Director Of International Student Services

Position Overview: The Director of International Student Services is responsible for leading and managing the comprehensive support and services provided to international students at Concordia University, St. Paul. This role involves strategic planning, program development, compliance with immigration regulations, and fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for international students. The Director will collaborate with various university departments to enhance the overall experience of international students and ensure their successful integration into the campus community.

Essential Duties:

• Leadership and Management:

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the International Student Services department.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff members within the department.

• Manage the departmental budget and allocate resources effectively.

• Student Support and Engagement:

• Provide leadership in developing and delivering programs and services that support the academic, cultural, and social adjustment of international students.

• Oversee orientation programs, workshops, and events designed to enhance the international student experience.

• Compliance and Immigration Services:

• Ensure the university's compliance with all federal immigration regulations and policies.

• Oversee the issuance and maintenance of necessary immigration documents, including I-20.

• Serve as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for SEVIS, ensuring accurate record-keeping and reporting.

• Collaboration and Advocacy:

• Work collaboratively with academic departments, student services, and other university offices to support international students.

• Advocate for the needs and interests of international students within the university community.

• Develop and maintain partnerships with external organizations and agencies to enhance support services for international students.

• Training and Development:

• Provide training and resources to university faculty and staff on issues related to international students and cultural competency.

• Stay current with best practices and trends in international education and student services.

• Assessment and Improvement:

• Conduct regular assessments of programs and services to ensure their effectiveness and make data-driven improvements.

• Collect and analyze data on international student experiences and outcomes to inform strategic planning.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, International Education, Student Affairs, or a related field

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in international student services or a related area in higher education.

• In-depth knowledge of federal immigration regulations and SEVIS management.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations and build strong relationships.

• Experience in program development and assessment.

• Solutions-oriented with a growth mindset.

Supplemental Information:

It is the policy of CSP to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, gender, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

However, CSP is an institution of the LCMS and, to the extent allowed by law, CSP reserves the right to give preference in employment based on religious tenets.

The mission of Concordia University, St Paul, a university of The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod, is to prepare students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity, and for enlightened care of God's creation, all within the context of the Christian gospel. This mission is rooted in academic excellence and Christian vocation.

The vision of Concordia University, Saint Paul, is to be acknowledged as the leading Lutheran university offering exceptional opportunities for students from all backgrounds who seek relevant career preparation and a challenging academic experience coupled with the insights of Lutheran theology.

Promise to Students - Concordia University, Saint Paul, empowers you to discover and engage your purpose for life, career and service, in a dynamic, multicultural, urban environment, where Christ is honored, all are welcome, and Lutheran convictions inform intellectual inquiry and academic pursuits.

Concordia University owns a 41-acre campus just West of Downtown St. Paul with easy access to light-rail and bus transportation. Only blocks away from popular Summit and Grand Avenues, restaurants, shopping, and cultural activities abound. Concordia is known to have one of the most racially and ethnically diverse university student bodies in the state of Minnesota.

Feel free to contact Cassidy Leininger - cleininger@csp.edu, with any questions