Application Advice for International Education Applicants:
Are you passionate about shaping the journey of international students through admissions and enrollment processes? The position of Manager, International Student Admissions & Enrollment at Austin Community College (ACC) is an exciting opportunity to lead and foster international education. Follow these steps and considerations for submitting a strong application with an international education perspective:
1. Understand ACC’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Austin Community College serves a multicultural population of 41,000 credit students each semester, embodying its mission to promote equitable access to education. Familiarize yourself with ACC’s values, including intellectual curiosity, community engagement, and collaboration toward student success for underserved groups. Emphasize in your application how your experiences align with these values and how you’ve contributed to similar goals in international education. For example, highlight initiatives where you’ve supported first-generation international students or newcomers navigating educational systems.
2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Your application materials should showcase:
- Leadership in International Student Services: Highlight your ability to supervise teams implementing international student programs, such as processing visas, interpreting immigration laws, and developing policies that support international students’ enrollment journeys.
- Experience Advising on Immigration and Cross-Cultural Engagement: Refer to your past roles as an advisor, mentor, or supervisor for international students in educational institutions. Include F-1 visa advising and familiarity with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), especially if you’ve served as a Primary or Designated School Official (PDSO/DSO).
- Technical Skills: Demonstrate proficiency with CRM systems, record-keeping tools, and data analysis specific to international student enrollment processes. This aligns with ACC’s requirements for data-driven reporting and outreach strategies.
- Intercultural Communication Skills: Describe how you’ve successfully assisted international students in overcoming cultural and academic challenges while fostering their integration into college and surrounding communities.
3. Meet Education and Certification Requirements
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree and certification as a Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If you already meet these requirements, highlight them prominently. If you’re not currently a PDSO but have relevant F-1 visa advising experience, explain your plans to obtain certification, leveraging your understanding of SEVIS regulations and immigration oversight.
4. Highlight Supervisory Experience
ACC is seeking someone with two years of related work experience and one year of supervisory experience. If you’ve managed teams or coordinated international admissions programs, provide specifics on projects you’ve overseen, people you’ve trained, or strategies you’ve implemented to achieve enrollment goals. If you lack direct supervisory experience, demonstrate leadership capabilities through examples of collaboration, peer mentorship, or cross-functional team contributions.
5. Showcase Visionary Leadership
Given the wide-ranging responsibilities of this role—including developing international student policies, aligning programming with DHS requirements, and building institutional compliance—you’ll need to showcase how you’re a forward-thinking leader. Your application should reflect your ability to stay ahead of international education trends, adapt to new policies, and seek opportunities for innovation in service delivery to international students.
6. Demonstrate Knowledge of U.S. Immigration Laws and Regulations
This role requires expertise in U.S. immigration law, SEVIS compliance, student visas (F-1), and other related policies. Use examples from your career that demonstrate your ability to effectively navigate government regulations while supporting international students. Discuss how you’ve implemented processes to ensure compliance and provided strategic solutions when challenges arose.
7. Focus on Intercultural Programs
Share your experiences in organizing intercultural programming that supports international students’ social, academic, and cultural transitions. Reference initiatives like developing orientation programs, handbooks, or partnerships with community organizations, as these align with the job duties at ACC.
8. Address the Residency Requirement
ACC requires candidates to maintain domicile in Texas throughout employment. If you’re applying from outside Texas, indicate your willingness to relocate and your understanding of the state’s unique cultural and educational landscape as it relates to international students.
9. Apply by the Deadline
Make note of the closing date and adhere to ACC’s posting deadlines, as applications will be removed at midnight prior to the closing date. Submit your application well in advance to avoid last-minute technology issues.
10. Use the Workday System
Applications must be submitted through the Workday platform. If this is your first time using Workday, create an account and follow the instructions carefully. If you’re a current ACC employee, log in via your Workday account. Take time to upload all required documents, double-check for errors, and ensure your application reflects your skills, experience, and potential.
11. Emphasize International Experience
As part of an international education perspective, it’s essential that you highlight your experience across diverse geographical or cultural contexts. Demonstrate your ability to navigate complexities of international credentials, financial documents, and language assessments, as these are core components of this role.
Final Notes
This position offers a salary range of $62,536 to $78,170. Be sure to evaluate how your skills and experience align with this level of responsibility and compensation. While preparing your application, reflect on ACC’s emphasis on student success and multicultural engagement, and position yourself as a dedicated advocate for international education.
To apply, visit the link provided in the position listing: Application Portal.
Good luck with your application, and don’t forget to showcase your commitment to advancing international student success!
To apply for this job please visit jobs.chronicle.com.