Immigration Specialist

Department: University Life

Classification: Education Support Spec 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary range starting low $50k; commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) strives to encourage global awareness by promoting the integration of international students, researchers, and faculty into the campus community. The Office provides guidance to students and scholars studying and working at George Mason University in immigration, employment and taxation, assists with adjustment issues, and fosters a cross-cultural understanding through programs highlighting global themes.

About the Position:

The Immigration Specialist manages the administrative functions that support the Office's service mission. This includes providing regulatory advising as an F-1 Designated School Official, processing document requests, supporting the advising team, managing front desk operations, and maintaining effective communication with students, scholars, departments, and admissions units. Additionally, the role involves handling special projects for the Executive Director and Associate Director.

Responsibilities:

• Supports the International Advisors by working in the International Student and Scholar Management System and SEVIS databases to run reports;
• Imports data from Banner through the ISSM Datalink, SEVIS Lists, and SEVIS Alert List checks;
• Communicates in coordination with the Advisors in matters relating to new, continuing, and alumni international student immigration compliance matters;
• Serves as a Designated School Official, providing regulatory advising to prospective, enrolled, and practical training F-1 students;
• Processes document requests, including travel endorsements, employment requests, certification requests, and others as appropriate;
• Researches and applies federal regulations in the performance of these duties;
• Responds to phone and e-mail inquiries from students, prospective students, and academic units;
• Works with team to support advising obligations related to virtual walk in hosting and orientations;
• Staffs the front desk at pre-arranged times during business hours;
• Logs in to telephone and computer system; tracks voice mail and e-mail messages and routes them to appropriate staff;
• Answers telephone, greets visitors, schedules appointments, receives mail, and accepts and releases documents in accordance with established procedures;
• Refers inquiries to appropriate staff;
• Makes referrals to other campus offices when necessary;
• Maintains electronic sign in data;
• Handles other front-line issues as appropriate, consulting with the Office Manager or other staff; and
• Performs support functions required by the advising staff, handles special projects at the request of the Executive Director or Associate Directors, and/or performs other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience to include administrative or professional, client/customer service, regulatory compliance, and/or higher education (usually obtained in at least two years of post-graduation work);
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams;
• Demonstrated oral/written communication skills, with particular emphasis on explaining complex concepts to individuals who have limited proficiency in English;
• Demonstrated organizational skills;
• Skill in attention to detail, including the ability to review documents and other work and make corrections;
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, balance multiple priorities, and meet deadlines under pressure;
• Ability to safeguard confidential information;
• Ability to research and interpret federal regulations, and use the regulations to make decisions related to student status;
• Ability to serve students/clients effectively and be able to deal with individuals who may be angry or upset;
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues of diverse work styles and preferences; and
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency is required for Designated School Official duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Experience with F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant student regulations;
• Experience working in an International Student Office and/or as a Designated School Official;
• Experience with SEVIS government system as a Designated School Official or Alternate Responsible Officer;
• Experience in the culture-crossing process and/or an understanding of the dynamics of cultural adjustment;
• Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant student regulations; and
• Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and web page creation and updates.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Immigration Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  February 25, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  March 11, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes