The posting
Position Summary The Director of International and Immigration Services will serve as the PDSO (Principal Designated School Official) for the F1 Program and the RO (Responsible Officer) for the J1 Program in SEVIS for Sacred Heart’s programs and the PDSO for Notre Dame Prep High School, part of Sacred Heart University. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Principal Duties & Responsibilities Under the direction of the Executive Director of Graduate & International Student Life, the Director of International & Immigration Services (PDSO/RO) performs the following duties:
Institutional Compliance (30%)
Serves as a “Principal Designated School Official” (PDSO) and a “Responsible Officer” (RO) in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and maintains expertise in F-1 & J-1 visa regulations. Ensures institutional compliance with SEVP regulations by maintaining the I-17 and DS-3036 form accurately and timely updated, by filing recertifications and program changes and updates. Monitors immigration regulations, policy changes, and federal guidance and translates requirements into institutional procedures and communications. Leads all communications with SEVP support and the designated SEVP representative on behalf of the institution. Organizes SEVIS data processing under the guidelines provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and maintains data and quality control management. Provides institutional guidance on F-1 and J-1 regulations, including admissions, enrollment, employment, program changes, transfers, and student status of enrolled, OPT & STEM OPT populations.
Student & Community Support on Immigration Compliance (50%)
Leads comprehensive immigration advising throughout their academic journey and on post-completion employment. Provides timely guidance on visas, status maintenance, employment authorization, travel, program changes, transfers, and other immigration matters. Develops programs, communication, and resources that promote international student transition, belonging, engagement, and success. Provides accurate immigration information to international students, monitors and tracks student immigration status, and maintains appropriate records. Establishes, updates, and tracks SEVIS records on a semester/trimester/module basis. Prepares and/or coordinates preparation of F-1 documents for undergraduate and graduate programs and ensures compliance with all federal policies and regulations. Serves as liaison to deans, department heads, faculty, and administrators within the University and provides advanced immigration-related advice and assistance to faculty and administrators regarding international student regulations. Develops and maintains an in-depth knowledge of the academic programs, as well as relevant policies and procedures within each academic department to apply immigration regulations accordingly. Advises students with immigration petitions and applications to include processing for new F-1 visas, employment authorizations, reinstatement, and reduced course load authorizations, change of status, and medical leave. Ensures that students maintain OPT and STEM OPT employment authorizations and are informed of all necessary reporting requirements. Coordinates with outside organizations to provide external services for international students, i.e., tax filing, banking services, mobile services, and others. Guides students to help them access appropriate community services and local resources. Assists the Executive Director with the delivery of quality experience and programming to enrolled international students.
Staff Supervision & Support (20%)
Supervises and supports staff responsible for international student services, immigration advising, and related programs. Provides training and professional development to staff on immigration regulations, SEVIS requirements, advising practices, and emerging issues. Establishes clear procedures, service standards, and workflows to ensure consistent and effective student support. Supervises and trains all DSO’s and ARO’s (Designated School Officials and Assistant Responsible Offices). Supports staff with professional development planning and maintains a relationship with professional organizations to keep abreast of changes in federal rules and regulations. Attends regional or national workshops and conferences to stay current on immigration policies. Other Duties as Assigned
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
Master’s degree preferred or commensurate experience. Requires knowledge of SEVIS and F1 and J1 visa regulations with a minimum of 5-7 years of working experience as a PDSO or DSO and RO/ARO. Requires superior communication skills to educate students, university faculty, and administrators on matters related to non-immigrant regulations and institutional policies, as well as the ability to understand and explain complex government regulations and institutional policies to non-native speakers of the English language. Requires the ability to maintain detailed immigration records, perform intricate immigration processing, and ensure institutional compliance with student immigration regulations. Requires patience, professionalism, and a high level of sensitivity when advising students.
Unusual Working Conditions In-person position; some weekend and night hours might be required, especially during semester orientation weeks and the start of the academic year. Pre-Employment Requirements All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.
