*Special Instructions to Applicants* : All interested applicants must attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues.

Position Summary

Under general direction, the international services specialist I provides first-level support for international students on immigration related matters such as the responsibilities and benefits of their visa status, completing government documents, answering general questions, and assisting with the resolution of issues. This position also supports the director of international compliance. The international services specialist serves as a representative of the University to the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and the Student Exchange Visitor Program. This position also serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for F and J visa holders. This position requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and knowledge of immigration regulations and Rice/OISS office procedures/policies to best support the international population that we serve.

The ideal candidate has excellent time management and organization skills, is proactive and service-oriented, and has a passion for working with foreign nationals.

This position offers a one-day work from home schedule (after 6 months probationary period). The expected hiring salary is $49K - $51K, contingent upon qualifications and experience.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
  • Substitution for Education not allowed
• Must hold U.S. citizenship or US. Permanent residency in order to meet federal regulatory requirements for status as an ARO/DSO
• Skills Required
  • Must be able to communicate fluently in English, both verbal and written communication
  • Advanced computer skills and demonstrated experience with office software and email applications
  • Proven success in following through and completing projects
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, with ability to handle detailed information and convey accurate information
  • Ability to prioritize, take initiative and ownership of projects
  • Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions
  • Must have strong reading comprehension and writing skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively
  • Experience with confidential data/information
  • Proven ability to research solutions and exhibit resourcefulness

Essential Functions

• Provides immigration advice to international students and scholars on their visa status and immigration processes, particularly related to practical training authorization and compliance (CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, Academic Training – J program)
• Advises international students and scholars on university policies and procedures, cultural adjustment, academic, and other matters
• Provides support with programs, trainings, workshops, and activities to promote the adjustment of international students to life at the university and in the United States
• Processes immigration documents for incoming students, work authorization, travel endorsements
• Conducts compliance audits to ensure timely compliance reporting for students on OPT and STEM OPT
• Ensures data integrity across campus and government systems
• Acts as signatory for immigration documents
• Conducts student and scholar orientations and check-ins
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions/Information

• Works on special compliance projects
• Provides back-up for the front line, managing inquiries and referring students/scholars to appropriate campus and community resources as needed
• Lead for Ladies Networking program, coordinating and providing logistical support for program
• Tax season support – provides resource guidance, inquiry support, and nonresident tax compliance guidance
• Serves as social media/communications/website support
• Assists with biannual newsletter formatting/editing/accessibility compliance
• Supports volunteer English classes program, coordinating and providing logistical support for program
• Serves as case worker on special advising cases that require additional research, support, coordination
• Prepares special custom letters of support for special immigration cases, late arrival, etc
• Supports peak OPT reporting and compliance updates

Preferences

• One year of related professional experience in a university setting or office environment with international experience
• Foreign language, intercultural studies, business, or other related field of study or Master’s degree
• Experience handling confidential data and information
• Fluency in a second language
• Ability to work well with those that have limited English language skills
• Experience working in a university setting
• Ability to give presentations to small and large groups
• Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 visas and SEVIS immigration regulations
• Writing/Editing, Event Planning, Networking
• Advising skills in person, on the phone, and over Zoom
• Ability to maintain a website/social media
• Ability to support/promote diversity in a university setting
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skill set
• Ability to think critically and analytically
• Previous SEVIS/Ellucian experience

Office of International Students and Scholars
https://oiss.rice.edu/

Rice University HR / Benefits website
https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values
https://www.rice.edu/mission-values

Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19 (currently defined as full course COVID-19 Vaccine (typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J) and a COVID-19 booster. Rice does not require documentation for COVID 19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.