Executive Director, The Office of International Programs and Services

Department: University Life

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary starting at mid $110k's, commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The primary purpose of the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) at George Mason University is to support and integrate international students, scholars, and faculty into the campus community. OIPS aims to educate, celebrate, and serve by promoting global awareness, cross-cultural understanding, and providing resources for cultural adjustment and regulatory compliance. They also focus on recognizing individual achievements and celebrating the diverse traditions within the community.

About the Position:

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall vision, direction, and administration of the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS), a key unit within the division of University Life at George Mason University. This role involves direct supervision of the Associate Directors for International Students, International Employees and Exchange Visitors, the Associate Director for Engagement and Assessment, the SEVIS Coordinator, and the Office Manager. Additionally, the Executive Director indirectly supervises numerous part-time wage staff, interns, and Graduate Professional staff. These roles collectively provide central services and programs for over 4,000 international students and scholars at George Mason University.

As the Designated School Official (DSO) responsible for institutional adherence and compliance with immigration procedures, SEVIS, and US government regulations as established by the Department of Homeland Security. The Executive Director works closely with the highest levels of campus leadership to support the university’s vision for supporting a robust experience for its international population, while fostering collaboration, communication, and relationship management with internal and external partners.

Other major components of the role include budget management, oversight of co-curricular program development, assessment, and strategic planning. Additionally, the Executive Director is a key campus leader as a member of Global Assembly and many committees that contribute to the execution, reporting and delivery of University and University Life’s Post Graduate Success and Engagement Student Journey Team and other strategic goals.

Responsibilities:

Unit and Institutional Compliance

• As the Designated School Official (DSO), ensures institutional compliance with federal immigration regulations, University’s compliance with federal immigration law and regulations as well as advises of international students, scholars and faculty;
• Collaborates with the Office of General Counsel, outside immigration attorneys, and government officials, as needed, to ensure university compliance and program reviews;
• Interprets and applies state and federal laws, rules, regulations, regarding the university’s international population;
• Provides timely information and communication to the university leadership and the international community, as needed;
• Oversees the University’s interface with, and utilization of, the SEVIS database system, including the collaboration between OIPS and ITS;
• Oversees OIPS processes related to the admission and enrollment of F-1 and J-1 students, including: compliance related policy and planning for admission of students in language training, pathway, and degree programs; and
• Oversees practices and procedures to facilitate quality service and effective communication with students, administrative offices, and academic units. 

Strategic Leadership

• Provides overall administration and vision for the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) its growth and sustainability;
• Provides guidance on the development and delivery of co-curricular internationalization programs;
• Oversees the unit’s budget to ensure financial sustainability and effective resource allocation;
• Conducts regular assessments of departmental functions to ensure continuous improvement and contribution to the execution, reporting, and delivery of University and University Life’s strategic goals;
• Ensures the program aligns with the broader mission and objectives of George Mason University and University Life;
• Ensures engagement and unit contribution to University Life’s Engagement Student Journey Team work and development; and
• Drafts and updates University policy language related to immigration regulations and participates in the University approval process. 

Personnel Management

• Directly supervises the Associate Directors for International Students, Associate Director for International Employees and Exchange Visitors, the Associate Director for Engagement and Assessment, the SEVIS Coordinator, Immigrations Specialist, and the Office Manager;
• Indirectly supervises immigration specialists, international advisors, technology support, and numerous part-time wage staff, interns, and Graduate Professional staff;
• Prepares and submits performance evaluations;
• Champions a collaborative and supportive work environment that fosters employee well-being, ensuring professional development and performance management of all staff;
• Communicates key information and encourages involvement of staff in divisional initiatives; and
• Ensures adherence to federal compliance regulations and university policies and procedures. 

Partnerships

• Oversees, consults and collaborates with administrators and academic units on regulatory matters related to non-immigrant students and employees as necessary; and
• Collaborates with the Office of General Counsel and external immigration attorneys on cases when appropriate. 

Unit and Division Support/Service

• Attends UL divisional meetings and events;
• Volunteers at divisional programs and events; and
• Participates in professional development workshops and training sessions for staff across the division to promote continuous learning and skill enhancement. 

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Related experience in mid- to senior-level leadership roles in relevant organizational settings;
• Budget management typically obtained within 2 years of professional experience handling unit/ department budgets;
• Demonstrated experience being a campus and Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer (DSO/ARO) representative;
• Demonstrated experience typically obtained in 5 years of effectively supervising professional staff;
• Demonstrated knowledge and practice of international student and scholar services;
• Demonstrated knowledge of F, J, and H-1B visa classifications; and knowledge of SEVIS;
• Knowledge of campus internationalization and successful student engagement efforts with demonstrated understanding of issues affecting international students and scholars;
• Demonstrated knowledge of budgeting and planning;
• Demonstrated knowledge of assessment and unit planning;
• Demonstrated skill in providing administrative leadership and supervision;
• Demonstrated written, oral and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate across various audiences;
• Demonstrated ability to connect with individuals and students from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives; and
• US Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency to meet federal regulatory requirements for Designated School Officials and Alternate Responsible Officer.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience living, studying, or traveling abroad;
• Demonstrated experience collaborating through leadership of cross-organization projects;
• Experience with the use of technology to accomplish academic or administrative tasks, specifically student information systems;
• Knowledge of technology platforms; and
• Knowledge of advancement (fundraising).

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Executive Director, The Office of International Programs and Services at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: October 6, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  October 20, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes