The Associate Director serves as a member of the leadership team in the Office of International Services under the division of Strategic and Global Initiatives. This position supports the Executive Director in the evaluation, design and implementation of F-1 regulatory policy development and strategic planning initiatives for the department. The primary areas of focus for this position will be managing a large Senior International Student Advisor team and helping lead the office to ensure compliance with SEVP. This includes monitoring and interpreting evolving federal regulations and procedures of USCIS, DHS, SEVP, and other governmental agencies and providing high level direction to the Executive Director and the university with regards to applicable new regulations. Strong knowledge of immigration rules and practices related to international education (specifically pertaining to F-1 students) is expected.

Experience with Sunapsis technology is highly preferred, in addition to other technology experience aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness of work. The strongest candidates will also have experience managing complex data projects and extensive experience assessing needs and developing resources to serve a diverse international population. 

The ideal candidate will have significant international education experience within a dynamic and fast-paced office environment that serves a large international student population. Additionally, the candidate must possess strong communication, organizational, and exemplary supervisory skills.  Preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate prior experience leading projects related to implementation of new policy at the university level. 

Job Accountabilities: 

• Works with the Executive Director to oversee compliance related reporting functions of the department and university.

• Serves as an expert on F-1/J-1(preferred not required) immigration matters, representing the department with U.S. immigration agencies and university partners to resolve complex issues related to immigration regulations and institutional policy. This will include interpreting and applying immigration regulations, providing guidance to international students and university departments.

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), facilitating visa-related processes and maintaining accurate records.

• Supervises Senior International Student Advisors (ISAs) responsible for OPT, STEMOPT, Program Extensions, and Change of Status applications. Provides effective leadership to foster professional growth and development within the team and provides training to enhance staff effectiveness and productivity. Additional supervision of staff and other functional areas of the office may be assigned based on operational needs.

• Maintains liaison relationship with key campus partners, including Admissions, Registrar, and academic unit leadership to ensure OIS works effectively with university partners, as well as to coordinate collection of data required for managing F-1 recertification, I-17 update process, and other required reporting processes.

• Conducts presentations, training, and workshops for various audiences on topics related to international education, immigration policies and procedures, and other issues based on assessment of the needs of diverse stakeholder groups.

• Counsels international students on personal, financial, academic, social, and immigration matters.

• Contributes to the overall data management strategy for the department, including workflow assessment, records management, and internal/external reporting.

The salary range for this position is $82,446.97 to $94,959.83. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Advising and management experience within higher education setting, including supervision of large professional staff

• Experience working with an international student population

• Cross-cultural communication skills and experience

• Prior experience successfully leading projects focused on use of technology in a higher education context

• Experience developing multimedia communication projects, including videos, webinars, and other training tools

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About University of Southern California (USC)

USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.

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