International Student Advisor

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the International Student Advisor position. The International Student Advisor is a full-time, three-year term position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $53,000 to $60,000 per year.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.

The International Student Advisor serves in an administrative and advisory capacity within the Office of Immigration Services. Reporting to the Director, the International Student Advisor assists international students in F-1 and J-1 status with immigration-related issues, manages and maintains student records, serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), crafts and delivers informational resources to students, and supports institutional compliance with federal regulations and policy relating to non-immigrant students.

Summary of Responsibilities:

International Student Advising

● Serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

● Translates complicated immigration regulations into institutional policy and individualized advising content

● Provides reliable immigration advice and support to incoming and current international students in F-1 and J-1 status (on topics such as: travel, employment, enrollment, status maintenance, change of status, visa applications, and more)

● Meets with students individually and in groups, and in virtual and in-person settings; provides clear advising verbally and in writing

● Serves as liaison to immigration-related federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State

● Serves as liaison to immigration-adjacent state and federal agencies, including the Registry of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Administration

● Participates in regular professional development opportunities both regionally and nationally to develop and maintain skills, knowledge, and best practices

● Keep accurate records of advising encounters and help to maintain immigration status records of non-immigrant students

SEVIS Compliance and Database Management

● Ensures compliance with institutional policy as well as federal immigration regulations and guidance relating to non-immigrant students

● Updates and monitors multiple databases, including Workday (institutional), SEVIS (federal), and participates in the implementation of a new batch integration software

● Support existing and assist in developing new processes to monitor and ensure data integrity

● Works closely with the College’s Student Employment Coordinator to ensure students’ compliance with institutional tax status and exemption policies

Administrative and Programmatic Support

● Reviews and revises OIS communications

● Generates new and maintains existing OIS resources

● Manages physical mail received on behalf of international students

● Manages space reservations and offers programmatic support for OIS-led events and offerings

● Collaborates with campus partners and serves as a resource hub for students seeking support across the College

Qualifications:

Required

● Bachelor’s Degree

● 1-3 years of progressive experience working in an administrative, compliance, or advising capacity

● An equivalent combination of education/experience in lieu of the minimum education and related experience

● Unwavering attention to detail and interest in learning the intricacies and application of federal regulation

● Cross-cultural awareness and competence, and effective communication, both verbal and written

● Strong interpersonal, customer service, time management, and organizational skills

● Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite

● U.S. federal regulations pertaining to SEVIS require that a Designated School Official (F-1) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (J-1) must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

● An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check

● Successful completion of required reference and background checks

Preferred

● Master’s degree in International Education, Higher Education, or a closely related field

● Knowledge of a non-English language and/or experience living outside of the U.S.

● Knowledge of SEVIS, and F-1 and J-1 visa regulations, U.S. laws and regulations affecting international students’ visas, student status, on- and off-campus employment, taxes, and Department of Homeland Security concerns

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen.) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.