International Student Advisor

About Clark University:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.

Job Description:

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is located within Clark's Office of Global Engagement and provides immigration advice and documents for the international community at Clark. The ISSO staff advises more than 1,400 international students, faculty members, scholars, and their dependents from over 80 countries.

The ISSO provides services and programs to support Clark University's international students, scholars, and employees as they seek to achieve their academic and professional goals. We collaborate closely with our colleagues in Clark's schools, departments, and administrative offices to ensure that our students, scholars, and employees have extraordinary experiences as members of the Clark community.

The International Student Advisor performs a broad range of duties designed to meet the needs of international students and fulfill the reporting requirements of Clark University. The position reports to the Director of the International Students and Scholars Office and works to enhance the transition, integration and success of international students on campus.

Primary responsibilities for this position are to advise international students on federal immigration regulations, interpret federal regulations, complete immigration forms, and comply with SEVIS reporting requirements. The international student advisor interacts with students primarily regarding immigration issues, but also provides support on academic, financial and cultural issues as in collaboration with the Office of Global Engagement.

Major Responsibilities: Describe in concise and clear statements. List in order of importance and note the approximate percent of time required for each task (on an annual basis).

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Accurately maintain all aspects of international student immigration records and files in the Terra Dotta SEVIS batching and student record system
• Maintain current and up-to date knowledge of immigration laws, regulations, and policies
• Advise F-1 and J-1 international students regarding immigration and immigration related issues
• Issue visa documents
• Coordinate with other campus departments such as Graduate, Undergraduate Admission, Career Connections, and the Registrar to ensure a positive student experience from admissions through graduation
• Coordinate student applications for work authorization
• Participate in international student orientation sessions and other immigration related programming and workshops
• Support the Office of Global Engagement with programming and student support initiatives
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to meet U.S. Department of Homeland Security requirements for Designated School Officials
• Bachelor's degree; Master's degree in higher education, international education, or another related field preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, detail-oriented, highly organized, able to balance priorities and take initiative, reliable and resourceful
• High commitment to providing exceptional customer service
• Demonstrated intercultural competency; commitment to student service and ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and university representatives from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Strong technical skills and analytical skills and the demonstrated ability to improve and develop office processes
• A commitment to diversity, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within Clark's diverse communities
• One to three years of work experience in immigration advising and immigration document processing or experience in an educational setting performing international student/scholar international student recruitment or international student admissions. Experience in higher education preferred.
• Experience in student information systems and SEVIS batching systems such as Terra Dotta or an expressed interest in learning those skills

Additional Information:

As of June 1, 2023 Clark University no longer requires employees or students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Clark urges all community members to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination, which recommend that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including booster doses. This is important for your own personal health as well as the health of our community.

At Clark University, we are dedicated to building a workplace that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion. We believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our hiring practices, employee development programs, and campus culture. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here .

To review the Clark University Police Department Annual Security and Fire Safety Report visit here .

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

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Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

A successful background check is required upon acceptance.