The International Student Advisor oversees nearly 750 non-immigrant international students in their relationship to Federal regulations found in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 8 CFR S 214.2(4). The position also ensures that the university complies with federal regulations as implemented through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Carrying out these two functions is essential to the University maintaining its authorization to enroll international students. To accomplish these two mission-critical functions, the position must: • comprehend complex, detailed, and evolving federal regulations governing international students • meet and maintain qualifications as a U.S. Department of Designated School Official (DSO). • understand a broad range of university policies and procedures related to admissions, enrollment, financial aid, student accounts, student affairs, graduate students, and student conduct • effectively orient, train, and advise graduate and undergraduate students in the benefits and restrictions associated with federal regulations in a manner that is sensitive to their cultural differences and language limitations • maintain the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SEVIS database with current and accurate information pertaining to the status of all enrolled international students • wisely counsel students having potentially complex and highly nuanced personal situations in light of university policies and federal regulations with a goal of maintaining their legal non-immigrant status, retaining the student, and facilitating progress towards graduation • consistently act in such a way to support the university’s spiritual and global mission as well as its enrollment and retention goals • advocate for international students in the wider university context when such advocacy supports the university’s mission and/or the student’s retention or satisfaction with his or her university experience • maintain active contact with over 100 university graduates on ‘post-completion’ Optional Practical Training to monitor and report their employment status in SEVIS for up to 36 months post-graduation ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES International Student Advising Conduct international student orientation on SSA, DMV, Insurance, F-1 regulations, employment issues; Understand university policies and procedures related to international students; Coordinate with other student service offices; Orient, train, and advise international regarding their student status; Help maintain the U.S. DHS’s SEVIS database; Counsel international students on university policies and federal regulations; Support the university’s spiritual and global mission; Advocate for international students; Maintain active contact with international graduates on OPT; Support students CPT policies and procedures; Maintain smooth functioning of ISSM and future software systems; Anticipate and prevent problems impacting international students. QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree, in international relations or relevant/ similar field. Master’s in Education, Administration or similarly relevant, or MBA. Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing. Ability to understand, speak, and write English articulately and professionally. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficiency with computer and technology skills. Willingness to work with members of the international community. Familiarity with cross-cultural programs and foreign students’ needs. Personal faith commitment to the University’s evangelical Christian purpose ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB Communication and Comprehension Ability