Assistant Director, ISSO

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director for International Student Services, the Assistant Director for International Student Services leads the ISSO's Call Center team, and serves as communication liaison to other ISSO teams. The Assistant Director meets regularly with the Director for International Student Services and with the student advising team to discuss F-1 and J-1 student immigration and processing concerns; oversees immigration advising and processing to ensure the University's compliance with federal regulations. Collaborates with the Director to oversee the ISSO Call Center. The Assistant Director acts as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) to produce Certificates of Eligibility forms I-20 or DS-2019; evaluates applications for benefits and approves or denies requests for immigration transactions. Advises students on their rights and responsibilities under the immigration laws of the United States and conducts informational workshops on immigration-related topics.

Responsibilities

• Act as Designated School Official (DSO) and as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in issuing appropriate immigration documents for international students.
• Take action in SEVIS for immigration transactions as needed.
• Advise international students on immigration matters related to their stay at Columbia University including but not limited to employment authorization, extension of stay, travel and return to the U.S., opportunities, rights and responsibilities under immigration regulations.
• Serve as one of core emergency team member.
• Two Weekend days per month advising via Zoom (YCBM) and Phone (Call Center Team).
• Consult as needed with Director on complex student immigration cases.
• Develops and presents informational workshops on student-related immigration topics.
• Refer students as needed to other campus departments or external services / agencies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Director for International Student Services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and / or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 5 years relevant immigration regulation, advisement, and compliance experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 student immigration regulations, and SEVIS; ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds; excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills. U.S. government regulations require Designated School Officials and Alternate Responsible Officers be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in cross-cultural communication, counseling, area or cultural studies, foreign language, international education, or TESOL.
• Preferred Experience : 5 years administering and advising federal F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations as (DSO / ARO) in a higher education setting. Experience teaching / training / presenting. Experience using the Sunapsis International Office database.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : Fluency in at least one foreign language; experience living abroad. Completion of NAFSA F-1 and J-1 Professional Development Programs.

Other Requirements

Required Work Schedule : 11am -7pm Eastern Standard Time. Work days : Tuesday to Saturday. Position is Hybrid. Some Weekends and work hours may vary depending on demands.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.