OVERVIEW The Associate Director, Immigration & Compliance role at American University in Washington, DC is a senior-level position situated within an international education and regulatory environment. This role is typically responsible for overseeing institutional compliance related to immigration matters and ensuring adherence to applicable laws and policies. Positioned at a major private university in the United States, the role operates at the intersection of international student services, institutional risk management, and federal regulatory frameworks. As an associate director-level appointment, this position generally combines strategic oversight with operational leadership. Professionals in this role are expected to work closely with internal stakeholders, external agencies, and international populations to support institutional compliance and the university’s global mission. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES REQUIREMENTS WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS Immigration compliance is a critical function for U.S. higher education institutions that host international students, scholars, and employees. A role focused on immigration and compliance helps ensure that the institution meets federal obligations while protecting the legal status and well-being of its international community. Effective leadership in this area supports institutional integrity, minimizes regulatory risk, and enables global engagement to function smoothly. BONUS: APPLICATION ADVICE – Review American University’s mission, values, and global engagement priorities to understand how immigration and compliance functions support the broader institutional strategy. – Highlight prior experience working with immigration regulations, compliance frameworks, or government reporting systems, even if gained in related higher education or nonprofit settings. – Emphasize leadership, policy interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration skills, as associate director roles typically require influence across multiple departments. – Prepare examples that demonstrate attention to detail, ethical decision-making, and the ability to manage complex regulatory environments. – If applicable, reference experience supporting international students, scholars, or employees to show alignment with the populations served by the role.