Immigration Specialist

Department: University Life - Office of International Programs and Services

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 commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

To build global awareness at Mason and in the local community, the Office of International Programs and Services develops and implements programs to integrate international students, researchers, and faculty into the campus and the 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 cross-cultural understanding through programs highlighting global themes. OIPS also collaborates in policy development on matters related to immigration, employment, cross-cultural communication, or international educational exchange.

About the Position:

The Immigration Specialist handles the administrative functions underpinning the service mission of the office, including regulatory advising, serving as F-1 Designated School Official, processing document requests, providing support to the advising team, staffing the front desk, corresponding by phone and email with students and scholars, departments, and admissions units; and handling special projects for the Executive Director and the Associate Director.

Responsibilities:

• Supports the International Advisors by working in the International Student and Scholar Management System and SEVIS databases to run reports, import data from Banner through the ISSM Datalink, SEVIS Lists, SEVIS Alert List checks, and communication with 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. Must research and apply federal regulations in the performance of these duties. Responds to phone and e-mail inquiries from students, prospective students, and academic units. Must work 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; 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 Office Manager or other staff if necessary; and
• Performs support functions required by the advising staff, handling special projects at the request of the Executive Director or Associate Directors, and/or other tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in related field;
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required for Designated School Official Duties;
• 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);
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment;
• Demonstrated oral/written communication skills, with particular emphasis on explaining complex concepts to individuals who have limited proficiency in English;
• Ability to safeguard confidential information;
• Ability to research and interpret federal regulations, and to use the regulations to make decisions related to student status;
• Skill in attention to detail, including the ability to review documents and other work and make corrections;
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure;
• Ability to serve students/clients effectively;
• Ability to deal effectively with individuals who may be angry or upset;
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues of diverse work styles and preferences;
• Demonstrated organizational skills; and
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Experience with and knowledge of 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 is preferred; and
• Intermediate to advanced 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 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: April 11, 2024

Posting Close Date: April 25, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  No