Coord International Services – International Student & Scholar Advisor – 517791

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  57 Monthly (exempt): – Minimum – $ 36,088.00 Midpoint – $ 52,686.40

Department/Organization: 200501 – Overseas Studies (Main Account)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:45pm

Job Summary: The Coordinator for International Services is responsible for providing accurate and timely information regarding relevant immigration rules and regulations as well as processing immigration documents. The person holding this position must possess the ability to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the University of Alabama, and an Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO), interpreting and following the regulations governed by the Department of Homeland Security.

Additional Department Summary: The International Student & Scholar Advisor will be primarily responsible for H-1B and J-1 Scholar visa support for the University of Alabama. For H-1B sponsorship, the advisor will coordinate with departments and international employees to file necessary petitions with the Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security’s US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to secure visa support. For J-1 Scholar visa sponsorship, the advisor will coordinate with departments and international scholars to process documents with the Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), to ensure compliance with Department of State regulatory requirements, and to secure visa support.

Additionally, the International Student & Scholar Advisor must have a thorough knowledge of current student and scholar regulations. This position will interface primarily with the Department of Homeland Security’s Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and United Stated Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The International Student & Scholar Advisor will work within the government system, the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), ISSM and Banner to issue I-20s and DS-2019s to F-1 and J-1 students and J-1 scholars, employment authorizations, extensions and multiple other functions that require adjudication by SEVP/USCIS. The International Student and Scholar Advisor will keep The University of Alabama in compliance with DHS, DOS, and DOL federal regulations.

The mission of International Student & Scholar Services is to provide essential services and innovative programs for The University of Alabama’s international students, scholars and their families to enable them to achieve their educational, professional and social goals. ISSS seeks to foster diversity and strengthen inter-cultural relationships throughout the UA campus and community. It is our commitment to promote understanding and respect for the world’s many cultures.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher and one (1) year of international programs/services experience.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident in order to be authorized as an F-1 Designated School Official with the Department of Homeland Security’s Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and as a J-1 Alternate Responsible Officer with the Department of State’s BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program (EVP).

Skills and Knowledge: Ability to work with people from different cultures; excellent interpersonal skills, proficiency in computer skills. Must have knowledge regarding polices and procedures of relevant regulatory bodies regarding issuing the appropriate visa non-immigrant documents. Must utilize excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills to communicate with employing departments on-campus, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, Research Compliance, and Financial Affairs to coordinate the hiring process of an J-1 and H-1B visa holder.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in higher education, international education, or related area or J.D.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. “EEO is the Law” Poster