International Student Advisor

International Student Advisor

Reporting to the Director of Global Education with a dotted line to the URLA Dean of Students and Success, the International Student Advisor is responsible for designing and delivering services and programs that facilitate the educational, professional, and personal success of international students at the University of Redlands campuses. While based at the LA campus, this role maintains a university-wide scope, serving as a front-line advisor for undergraduate and graduate international students. The ISA works in a highly collaborative environment, partnering closely with the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Success, the Associate Director of International Admissions, the URLA Dean of Students and Success, and the Program Manager for Study Away and Exchange Programs to ensure a seamless "onboarding-to-graduation" experience. This role is specifically tasked with strengthening support structures for international students within the University of Redlands campuses, bridging the gap in currently decentralized services.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the primary point of contact and front-line advisor for all undergraduate and graduate international students (F1/J1) regarding academics, immigration, visa status, employment authorization, and cultural adjustment.
• Act as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and Designated School Official (DSO).
• Develop and update comprehensive informational materials (digital and print) to guide students through complex regulatory and campus processes.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of International Admissions to ensure a smooth hand-off from the prospect/applicant stage to enrolled student status.

Compliance & SEVP Regulation Management

• Perform the full range of DSO/ARO duties, maintaining meticulous records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) as required by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State.
• Support the SEVIS-related compliance workflow in coordination with the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Success to ensure university-wide data integrity and a streamlined process on admission, retention and graduation.
• Stay current on federal regulations and "best practices" to mitigate risk and ensure the University remains in good standing with federal agencies.

International Student Onboarding & Transition

• Co-coordinate with the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Success and the URLA Dean of Students and Success, programming such as International Student Orientation and International/Out-of-State Welcome Week activities, ensuring students at the LA and Redlands campuses feel prepared for academic life.
• Work across departments (Registrar, Student Affairs, Student Success, and Student Finance) to streamline the admission and enrollment process, removing barriers for newly arriving international students/scholars.
• Serve as advisor to international student organizations and provide programs, events, and engagement opportunities to build community among international students.
• Coach student employees and Global Peer Mentors (GPMs) to provide peer-to-peer mentorship during the transition period.

International Student Belonging, Persistence & Success

• Co-facilitate initiatives that bolster retention and persistence by strengthening support structures for both undergraduate and graduate international students.
• Develop campus-wide programming to promote cultural integration, sensitivity, and global awareness within the University community.
• Actively partner with the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Success and the URLA Dean of Students and Success to identify students facing barriers and implement intervention strategies that support academic and social belonging.

Global Opportunities & Study Away Integration

• Serve as a conduit for global mobility; stay informed on all university Study Away opportunities to provide general information to interested students.
• Identify and direct interest from students, staff, and faculty regarding outbound programs to the Program Manager, Study Away and Exchange Programs (based in Redlands).
• Support the integration of exchange students (J-1) arriving from partner institutions, ensuring they receive the same high-level advising and support as degree-seeking international students.

Qualifications Guidelines Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

Experience/Training/Education:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Proven experience in international student advising (F-1/J-1), SEVIS management, or student affairs in a higher education setting.
• Legal Requirement: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (as mandated by federal regulations for DSO/ARO eligibility).
• Change-Ready Mindset: Must be comfortable working amid ambiguity, navigating dual (or multiple) systems, and helping shape new, aligned practices.
• Communication: Exceptional cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
• Self-Management: Demonstrated ability to work independently at a satellite campus (LA) while maintaining strong, collaborative remote ties to the main campus team.
• Travel: Ability to visit the Redlands campus approximately 10 times per year for departmental meetings and major programming events.

Preferred:

• Master's degree or comparable professional experience in a field relevant to international student and scholar success (e.g., international studies, language study, or international education).
• Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 visa requirements, SEVIS, FERPA, and international student support services.
• Demonstrated experiences and practices in fostering and advancing a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment and team, particularly for those from historically marginalized and underrepresented minority populations.
• Basic familiarity with EAB Navigate, Slate, and/or Colleague.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

Working Conditions:

Standard office setting. Duties performed are primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation or in meetings. At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort.

Physical Demands:

Incumbents regularly sit for long periods; walk short distances on a regular basis; may travel to various locations to attend meetings, conduct work and make deliveries; use hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines; reach with hands and arms; stoop or kneel or crouch to file; climb stairs; speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to read fine print and operate computer; hear and understand voices over telephone and in person; and lift, carry and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

To apply: A resume/CV and cover letter are required. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability, contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.

Hiring Range: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training. The University of Redlands is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is defined as the Full Pay Range. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is defined as the Hiring Range. Placement within the Hiring Range is determined by internal equity, and relevant qualifications.

Background Check: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The University will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Driver's License Check: Possession of a valid Driver's License is required for certain positions. Employees in positions that require a valid Driver's License will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.

Physical and Psychological Exams: For certain positions typically in Public Safety, Facilities, Athletics and Information Technology Services departments, employment is contingent upon a candidate passing a pre-employment physical exam with the ability to lift in excess of 50 lbs. Public Safety Officers, in addition to a pre-employment physical exam, will also be required to pass a psychological

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