Associate Director of International Program Center - Range D

Associate Director of International Program Center - Range D

Bemidji State University (BSU) invites applicants to join our team as the Associate Director (AD) of International Program Center (IPC). The AD of IPC will report to the Director of the IPC and serve students at BSU and NTC. There are six functional areas within the IPC: international student recruitment, international student admissions, international student services, international scholar services, study abroad program management, and faculty led program development.

The AD will take the lead on international student admissions, international student services, and international scholar services. The AD will also provide support in the remaining areas to ensure alignment with the University and IPC goals.

Responsibilities of the AD of IPC include:

• Leading efforts on international student admissions.
• Developing and managing the application and enrollment processes for international students at BSU while identifying and interpreting relevant regulations and policies that apply to that process such as federal immigration regulations.
• Working collaboratively with the Admissions Office and Graduate Studies in evaluating student transcripts.
• Interpreting international transcripts according to policies, procedures, and precedents.
• Reviewing applications and making admission decisions.
• Providing leadership and oversight on the visa acquisition process for F and J students and scholars.
• Collecting and analyzing international inquiry and admission data.
• Providing leadership in the development of, and conducting, international student orientation, including collaborating with other departments on campus and implementation of sessions.
• Issuing I-20s for admitted BSU and NTC students.
• Leading efforts on international student services.
• Serving as the Principal Designation School Official (PDSO) at BSU and NTC and Responsible Officer (RO) at BSU for immigration policies and procedures.
• Securing compliance with Department of State and USCIS immigration regulations and requirements and serving as BSU and NTC official charged with international student compliance with Homeland Security to maintain school designation for acceptance of international students.
• Developing and managing implementation of necessary process improvements in response to constantly evolving regulations of the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department fairly and consistently as they relate to issues such as practical training, work permits, change of visa status, extension of stay, and I-20/DS 2019 procedures and guidelines.
• Developing and managing processing of international student on-campus work procedures at BSU including I-9, W-4, advising students regarding obtaining a social security number or ITIN, advising on available income tax services, and providing information on tax treaties.
• Communicating clearly and effectively with academic departments, offices, and divisions to aid in understanding sensitive immigration regulations that affect international students on F and J visas.
• Maintaining records and advising students on OPT (Optional Practical Training).
• Developing and managing BSU international student health insurance compliance to Minnesota State and Federal law along with determination of Embassy and Government allowed waivers and serving as the liaison with Minnesota State selected health insurance provider.
• Reviewing and recommending policies and procedures related to international students, including mandatory student health insurance, satisfactory academic progress, immunization requirements, changes in government regulations, and international student work requirements.
• Organizing events and gatherings for the international student community.
• Serving as a liaison between BSU, NTC, and immigration related agencies such as SEVP, ICE, and the State Department as well as the FBI when necessary.
• Training inexperienced AROs and DSOs at BSU and NTC.
• Serving on Minnesota State system committees and participating in national organizations, such as NAFSA.
• Leading efforts on international scholar services.
• Serving as Responsible Officer for international scholars on J-1 visas at BSU.
• Managing all aspects of the North Star Visiting Scholars Academy includes the admissions processes, advising, orientation, and budget.
• Planning and organizing cultural and educational seminars, activities, and trips and all other aspects of support for North Star students, faculty, and BSU faculty mentors.
• Collaborating with BSU departments to ensure a smooth program for the scholars, including Residence Life, Student Health, Gillette Wellness, Library, and others.
• Communicating clearly and effectively with academic departments, offices, and divisions to aid in understanding sensitive immigration regulations that affect international faculty and staff on J visas.
• Supporting efforts of other areas of office.
• Supporting all other areas that the IPC serves, including international student recruitment, study abroad…