Job Details

Assistant Director, Intl Students and Scholars
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Position Number: 5924403
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Position Type: Disability Services

Assistant Director, Intl Students and Scholars

University of California Santa Barbara

Job Posting Details

Position Number: 40028110

Payroll Title: PROJECT POLICY ANL SUPV 2

Job Code: 007395

Job Open Date: 01/10/2025

Application Review Begins: 01/28/2025

Department Code (Name): INTS (INTERNATION STUDENTS)

Percentage of Time: 100

Union Code (Name): 99

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: Grade 23

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $92,540 to $96,110/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $85,400 to $156,800/year.

Work Location: Student Resource Building - 3130

Working Days and Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) serves the needs of international students and scholars as well as the UCSB community who work with this international population. OISS provides administrative assistance, counseling, advising, and programming to the campus community. The staff meet with students and scholars about immigration, employment, housing, health care, financial concerns, academic problems, travel, and personal issues.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

Under the general direction of the Director of International Students and Scholars, the Assistant Director utilizes advanced knowledge of various federal programs, immigration policy, OISS services and cross-cultural communication to effectively serve the student and scholar population. Interfaces with the Department of Homeland Security, and campus and UC administration. Maintains a broad, functional understanding of Citizenship & Immigration Services (CIS), Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of State and Department of Labor regulations, policies and procedures related to non-immigrant and immigrant visas to provide assistance and training for the campus. In collaboration with the Director, works on assessment and evaluation of the department's operational and program efforts, and division strategic planning, assessment, budget and mission continuity reports. Supervises 4.0 FTE Career staff who provide complex advising, counseling, and other services to over 4,000 graduate and undergraduate non-immigrant students. In the absence of the Director, responsible for supervision of all staff. Using advanced knowledge and specialized skills, advise students and develop program modes to address federal regulations, and academic, personal financial and acculturation issues; serves as Principal Designated School Official for F-1 students and Alternate Responsible Officer for J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Maintains up to date knowledge of federal laws, regulations pertaining to international students, assists in the development of campus policies and procedures affecting non-immigrant students. Ensures a thorough department marketing plan to provide information to students, faculty and staff. Oversees student and scholar services operations, compliance with Department of Homeland Security regulations, responsible for recertification with Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Interfaces with the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and State and other government agencies as well as international education groups. Collaborates with Immigration Specialist to process H-1B and Green Card requests from international scholars and campus departments. Advises UCSB departments, faculty and staff on H-1B regulations and processes. Manages Sunapsis database including design of workflows, training staff, maintenance of system and implementing updates.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience / training
1-3 years experience in people management and personnel.
1-3 years experience with advanced computer information systems.
4-6 years experience working with immigration policy
Experience utilizing Microsoft Office products and Google Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree
Experience utilizing Sunapsis
1-3 years experience working in a higher education setting

Special Conditions of Employment:

Must be a U.S, citizen or permanent resident of the United States in order to be a Designated School Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer for the Department of Homeland Security's SEVIS system.
May work evenings and weekends.
Satisfactory criminal history background check
UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegation or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

40% LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING

In the absence of the Director, responsible for the full operation of the department, including budget, supervision, IT software tools, student services, compliance with immigration policies and partnership agreements with federal, academic and industry partners.
Utilize advanced knowledge of various federal programs, immigration policy, OISS services and cross-cultural communication to effectively serve the student and scholar population and interface with the Department of Homeland Security, and campus and UC administration.
Exercise sound judgment and ability to solve problems and make decisions on the Director's behalf to ensure compliance of student and scholars' ability to study and/or work in the United States.
Works collaboratively with the department Director and in conjunction with the Director of Budget & Administration on strategic planning, budget strategy and personnel. In collaboration with the Director, works on assessment and evaluation of the department's operational and program efforts, and division strategic planning, assessment, budget and mission continuity reports.
Collaborate with the Director and Immigration Specialist to address international student and scholar policies and facilitate campus recruitment of international faculty, researchers and lecturers applying for H-1B and Green Cards.
Participate in (and lead) staff meetings and facilitate discussion among professional and support staff to resolve and address student, program, and administrative issues; mediate concerns arising from differences or problems within the staff. Problem solve and/or make recommendations.
Support the Director in the oversight of international student advising operations. Create and implement new strategies and techniques to improve advising service delivery.
Promote and facilitate professional development opportunities for department staff and student staff.
Work with the Director and the SEVIS Coordinator on the development and maintenance of IT tools such as Sunapsis. Analyze needs of students, staff, and campus administrators and address software development needs, plans and production timelines. Ensure compliance with SEVIS reporting requirements. Participate in decision-making and testing processes regarding the development and maintenance of student record systems.
Represents the department on committees, planning groups, etc. as requested by the Director.

MAINTENANCE OF RELATIONS WITH U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Establishes relationships with campus and community units, agencies and professional organizations and maintains knowledge of current issues, services and resources.
Interacts with relevant agencies on a regular basis as noted: Monthly: Department of Homeland Security agencies, i.e., USCIS, USCBP, ICE (including SEVIS) Quarterly: US Department of State, including U.S. Embassies and Consulates Annually/Quarterly: NAFSA: Association of International

10% SUPERVISION & TRAINING

Oversee and supervise student service team staff to provide complex services to international students. Responsibilities include training, expert advice, and resources, as well as guidance and direction about services and problem solving. Monitor performance and progress.
Provide backup supervision support to the entire department staff, in absence of the Director -Ensure staff's effective and compliant services in key areas: (1) U.S. immigration and other government regulations pertaining to non-immigrant students; and (2) university policies, systems and resources.
Assists in the coordination and oversight of the department's recruitment, selection and training process of new staff. Provides professional development/in-service training for professional staff.
Provide guidance to student workers; assign workload and monitor productivity.

30% IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE, CAMPUS SUPPORT, IT MGMT

IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS, CAMPUS SUPPORT & IT MANAGEMENT IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS

Responsible for keeping current and having a thorough understanding and application of regulatory requirements and procedures issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, State Department and other governmental agencies that affect non-immigrant students. Analyze and monitor changes regarding US immigration regulations and campus policies that affect the international population and recommend revisions in IT services and department and campus processes. Implement changes in procedures and train campus partners.
Provide timely notification to students and campus partners regarding regulatory and policy updates. Ensure compliance by: 1) -Maintaining current, accurate information regarding immigration, State Department and other federal regulations as well as other pertinent information for international students 2) Updating the Department of Homeland Security SEVIS system by entering data related to employment authorization, change of status, program extension, and other procedures. 3) Providing guidance/support for the issuance of Certificate of Eligibility forms for F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant student statuses. 4) Serving as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for UC Santa Barbara responsible for maintaining compliance with the Department of Homeland Security to continue UC Santa Barbara's ability to host international students.

CAMPUS SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYMENT BASED VISAS

Collaborate with Immigration Specialist to advise UCSB departments about hiring international staff and faculty. Answer questions from international scholars and departments regarding H-1B policies and processes including intake, review and process H-1B applications
Advise departments and scholars on Permanent Residency inquiries. -Triage questions from other visa categories as needed.
Notify scholar and campus departments regarding regulatory and policy updates in a timely manner.

IT MANAGEMENT

Ensure accurate data submission to SEVIS; imports student data from Registrar's database; researches and reconciles discrepancies.
Collaborate with Systems Analyst to maintain and upgrade Sunapsis and ensure its functionality with Department of Homeland Security's SEVIS.
Design, manage and create workflows for F-1, J-1 and H-1B e-forms.
Partner with SIS&T's IT team to review data mapping and flow of student information to Sunapsis.
Responsible for continuous training of OISS and campus staff on new features of Sunapsis.

20% ADVISING, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT SERVICES

STUDENT & SCHOLAR ADVISING

Oversee the advising operations for routine and non-routine cases for students & scholars. For non-routine cases, take the lead role in case management to problem-solve the unique issue.
Provides advice and assistance to students on navigating academic and degree requirements towards completion of study; alternative academic options, resolve enrollment issues, and similar issues in relation to federal regulatory requirements. Assists students who are balancing academic demands against financial worries, adjustment challenges and other mental health issues. Advises international students and scholars and their dependents on a variety of matters related to their stay at UCSB.
Advise and assist the international student and scholar community through personal, email and telephone contacts by utilizing advanced knowledge and skills related to: (1) U.S. immigration and other government regulations pertaining to non-immigrant students; (2) university policies, systems and resources; and (3) counseling and advising, particularly in a cross-cultural setting.
Counsel and support students and scholars about personal concerns, relationship and social issues, financial problems, and legal issues that may emerge due to different cultural or international context.
Advise and assist on U.S. visa processing, maintaining immigration status, compliance with SEVIS regulations, employment authorization, change of non-immigrant status, extension of status, reinstatement to student status and related issues.
Recognize potential issues more appropriately addressed by other campus departments and facilitate referrals by cultivating student and scholars receptivity through orienting students to the procedures and processes of other departments, as well as preparing departments to receive these students and scholars.
Identifies critical situations involving significant personal and emotional distress and immediately interfaces with appropriate campus professional units in accordance with interdepartmental policies and procedures.
Provide general academic advice/assistance within the context of immigration/visa regulations and university policies related to completion of degree requirements, academic probation and disqualification, major/course selection, leave of absences, graduate school admission and other educational issues and goals. -Advise and facilitate international student and scholars adjustment to the university and American culture.
Liaison/advocate on behalf of students and scholars with other educational institutions, community and government agencies.
Provide information and appropriate referrals to off campus and community resources.
Oversee development, implementation and evaluation of specific programs to support and retain international undergraduate and graduate students
Develop, adapt and apply cross-cultural models to aid students and scholars in: 1) developing personal identity, 2) adjusting to the campus environment, 3) interacting with peer advisors, faculty and staff, and 4) coping with personal issues.
Responsible for Assisting in the development, implementation and evaluation of OISS international student and scholars orientation programs.
Oversee the on-campus outreach and marketing efforts by utilizing traditional publication methods and social media. Identifies and contributes articles and relevant information to the department newsletter, website, e-mail and listserv.
Develop student potential by encouraging student involvement in extracurricular activities such as Letters and Science Honors, research opportunities, and internships and other university student development programs.
Develop training programs, offer informational workshops on immigration/visa regulations and procedures.
Advise and assist student organizations.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.

As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit:

UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 Information - https://www.ucsb.edu/COVID-19-information

University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement:

UC Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

Reasonable Accommodations:

The University of California endeavors to make https://jobs.ucsb.edu accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805-893-4664 or email katherine.abad@hr.ucsb.edu. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Privacy Notification Statement

Privacy Notification Statement and Notice of Availability of the UCSB Annual Security Report Disclosures

Application Status: If you would like to check the status of your application, please log into the Candidate Gateway where you applied and click on 'my activities'.

To apply, please visit: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucsb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=75511&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=31&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant