Assistant Director of International Admissions and Partnerships / Principal Designated School Official

Position Title: Assistant Director of International Admissions and Partnerships / Principal Designated School Official

Reports To: Director of International Admissions and Partnerships

Salary: $75,000 to $90,000

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director of International Admissions and Partnerships / Principal Designated School Official provides information, programs and services to all foreign students. This position is responsible for providing the documents required by the Department of Homeland Security and the US Department of State which allow F-1 and J-1 students and scholars to enroll in and conduct research at Manhattan University. The office is responsible for maintaining compliance with the regulations governing F-1 and J-1 visas, by maintaining student records in the DHS database and advising students and scholars on said regulations. In addition, the office is responsible for providing orientation programs and seminars on pertinent topics related to F-1 and J-1 compliance to enhance the experience of F-1 and J-1 students.

This position reports up to the Director of International Admissions and Partnerships and is under the Division of Enrollment Management.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for the F-1 visa program and Responsible Officer (RO) for the J-1 visa program.
• Maintain compliance with federal regulations by managing SEVIS records, monitoring student status, overseeing visa-related documentation (I-20, DS-2019) and maintaining accurate records.
• Manage and develop policies and procedures for the issuance of I-20 or DS-2019 documents.
• Monitor student progress and their compliance with the visa rules and regulations.
• Process CPT, OPT, OPT-STEM extensions.
• Manage I-17 and keep up to date with all SEVIS compliance requirements.
• Advise students and scholars on issues related to SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) regulations and compliance with said regulations (employment, maintenance of status, etc.).
• Maintain SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records of F-1 and J-1, and students and scholars as required by the Department of Homeland Security.
• Complete mandatory federal reporting as per the regulations.
• Conduct orientation sessions in August and January, present seminars on topics of interest to F-1 and J-1 and H1-B students and scholars maintain an updated Moodle page with information pertinent to F-1 and J-1 students and scholars and distribute the ISSS Newsletter monthly (and as required) to all F-1 and J-1 students and scholars as a way of ensuring that all are kept up-to-date with the SEVP regulations.
• Support exchange and matriculating undergraduate and graduate international students upon arrival until departure.
• Advise the Vice President for Enrollment Management, and other constituents of institutional compliance with federal regulations pertaining to international students and scholars.
• Coordinate the in-bound and out-bound international student transfer process and communications with other universities and colleges.
• Track funds from students attending programs (deposits and then balances).
• Coordinate with other departments, including but not limited to the Jasper Central and Student Life areas, Athletics and others for a smooth transition of incoming new students.
• Be present at enrollment events, and support the work of the recruitment cycle.
• Manage budget for SEVIS compliance and visa related events and programming.
• Advise students on overseas travels and return.
• Maintain contact with students and scholars while they are abroad.
• Act as point of contact for visa issues for the Department of Homeland Security.
• Facilitate DHS visit to campus.
• Conduct travel signature events before holiday breaks and summer semesters.
• Plan informational sessions for international students and re-entry meetings.
• Prepare, maintain and distribute informational materials for International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
• Develop and maintain home page with accurate regulatory information for international students and scholars (ISSS).
• Manage technology for the office, including electronic forms.
• Other special projects and duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in international education, global programming or related field in a higher education setting.
• Experience as a PDSO, DSO and/or RO, with strong knowledge of SEVIS and federal regulations and best practices.
• Understanding of managing international partnerships and exchange programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Catholic Lasallian institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. We expect our faculty, administration, and staff to be knowledgeable about our mission and to make a positive contribution to the mission. Applicants from historically under-represented segments of the population are encouraged to apply, as well as those attracted to a university with a Catholic identity. We are committed to a diverse campus community. AA/EO Employer M/F/D/V