International Services Specialist

Position Overview The Admissions & Recruitment Department at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is seeking an International Services Specialist. The role coordinates immigration and related services for international students, exchange visitors, and employment‑based visa holders and performs other duties as assigned. The specialist delivers services related to international students and scholars to facilitate compliance with federal regulations governing immigration and visa status and to ensure student success. Responsibilities include evaluating, advising, and preparing cases on immigration status maintenance, interpreting federal regulations, and exercising judgment in cases requiring reinstatement, change of status, termination, extension of stays, and other adjudications. The specialist reviews and utilizes databases to ensure accuracy of data for tracking and reporting of international students/scholars, monitors health insurance compliance, and promotes advocacy for the international student and scholar population on and off campus. This position allows a flexible work schedule but requires a strong on‑campus presence. Pay $47,393 - $57,393 Duties and Responsibilities Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with signing authority as approved by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State, and authorized to access the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Maintain and manage Sunapsis and SEVIS electronic records for F‑1 and J‑1 non‑immigrant students and scholars. Advise students through the OPT and CPT process. Review, maintain and process all paper and electronic documents and records required by USCIS during students’ studies at Purdue University Northwest. Maintain up‑to‑date understanding of federal immigration regulations, state and local laws or policies impacting non‑immigrants. Keep abreast of future SEVIS system changes. Counsel and advise students, scholars, employees regarding personal, social, cultural and academic concerns. Respond to internal and external inquiries regarding immigration and other matters. Assist ISS‑Director to ensure efficient departmental operations, making decisions and rendering judgments on cases regarding compliance with federal and immigration regulations. Act as additional contact to agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Social Security Administration, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or the Department of State to resolve issues or provide and receive information. Oversee health insurance for international students, including enrollment and related issues; conduct presentations at orientation on health insurance. Ensure annual review and renewals of insurance policies and serve as main contact to the provider company. Communicate with insurance company on a range of issues. Serve as liaison to a selected department or program with high international enrollment to ensure successful transition of students from admission to visa obtainment to enrollment and addressing immigration concerns throughout their tenure. Work closely with faculty/staff of the program to provide immigration, pre‑arrival, and other advice and services to international students. Ensure pre‑arrival coordination and data sharing among key offices to anticipate enrollment trends. Assist with new international student orientation and pre‑arrival information, including travel arrangements, housing information for incoming students, and conducting presentations. Assist with various projects, including developing and updating forms, website materials, webinars, conducting orientation and workshops, and programming activities that enhance students’ stay in the USA. Compile data to submit for annual IIE Open Doors Report and other surveys requesting information about international students. Work collaboratively with other international units on campus. Benefits Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more. Accrue 15 days’ vacation your first year, then 22 days’ vacation your second year plus rollover. University contribution of 10% to retirement (3‑year waiting period). University contributions to Health Savings Account. Plus a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives. 10 paid holidays. Employee Wellness Programs. Paid parental leave after one year of service. Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus. Education BA/BS degree. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered. Experience Three years’ experience in a university office setting or an immigration law firm, including some experience in service to international students in the United States. Working experience with SEVIS and immigration regulations highly preferred. Experience with Slate, Banner Student Information System, and Sunapsis desirable. Core Competencies Knowledge of US federal law governing F‑1, J‑1, and OPT non‑immigrant students, scholars, and employees. Ability to meet Department of Homeland Security regulatory requirements to be a DSO (F‑1 program) and the U.S. Department of State's J‑1 Exchange program as an Alternate Responsible Officer. Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and writing skills required. Ability to develop and maintain databases, Microsoft Word, and Excel documents. Ability to process complex immigration casework for international students, scholars, and employees. Ability to advise and counsel international students and scholars regarding their legal status as non‑immigrants. Ability to advise on personal, cultural, and adjustment matters. Additional Information Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position. Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of a successful background check and, if applicable, a motor vehicle records check. Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university. FLSA Status Exempt #J-18808-Ljbffr The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.