Title: International Student & Scholar Advisor II/III

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Admin Support Units

Department: Office of Global Affairs

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Office of Global Affairs is searching for a candidate to fill the role of International Student & Scholar Advisor II or International Student & Scholar Advisor III. The successful candidate will be placed in the position for which they are most qualified.

The International Student and Scholar Advisor II provides basic immigration advice and support to international students, scholars and employees who are under UMass Amherst immigration sponsorship and provides critical support to the overall mission of the Office of Global Affairs (OGA).

The International Student and Scholar Advisor III provides advanced immigration advice and support to international students, scholars and employees who are under UMass Amherst immigration sponsorship and provides critical support to the overall mission of the Office of Global Affairs (OGA). They also provide support to the Director and other OGA staff in the development of internal policies, procedures, and business practices and present at applicable orientations and activities.

Essential Functions

Advises UMass Amherst international students, international scholars and employees on policies and procedures related to non-immigrant visa sponsorship. Advises UMass international community on other immigration issues including travel advice, visa status of family members, bars to repeat participation, program transfers, extensions, and terminations. Processes and maintains appropriate documentation for obtaining J-1 and F-1 visa status for international students and scholars and their dependents, as needed. Ensures adherence to UMass Amherst campus, UMass system compliance and Federal immigration guidelines for the sponsorship of non-immigrant visas. Researches, interprets and applies Federal and UMass institutional regulations and policies related to international student, scholar and employee immigration sponsorship.

Serves as a liaison with government agencies such as U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (including Citizenship & Immigration Services, Customs & Border Protection and Immigration & Customs Enforcement), to facilitate initial immigration sponsorship and maintenance of status for all international students, scholars and employees under UMass Amherst immigration sponsorship. Liaises and performs communication outreach to other state and federal agencies including but not limited to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration.

Updates and monitors multiple integrated online systems including Sunapsis, PeopleSoft (SPIRE) and SEVIS RTI to ensure immigration status compliance.

Participates at applicable orientation and cultural activities for international students and scholar clientele employees and visitors to satisfy the U.S. Department of State J-1 Exchange Visitor requirements. Coordinates informational seminars and other outreach to campus stakeholders, including hiring and hosting departments, concerning current immigration topics and onboarding procedures.

Attends and participates in professional development activities and meetings of peer international education associations and organizations. Maintains skills, knowledge and best practices of regulatory immigration compliance in order to remain current in the law and regulations impacting international students, scholars, and employees.

The International Student & Scholar Advisor III has the following additional responsibilities:

Provides support to the Director and other OGA staff members in the development of internal policies, procedures and business practices related to the UMass Amherst international population and Sunapsis database system functionalities. Creates, revises and reviews written OGA communications including informational handouts and letters, web pages and social medial postings.

Oversees and presents at applicable orientation and cultural activities for international students and scholar clientele employees and visitors to satisfy the U.S. Department of State J-1 Exchange Visitor requirements. Presents informational seminars and other outreach to campus stakeholders, including hiring and hosting departments, concerning current immigration topics and onboarding procedures.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree.

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

Demonstrated interest in immigration policy and/or working with a highly diverse international clientele.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask, meet urgent deadlines, adapt to changing demands and priorities, and maintain accurate records.

Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to explain information clearly and concisely to a diverse population of stakeholders.

Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. The ability to think through problems, identify issues, and generate solutions.

Ability to work independently as well as contribute and collaborate effectively as a member of a team.

Strong computer skills with the ability to learn and work efficiently with computer and data systems.

The International Student & Scholar Advisor III has the following additional minimum requirements:

More than two (2) years' experience working in an educational setting as an advisor, program administrator, paralegal or other related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s Degree or above.

Prior direct experience working in academic immigration related positions.

Strong knowledge of regulations and processes pertaining to student and scholar immigration (F-1 and J-1 visa categories) and employment-based immigration classifications.

Knowledge of foreign languages.

Knowledge and familiarity of internal UMass systems and programs, institutional policies and procedures; UMass authorization as an institutional Alternate Responsible Officer and Designated School Official with the Department of Homeland Security.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours per week.

May be required to work occasional nights and weekends.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade for The International Student & Scholar Advisor II: PSSAP Grade 25
Pay Grade for The International Student & Scholar Advisor III: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the online application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.