Human Resources / Applying for a Position

The Office of International Programs (OIP) seeks an innovative, inclusive, and relationship-driven Assistant Director to support international students at Meredith College, as well as intercultural initiatives within the OIP and campus community. This position advises Meredith students from international backgrounds, implements programs to support their retention and success, and serves as a resource to stakeholders throughout campus. As an international student advocate, this position also actively contributes to departmental and campus-wide initiatives on anti-racism, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. While international students are the consistent priority, the OIP Assistant Director provides additional support for Meredith’s out-of-state students through a combined “Welcome to NC” First Year Experience (FYE) course.

International Student and Scholar Support
- F-1 International Student Advising:  Provide support for all F-1 undergraduate and graduate students from recruitment through post-graduation OPT status (approximately 50 students currently). Advise on pre-arrival concerns, immigration matters, cultural adjustment, campus integration, post-graduation benefits, and other related issues. Issue I-20 immigration documents for admitted graduate and special programs students.
- Non F-1 International Student Advising: Serve as a central contact for advising, resources, and advocacy for international students of all backgrounds and statuses, including DACA recipients and refugees, fostering a supportive environment to encourage their success and belonging.
- SEVIS Management: Serve as Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) in the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Provide training to appropriate college staff and faculty as needed. Ensure Meredith College complies with SEVIS regulations. Coordinate updates to internal policy and procedures manuals for international students in collaboration with campus partners.
- Admissions Support: In partnership with admissions colleagues, address questions from prospective undergraduate and graduate international students during recruitment and pre-arrival. Assist Office of Admissions and Graduate School staff with training on SEVIS and F-1 visa regulations as needed.
- Arrival Coordination: Coordinate logistical arrangements for the arrival of all new F-1 international students, including welcome packets, airport pickup, room set-up, and other concerns.
- Orientation Management: Develop and deliver comprehensive orientation programs for new undergraduate and graduate F-1 international students.
- Departmental Collaboration: Build strong relationships with colleagues in academic and student affairs departments (Graduate School, Financial Assistance, Residence Life, Counseling Center, Career Planning, Academic Advising, Athletics, Registrar, etc.). Develop collaborative processes, policies, and resources to support international students.
- Teaching: Teach First Year Experience (FYE) course for undergraduate F-1 international students and out-of-state students. Partner with campus stakeholders to implement a course that encourages a positive transition to Meredith College and retention to sophomore year.  
- Campus Outreach and Programming: Design and support opportunities to educate the campus community on issues and policies that affect international student populations. Develop programs to bridge connections between domestic and international students. Serve as primary coordinator for annual International Education Week events. Facilitate international student workshops throughout the year on issues such as academic success, cultural adjustment, and career preparation. Plan and lead at least one field trip per semester for international and other non-local students to increase familiarity with Raleigh and surrounding areas.
- Student Organization and Peer Ambassador Advising: Serve as co-advisor for the Meredith International Association (MIA) and the Refugee and Immigrant Club (RIC). Manage and continue to build the International Student Ambassador Program to increase peer advising opportunities. Meet regularly with student leaders from these groups and provide guidance on student-led programming initiatives.
- Website and Digital Resources: Partner with the college’s Marketing Department to develop more robust internal and public-facing website content for international students. Update digital international student handbooks for pre-arrival and orientation annually.
- Visiting Scholar Support: Serve as primary manager and logistical coordinator of Meredith’s international visiting scholar programs (currently 1-2 scholars per year). Collaborate with relevant organizations/departments and provide advising to scholars from pre-departure through conclusion of academic appointments.       Note: Meredith College is authorized to issue F-1 visas and partners with an outside organization to issue J-1 visa materials.  
- Assessment: Oversee and organize annual assessment efforts regarding the experience of international students at Meredith. Develop reports and share relevant findings with OIP and campus stakeholders.
- Professional Development: Participate actively in NAFSA and other professional organizations that focus on supporting underrepresented students. Stay informed of research, immigration updates, and best practices within international education, diversity education, and related fields.  

General
- Support colleagues in the OIP through active participation in staff meetings and campus-wide international education events.
- Participate in relevant campus workshops and training opportunities.
- Serve on various campus committees and working groups as requested.
- Supervise student assistant, delegating tasks as appropriate.
- Serve as back-up contact during emergencies when the Director and Associate Director of International Programs are unavailable. Provide emergency support as needed, including for students who are studying abroad.
- Manage assigned special projects.

Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- At least two (2) years of previous work experience in international education, immigration advising, or a related field.
- Experience with the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer/Responsible Officer (ARO/RO).
- Demonstrated knowledge of F-1 visa regulations.
- Experience developing or facilitating programs for international populations.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Must be able to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with supervisor, coworkers, customers and others.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Effective intercultural communication skills and understanding of cultural adjustment challenges.
- Proven ability to take initiative independently and collaborate on a team.
- Ability and willingness to work periodically at evening and weekend events.
- As a Designated School Official at an institution that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified, per federal requirements of the Department of Homeland Security, the individual must be either a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. 

Preferred qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a related field
- Prior experience working in higher education
- Prior experience living, working, or studying abroad
- Proficiency in a foreign language

To apply, complete the online application in full. Attach a cover letter and resume. Full consideration will be given to candidates who submit materials by April 25th.