International Student Advisor

Job Description:

Berklee is the preeminent institute of contemporary music and the performing arts, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Boston, New York and Valencia, Spain. Berklee enrolls students from more than 90 countries and maintains partnerships with a variety of academic institutions over six continents. Berklee also offers robust first-year and study abroad programs on our vibrant Valencia Spain campus.

Berklee is launching an innovative student success advising model in the summer of 2022 and making a significant investment in transforming student services into a holistic student support network. Employing a student-centered approach, all advisors across campus, including international student advisors, will affirm and support each student’s personal development, and growth.  

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) is an integral part of Berklee’s advising model. ISS serves approximately 2,000 students annually, providing a wide range of assistance and support to promote the transition and success of Berklee’s international student population. The office and its staff advocate on behalf of international students both within the college and to federal regulatory agencies to ensure that they are afforded every opportunity to complete their educational and professional objectives. ISS promotes a greater understanding and appreciation for all cultures across the institution.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Associate Director of International Student Services, the International Student Advisor serves as a Designated School Official (DSO), and along with the other DSOs, ensures institutional compliance with all federal regulations as well as maintenance of student and campus records through the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

The International Student Advisor helps international students integrate into the culture in the United States, Boston, and Berklee, providing advice on social, cultural, academic, personal, financial, career, and immigration matters and assisting in the planning and execution of international student success programs. The International Student Advisor collaborates with campus partners to provide a holistic approach to international student success and serves as a resource for students, staff, and faculty with regard to international student support.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and advisor to international students.

• Cultivate relationships and advise international students on complex issues related to immigration regulations: maintaining lawful status; eligibility for part-time enrollment; vacation semester; Form I-20 (Certificate of F-1 Eligibility) revalidation; program extensions; practical training; campus employment; and other F-1 benefits under Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  regulations.

• Issue new Form I-20s for authorization and prepare relevant documentation and applications.

• Maintain integrity of student data in student information systems (Colleague and PowerCampus), and all campus technology platforms.

• Assist students with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) applications related to F1 status and benefits.. 

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• Consult with other professionals/immigration attorneys when appropriate.

• Assist in the facilitation of workshops and information sessions.

• Coordinate the maintenance of the Policy and Procedures Manual (web-based) for international advising in conjunction with supervisor.

• Oversee system of communications to international students regarding F-1 status: travel guidelines, SEVIS compliance, immigration updates/reminders, etc.

• Recruit, train, and supervise student employees.

• Participate in regional/national associations, committees, and meetings in order to stay current with industry policies and practices.

• Advise students on the study abroad opportunity at the Valencia campus to support their exploration, planning and application efforts.

• Working closely with the Spanish consulate, provide advice and support to study abroad and first year abroad students applying for a Spanish student visa.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident as mandated by federal regulations for all DSOs.

• Demonstrated intercultural competency; commitment to student service and ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and university representatives from diverse cultural backgrounds.

• Creative, strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects.

• Ability to understand and explain the complexities of college, academic and curricular policy to students, and assist students in implementing their educational plans while maintaining F-1 status.

• Ability to organize multiple tasks with a high degree of attention to detail.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including developing creative communication (email, presentation, handouts, etc.) and facilitating group discussions and presentations for non-native speakers of English.

• Excellent judgment and ability to deal with difficult situations.

• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.

• Previous employment, study, or residence in another country as well as knowledge of world geography and cultures is preferred.

• Experience working closely with ESL students is preferred.

• Prior DSO experience; knowledge of F-1 and SEVIS regulations is preferred.

• Bilingual in English and another language is preferred.

• Master's degree in higher education administration or a related international / intercultural field is preferred.

Additional Information

• This position in based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA

• This position is a full-time on-campus position.

• This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee : 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:
Staff