Assistant Director, Designated School Official; DSO

Position: Assistant Director, Designated School Official (DSO)
Location: Saint Leo

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Job Description Summary Under the general direction of the Executive Director & PDSO, Center for Global Engagement, this role provides expert immigration services and advice to individuals holding F and J visas. Responsibilities include advising on both the benefits and responsibilities associated with their visa status, as well as addressing the needs of international students and scholars to support their progress and timely completion of educational goals.

By maximizing their university experience and promoting student success, the advisor ensures compliance with governmental regulations, aligns with the mission of our department and institution, and adheres to relevant professional standards.##

Job Description ##
** Duties and Tasks:
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* Note:

** The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them form the position if the work is similar or related or a logical assignment to the position.
Management may require incumbents to perform duties other than those contained in this document.
** Deliver immigration services to the international student and scholar community, advising on both the benefits and responsibilities associated with their visa status in accordance with federal regulations and office procedures.
* Respond to the needs of international students and scholars to contribute to their progression and timely completion of educational goals, to maximize their university experience and student success.
* Act as the Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), processing and endorsing immigration documents for F&J visa classifications in accordance with governmental regulations (including initial, transfer, change of educational level, reinstatement, change of status, extensions of stay, employment, school transfers, program changes).
* Process, issue, and maintain Forms I-20 for international students recruited by Apply Board who have been admitted to the University, ensuring full compliance with SEVP, USCIS, and institutional policies.
* Maintain accurate knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and directives related to non-immigrant students and scholar populations served, including status maintenance, responsibilities and benefits, current issues, trends, and challenges in the field to ensure accurate and timely guidance.
* Contribute to the planning, implementation, and assessment of the department and university's strategic initiatives and special projects (orientation and onboarding services, regulatory workshops, cross cultural activities, student adjustment programming, events and services essential for student success).
* Serve as a liaison with Saint Leo academic and administrative units, representing the Center for Global Engagement.
* Assist in developing processes to monitor and ensure data integrity and collaborate with institutional partners to ensure accuracy.
* * Confidentiality*: must safeguard the confidentiality of student, staff and University information by exercising discretion in managing records and communication with faculty, staff, parents, alumni and current and prospective students.
* * Professionalism*: must demonstrate the highest professional demeanor and ethical behavior.
* Ensure compliance with all Saint Leo policies and all federal, state and accreditation requirements.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
** REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

*** Thorough knowledge of federal regulations regarding international students and scholars and the applications and procedures for nonimmigrant classifications for international students and scholars, including F-1 and J-1 Exchange Visitors.
* Experience as an international student adviser and Designated School Official and/or Alternate Responsible Officer in an international student/scholar office in college or university preferred.
* Ability to learn and analyze complex immigration issues involving a variety of individuals, situations, rules and external agencies and bring them to a satisfactory resolution.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Sensitivity to other cultures.
* High level of organization, accuracy and attention to detail.
* Skills with data entry, database tools and technology required.

Experience with Datatel and SEVIS preferred.
* Ability to be effective in the event of a crisis management situation.
** EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS /

QUALIFICATIONS:

*** Bachelor's degree required.
* Minimum 2 years' experience working as an international student advisor in an international student/scholar office or in a comparable setting in a college or university is required.
* Experience with SEVIS preferred.
* Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident as required by federal regulations.
* Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check, per federal regulations.
** Physical Demands:
*** Standing and sitting for long periods of time.
* Computer work involving typing and document review.
**…