials for clarity, accuracy, and how well they sell your fit for this position. Tailor your approach to demonstrate your readiness and enthusiasm to contribute to The College of St. Scholastica from an international education perspective.
For the best chance of landing this pivotal role, apply early, and take advantage of any networking opportunities with current or past employees at the College.
Create a job alert to receive updates directly to your inbox and ensure you don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to international education at The College of St. Scholastica
To apply for this job please visit jobregistry.nafsa.org.