The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, a division of the University of Virginia, is hiring a dynamic international education professional to build and lead the international efforts of the institution. UVA-Wise is currently building an International Plan to grow and diversify the international student body and to define dynamic overseas study opportunities in the curriculum. This is a unique opportunity to lead change and internationalization within the context of a caring liberal arts community.
Summary of Position:
In collaboration and with the support of various campus offices, directs all international initiatives of the institution, serving as the Senior International Officer.
Oversees and implements the International Plan.
Ensures there is a comprehensive effort to attract, retain and graduate a diverse international student body.
In the capacity of Primary Designated School Official (PDSO), serves as the chief SEVIS compliance officer.
Coordinates the delivery of an array of comprehensive student services and advising for the international student population at UVA-Wise.
In coordination with the Office of Experiential Learning, oversees risk management, quality control and approval procedures for faculty-led and semester-based Study Abroad.
In coordination with the Office of Admissions, plans / participates in international recruitment activities, which are aligned with the institution’s enrollment plan.
Position Information
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Oversees institutional compliance with all Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State regulations governing international students and visitors at UVA-Wise.
Performs required reporting functions to government agencies associated with F visa category.
Collaborates with colleagues at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville to facilitate the issuance of documents while working with campus partners to provide adequate support services to Exchange Visitors to UVA-Wise on J-1 visas.
Serves as Primary Designated School Official (PDSO).
Promotes professional development of the institution at UVA-Wise by conducting regular staff development on a variety of internationally-oriented issues.
Advocates for international students at UVA-Wise.
Coordinates immigration advising for all F visa students and J Exchange Visitors at UVA-Wise.
In coordination with other offices at UVA-Wise, arranges the delivery of key services to enrolled international students including advising, student activities, academic support, tax workshops and counseling services.
Communicates and advertises admissions requirements, forms, program changes, international events and other necessary information through appropriate media.
Cooperates with various administrative and academic units to implement International Intake and Orientation each Spring and Fall semester.
Coordinates transfers, program extensions, reinstatements, dependents and change of status requests for international students.
Manages OPT/CPT participants including conducting workshops at appropriate times during the academic year.
In coordination with academic departments and the international committee, oversees the evaluation / approval process for international partnership agreements.
In conjunction with the Office of [Internships & Scholarships], coordinates advising for students interested in Semester-long Study Abroad programs.
In conjunction with the Study Abroad Sub-Committee of the International Committee, coordinates training for faculty-led study abroad leaders.
In conjunction with the International Committee, promotes faculty-led study abroad opportunities and encourages student participation in semester-long exchange programs.
Qualifications: At least a bachelor’s degree and minimum of two years of experience in an international office; prior international advising experience; working knowledge of SEVIS; demonstrated knowledge of regulations governing international students; prior experience as a Designated School Official (DSO). Significant experience engaging with other cultures (to include overseas experiences living or traveling and/or engaging across cultures within the US). Ability to speak a second language is highly valued.
A member of the prestigious Council for Public Liberal Arts Colleges, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) is an inspiring place to teach, lead, learn and call home. With a student faculty ratio of 13:1 and 1,900 students, UVA Wise is committed to excellence in teaching, personalized attention, and individual growth, as well as to the advancement of the region through economic and community development.
The only division of the University of Virginia located outside of Charlottesville, UVA Wise has a beautiful 396-acre campus that is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia. Here, students learn from faculty who are encouraged to engage in scholarship and service that complements their teaching, and the environment is ideal for the task. In addition to Appalachian arts and culture, on-campus wetlands and impressive geography, and a region full of opportunities for study and outdoor adventure, there are many opportunities to build partnerships with organizations, agencies, and businesses in the area and beyond. Professional staff and a dedicated senior leadership team are driven by the vital mission of ensuring access and affordability to this robust, quality higher education.
The College’s student population is largely from rural communities across the Appalachian region. Many are first-generation college students. For all, UVA Wise offers access and affordability along with challenging academic work in the liberal arts tradition. The result is well-rounded graduates who earn fulfilling work at leading organizations and pursue graduate study at prestigious universities, as evidenced by both U.S. News & World Report rankings for social mobility and Washington Monthly honors for “Best Bang for Your Buck.” And in 2023, UVA Wise was ranked the #2 public college in the U.S. for seniors graduating with the least debt by U.S. News & World Report.
UVA Wise is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence, affordable access, and unwavering support of a collaborative and diverse community. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Employee fulfills duties as a “responsible employee” under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. A Responsible employee includes any employee: who has the authority to take action to redress sexual violence; who has been given the duty of reporting incidents of sexual violence or any other misconduct by students to the Title IX Coordinator or other appropriate school designee; or whom a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
UVA Wise is committed to helping the campus community provide for their own safety and security. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report containing information on campus security and personal safety, including alerts, fire safety, crime prevention tips, and crime statistics is available at www.uvawise.edu/ASR. A copy is available upon request by calling 276-328-0190 or 276-376-3451.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Experience: Two years of relevant experience in international office.
Licensure: None.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.