Job Details:

Company: U of MN Job Opening ID 359264 (https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job)

The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the University of Minnesota is dedicated to creating a top global learning environment. Our expert advisors assist the University’s international population in navigating immigration and intercultural needs. We provide culturally sensitive immigration advice to international students, faculty, staff, scholars, and their dependents.

We are currently seeking a member to join our ISSS Scholar Advising team. This position will offer expert advice and support to over 1,200 international faculty, staff, scholars, and their sponsoring departments across the 5-campus University system. The primary responsibilities will focus on employment-based visas (H-1B, TN, E-3, etc.) and employment-based permanent residency. There may also be involvement as a J-1 Scholar advisor.

Responsibilities:

Immigration Advising and Counseling (65%)
– Provide expert immigration advice to international clients (faculty, staff, and scholars) with a primary focus on employment-based non-immigrant visas (H-1B, TN, E-3) and permanent residency.
– Develop and maintain relationships with University departments who sponsor international faculty, staff, and scholars. Provide consultation and guidance to department administrative staff on employment solutions, assessing eligibility for various visa types, and application processes.
– Interpret and apply complex federal immigration regulations and institutional policies related to the employment of foreign nationals.
– Utilize counseling and intercultural communication theories to advise international clients on career, academic, intercultural, and personal matters.
– Collaborate with international clients and their departments to address barriers to success. Refer faculty, staff, and scholars to appropriate resources within the University.
– Conduct advising meetings to gather necessary information and identify paths toward personal, academic, and career goals.
– Maintain expertise in employment-based visa regulations and provide consultation to colleagues.
– Adhere to professional and ethical standards in counseling and international education.
– Contribute to immigration policies and updates through various communication channels.

Data Management and Document Production (20%)
– Prepare USCIS and DOL documents, including petitions, wage requests, and public access files.
– Manage multiple databases, such as PeopleSoft, Sunapsis, and FLAG.
– Coordinate with Office of Human Resources and Payroll staff to ensure proper data input and tracking of work authorization for foreign national employees.
– Serve as a liaison to U.S. government agencies, troubleshooting issues as needed.
– Potentially serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor program.

Communications, Outreach, and Programming (10%)
– Plan and participate in social and cultural programs for international faculty, staff, and scholars.
– Lead Scholar Orientation sessions.
– Assist with training sessions and updating of application materials.
– Participate in office-wide events.

Professional Development and Service (5%)
– Stay updated with current trends and philosophies in international education, counseling, intercultural competency, and immigration advising.
– Engage in professional development activities.
– Represent and promote ISSS, the Global Programs and Strategy (GPS) Alliance, and the University through information sessions and presentations.
– Participate in professional organizations and serve on committees, as needed.
– Supervise student employees, as required.

Required Qualifications:
– Bachelor’s degree (4 years of relevant experience) or Master’s degree (2 years of relevant experience) in international education, law, human resources, counseling, or a related field.
– Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
– Attention to detail and ability to manage a high workload with deadlines.
– Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
– Technical proficiency.
– Ability to work effectively with a diverse team.
– Relevant international experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
– Experience as an international advisor/counselor or case manager in a higher education or similar setting.
– Knowledge of non-immigrant student, scholar, and employment-based visas (F-1, J-1, H-1B, E-3, etc.) and/or employment-based permanent residency processes.
– U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency to serve as ARO.
– Familiarity with Sunapsis and/or PeopleSoft.
– Effective presentation skills.
– Program coordination experience.
– Proficiency in a language other than English.

The University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus is the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota System. Established in 1851, it is located near Saint Anthony Falls on the banks of the Mississippi River. Our campus houses schools of engineering, medicine, law, veterinary medicine, and agriculture, making us one of the few universities in the nation to have all these schools on one campus. We are proud to be one of the most prestigious public research universities in the country