The posting
Job Description
This position supports the retention of international F and J students through advising support relating to immigration compliance, cultural adjustment, and successful adaptation to academic life at the University of Tennessee. This includes development, assessment, and implementation of programs designed to successfully impact the retention and success of F and J students. In addition, this position provides support to F and J alumni in the form of compliance maintenance and advisement for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
Responsibilities
International Student Advising: This includes immigration advising, cultural adjustment support, personal issues, employment, Optional Practical Training (OPT) issuance and maintenance, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) advising and maintenance, program of study updates, extensions, and graduation follow up and support. This support entails connecting with students and student stakeholders via Zoom, email, and in-person appointments.
International Student Orientation: This includes the development of content, coordination of sessions, and presentation at international student orientations.
Programming: This includes the development and execution of programs, initiatives, trainings, and outreach to international students and campus stakeholders, which promote better service to and retention of international students on-campus.
Participation in Workgroups, Meetings, and Professional Development: This includes time spent participating in required workgroups, internal and external meetings, and participation in professional organizations. This also includes necessary regulatory review, knowledge updates, and trainings.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Experience: One to two years in higher education. This experience can include internships and time spent as a graduate assistant.
- Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of Code of Federal regulations pertaining to the operation of F students and J exchange visitors. Knowledge of best practices pertaining to the operation of an international services department. Ability to communicate effectively in a multi-cultural environment. Skill working with integrated data systems and office productivity software.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree
- Experience: One to two years of direct experience working in international education. Experience working in an international services unit.
- Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Skill using Banner and the Student Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS).
Work Location
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Onsite
Compensation and Benefits
- UT market range: MR08
- Anticipated hiring range: $49,000
- Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
- Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before October 30, 2026.
- Resume
- Cover Letter
About The College/Department/Division
International Student and Scholar Services is a dedicated, professional team committed to supporting our international community at the University of Tennessee.
We help international students at UT navigate the F and J visa process, adjust to the campus culture, and pursue opportunities as Vol alumni. We assist the campus community with the sponsorship and retention of J, H1-B, O, TN, and Permanent Resident faculty and staff. We serve as compliance liaisons between the campus community and the Student Exchange Visitor Program, provide training and advisement to campus stakeholders, and advocate for internationalization best practices.
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
