Faculty and Scholar Advisor

Faculty and Scholar Advisor

Position within the Global Engagement department at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). The role supports international faculty and scholars by providing immigration guidance, academic partnership support, and enhancing the student experience. Responsibilities include managing J‑1 exchange visitor operations, advising on immigration petitions, collaborating with academic departments, and communicating best practices across the university.

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 7.75% employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs:
  Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through Linked In Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin Cap Metro buses with staff

Serve as a vital bridge between the University's global community and its international faculty and scholars, providing expert immigration guidance through International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Partner strategically with academic departments to navigate complex federal regulations, craft innovative employment solutions, and ensure every scholar's transition is smooth and compliant.

• Manage J‑1 exchange visitor operations as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for UT Austin’s program, issuing and extending DS‑2019s across research scholar, professor, short‑term scholar, specialist, and student intern categories.
• Ensure federal compliance for the University and individual scholars through timely, accurate processing of J‑1 record updates.
• Prepare and file TN and E‑3 immigration petitions in strict adherence to federal regulations and University policy.
• Navigate H‑1B petition requirements by completing prevailing wage determinations and filing labor condition applications while maintaining rigorous compliance with visa and labor regulations.
• Communicate with federal agencies to ensure timely responses and compliance with all requests, requirements, and regulations.
• Build expertise through strategic collaboration with team members on employment‑based immigration policies and procedures.
• Maintain data integrity in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and internal databases, ensuring consistency and prompt updates across all systems.
• Empower international faculty and scholars through authoritative guidance on complex U.S. immigration regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Support successful transition and adjustment by providing comprehensive counseling on University life, U.S. cultural adaptation, finances, transportation, J‑1 health insurance requirements, and status maintenance.
• Partner with academic departments to develop strategic employment approaches for international faculty and scholars.
• Enhance service delivery by researching and resolving issues affecting ISSS operations while recommending improvements for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Build bridges with academic departments, proactively sharing expertise on federal regulations and University policies.
• Design and deliver impactful training workshops and informational sessions in collaboration with ISSS colleagues for the University community.
• Craft clear, compelling content for websites, presentations, and publications that effectively communicate complex information while maintaining Texas Global branding standards.
• Champion ISSS and Texas Global priorities through active participation in strategic initiatives and community‑building events.
• Drive innovation through collaborative participation in staff meetings and working groups focused on enhancing service delivery and advancing the organization’s mission.
• Foster a sense of belonging by…