JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Penn State Global has multiple openings for an International Immigration Specialist . This position works on a team of up to five other advisers and one administrative assistant and is organized within International Student & Scholar Advising (ISSA). The ISSA unit is responsible for overseeing the immigration compliance advisement and support for roughly 10,000 international students, scholars, and faculty across the University.
Reporting to the Assistant Director of International Faculty Advising, this position assists and advises university international staff, faculty, and scholars on United States immigration compliance and regulation regarding their employment at Penn State University. The focus of the IFA is to provide direct guidance and service to international faculty and staff by providing advisement and support on appropriate employment visa status processes. Additionally, the IFA engages in administrative compliance activities in support of U.S. Government and federal labor laws. This position models excellence in client support by providing high levels of customer services to international employees and scholars.
The International Immigration Specialist provides assistance and guidance to university administrators, hiring authorities, and international faculty/researchers and their dependents regarding U.S. immigration related issues, regulations, and form completion as it pertains to their employment at the University.
Duties include:
- Process petitions to U.S. government entities for the employment sponsorship and work authorization of international faculty members in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, government regulations and University policies
- Interpret regulations and provide guidance to department and college HR representatives on immigration and visa regulations, including advising options on appropriate visa recommendation, petition filing strategies, and estimated timelines
- Liaise with University human resources and departmental staff and international faculty to gather information and advise on other immigration related matters
- Participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of international case management software policies, forms, and process changes within the International Faculty Advising area
- Serve as point-of-contact for employment-based immigration questions for assigned colleges
- Ensure University sponsored employment visa, policies and practices are compliant with federal and state laws, regulation, and policies
- Practice compliance consistently and equally while advising international faculty and filing each case
- Develop and/or provide training for departmental staff, faculty, and foreign national faculty in assigned colleges
- Stay abreast of current developments and trends in the international faculty advising field and employment-based immigration
- Communicate government, regulatory, and other relevant updates to assigned colleges regularly
- Maintain internal record-keeping system to track history of individual cases
- Maintain records of cases for audit purposes
The successful candidate must possess exemplary interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate successfully with staff, faculty, university leadership and international faculty and scholars within Penn State Global and across the University. The ability to successfully work as a member of a collaborative team is crucial. Other essential qualities include strong organizational skills, critical thinking/problem solving, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt swiftly to changes in systems and procedures.
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in fields such as higher education administration, international students, international education, or public policy and at least 3+ years of related experience. This position is filled at the Advanced Professional level. A complete application for this position will include a resume and cover letter.
Penn State Global is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, combining in-person and remote work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engages all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:
$56,200.00 - $81,500.00
Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
