Immigration Advisor, International Student & Scholar Services

University of the Incarnate Word • Full-time • San Antonio, Texas, United States • $41k / year • 1d ago

Position Information

Position Title

UIW Mission

University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic institution that welcomes to its community persons of diverse backgrounds, in the belief that their respectful interaction advances the discovery of truth, mutual understanding, self-realization, and the common good.

Position Summary

The Immigration Advisor, International Student & Scholar Services is responsible for serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) providing advising services to international students in the F-1 and J-1 visa programs. Position will support the overall operation and management of the International Student & Scholar Services Office for nearly 500 international students. The Immigration Advisor, International Student & Scholar Services reports to the Director of International Student & Scholar Services.

Note that position requires U.S. permanent residency or U.S. citizenship per federal DHS requirements.

Benefits

UIW has been identified year after year as one of the nation’s Great Colleges to Work For based on employee feedback. UIW offers an outstanding benefits package for full-time employees that includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, numerous paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. Tuition benefits include UIW tuition waivers, tuition exchange programs and Brainpower Connection discounts for employees and dependents. Retirement benefits include 403b retirement plans with a 7% employer match, plus a retirement health solution. We also offer employer-paid Life/AD&D, long-term disability, pet insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness programs, employee discount program, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility and more! Please refer to the Human Resources webpagefor additional details on our benefits and eligibility.

Job Duties

Job Duty Name

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Description of Job Duties

Coordinate I-20 issuances, SEVIS reporting, and F-1 visa immigration compliance with Department of Homeland Security.
Serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 visa program, providing assistance with non-degree exchange students in compliance to Department of State regulations.
Advise students on pre-arrival immigration-related issues as well as on complex immigration regulations to include school transfers, reinstatements, employment authorization, and change of status.
Work with international students on visa transitions and employment/training matters; AT, OPT, CPT, rotations, etc.
Provide a welcoming atmosphere for prospective students, visitors and current students. Assist in the planning/implementation of comprehensive week-long orientation program, including new student check-in, for new international students and summer program sessions.
Counsel enrolled students on matters related to university life and the U.S. study experience, including personal matters, transportation, finances, employment, health insurance, adjustment to campus/San Antonio, and maintenance of student status.
Maintain appropriate and accurate electronic and paper records of all international and exchange student documents and applications.
Serve in coordinating role for assigned cultural and intercultural events, including planning timelines, coordinating campus partners, and managing event execution.
Participate in the implementation and delivery of various programming activities including intercultural programming; special topic workshops; and joint programming with other local campuses or community entities as assigned.
Actively participate in the development and growth of team expertise in the laws and regulations governing international students and in advising/informing university staff about university policies and procedures that ensure ongoing compliance.
Serve as a liaison to select university offices and departments to inform and advocate for the needs of international students and/or other designated international population.
Manage the Peer Mentor Program, matching international students with other students and arranging social events.
Manage the Intercultural House (I-House) living-learning community, providing global programming for domestic and international student participants.
Participate as a team member in the execution of the short-term summer program with a variety of educational course offerings and cultural programming.
Provide support to ISSS functions, including corresponding with international students on issues associated with their status at the university.
Work collaboratively with peers on development of training workshops and info sessions on international issues for UIW international students/faculty/and staff.
Assist International Affairs with international recruitment activities, including outreach, events, and engagement with prospective students, as needed. This may require international travel.
Participate in enrollment yield activities for international students, including outreach to admitted students in coordination with International Affairs and Admissions, as part of coordinated international enrollment efforts.
Provide enrollment data processing support or assist with other International Affairs processing and operational duties, when departmental needs require and as assigned.
Serve on internal committees and participate in work groups to support the mission of ISSS and International Affairs.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Ability to gain an understanding of U.S. higher education culture, procedures and practices.
Ability to gain proficiency in intercultural relations issues and strategies.
Exceptionally strong communication skills (written and oral).
Strong analytical/problem solving skills and demonstrated ability to take initiative.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks with demanding timeframes.
Ability to provide high quality and efficient customer service to work effectively with students, scholars, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who represent a broad range of cultural backgrounds and perspectives.
Ability to work independently or as a team member.
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook or equivalent.
Ability to effectively learn new applications allowing for the collection and analysis of data.
Ability to support international student enrollment initiatives in coordination with Admissions and International Affairs, including recruitment, yield, and pre-arrival readiness.
Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.
Employee shall adhere to all applicable rules and regulations of the University, the Conference, and the NCAA.

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree. Note that an Associate’s Degree with two (2) years of relevant experience may be substituted for two (2) years of education.

Required Work Experience

No prior experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

One (1) year of formal experience as a Designated School Official (PDSO/DSO) and/or Responsible Officer (RO/ARO).
Previous cross-cultural, intercultural training or internationalization efforts experience.
Fluency in two (2) or more languages.

Required Certifications, Licenses or Registrations

Must be a U.S. permanent resident or U.S. citizen as required by Homeland Security.
Must have a valid driver’s license, driving record that is insurable by UIW insurance carrier, and be at least 21 years of age, as required to drive for UIW.
US passport, or the ability to obtain within 90 days of assignment, as required for international travel.

Work Hours

Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm with extended hours as needed to include weekend hours, especially during peak periods, to meet departmental goals.

Physical Demands

Ability to lift up to 35lbs for table set-up/tear-down at events.
Ability to lift up to 20lbs of office/event materials, as well as reach overhead, bend, and squat to retrieve/set-up materials.
Ability to push/pull event carts holding up to 50 lbs.
Ability to actively engage in events for extended periods of time.
Ability to regularly move about campus and event venues to actively engage participants, as well as attend meetings on main and satellite campuses.
Ability to navigate airports with event materials.

Posting Details

Posting Number

AS2222PO

Number of Vacancies

Job Type

Full Time

Job Category

Staff (non-exempt)

Desired Start Date

03/16/2026

Position End Date (if temporary)

Reports to

Director International Student & Scholar Services

Salary

$41,000 Annualized

Open Date

02/09/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

N/A.

EOE

UIW is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status, pregnancy, and religion (except in limited circumstances when religious preference is both permitted by law and deemed appropriate as a matter of University policy).

Title IX

This position is considered a “Responsible Employee” under Title IX federal regulations and “Mandatory Reporter” under Texas state law and the UIW Sexual Misconduct Policy. As a Mandatory Reporter, this position requires you as the employee to promptly report any incident that you witness or receive information about Title IX violations. These reporting responsibilities are set out in the UIW Sexual Misconduct Policy.