The Assistant Director is responsible for the execution of immigration strategy, compliance, and policy for the University and affiliated hospitals. The Assistant Director helps to establish and maintain relevant policies and systems to ensure transparency, efficiency, and consistently high-quality and diverse programs. The Assistant Director reports directly to the Director of Immigration Services and manages a staff of 3-4 International Student and Scholar Advisors and/or Assistant Advisors. The position will work closely and collaboratively with other senior leaders of the HIO.
The Assistant Director also provides immigration advising and support in the areas of pre-arrival guidance, orientation, and cultural adaptation to an assigned population of approximately 1,000 international students and scholars and their dependents. Will be appointed as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). Ensures institutional and individual compliance with government regulations by interpreting, and applying regulations and government policies pertaining to F-1 and J-1 students as well as H-1B, TN, O-1, E3, etc. This position assists with planning that will effectively anticipate the needs of international students and scholars related to immigration regulations and other support services.
Position Description: Duties and Responsibilities
Manages a team of 3-4 international advisors and/or assistant advisors to students and scholars; trains and serves as a mentor to all advising staff; responsible for job performance evaluations
Meets with direct reports regularly to provide mentorship, training, guidance, and constructive feedback
Serves as a member of the senior management team of the HIO, setting strategy regarding immigration services and policy to support faculty, researchers, and students across the University
Manages, facilitates, and leads important operational or immigration policy committee (i.e., Website, Communications, OPT/STEM, or Taxes); drives policy and procedural changes driven by committee recommendations
Works closely with the HIO team and with University stakeholders to ensure wide participation in and support for the activities of the HIO. As a member of the HIO leadership team, the Assistant Director also participates in guiding and supporting University-wide and Campus Services-wide activities and initiatives
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of five years of professional experience in a student services program area, working with international student and scholar populations
Experience with SEVIS, and other systems and apps to prepare and process immigration documents and maintain accurate records to comply with regulatory reporting; demonstrated knowledge of office computer systems at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
Per US federal regulations, must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Additional Qualifications:
Supervisory or mentorship experience preferred
Ellucian ISSM/ISD preferred
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment, capable of multi-tasking
Ability to interpret and apply program rules and regulations; ability to use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments and in developing program and process improvements
Ability to obtain factual and interpretative information through interviews; reason logically; collect, analyze, and evaluate data
Strong written and verbal skills; confidently conduct presentations for students, scholars, and University administrators; advise students and scholars individually and in groups on routine matters where required
Ability to rapidly acquire a general knowledge of the overall operation, functions and programs of the schools and departments to which assigned
Knowledge of computer software systems and applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other web-based applications
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting
May be required to work nights and weekends
Additional Information
Position description continued:
Assists with the training of new International Student and Scholar Advisors and/or Assistant Advisors, including those who may not be direct reports
Manages casework processing for employment-based visa sponsorships, particularly with J-1s, H-1Bs, TNs, O's and other relevant visa holders.
Serves as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program overseen by the U.S. Department of State and as Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 program under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Provides immigration advising for students and scholars and their dependents, including detailed instruction on maintenance of status requirements such as change of status, school transfer, full-time enrollment, extension of stay, employment, practical training, and reinstatement of status.
Maintains expertise of current and changing regulations affecting J, F, H, O, TN, E, and B visa classifications and how they affect HIO policy and procedure
Acts as Advisor on Call for both students and scholars; answers questions concerning visa documents and travel plans; provides travel signatures for F-1 and J-1 visa holders with sponsorship from Harvard University; advises on general procedures for obtaining visa documents and maintaining visa status; provides support letters for Social Security Number and ITIN applications
Interprets and clarifies local and University policies and procedures as they relate to immigration policy for student leaders and University administrators
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with faculty, University administrators, student organizations, private and public agencies, and others in committee work; advises student organizations on a variety of matters including risk reduction strategies as they relate to immigration matters
Coordinates and inputs electronic data into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS); and works closely with other departments to coordinate data collection and transfer into SEVIS.
Maintains a high sensitivity to the diverse cultural needs of students; maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees and external agencies; recognize multicultural value systems and work accordingly.
May work with the Title IX office on best practices and coordination of the University's overall response to Title IX issues
Performs other duties as assigned
About Us
The Harvard International Office (HIO) was established in 1944. The HIO currently supports over 18,000 international students, scholars, and their dependents, providing immigration advising in compliance with U.S. government regulations and University policies. The HIO regularly responds to student, scholar, and University administrator inquiries, and proactively identifies where international students and scholars may need guidance and support. When needed, the HIO makes referrals to other University and third-party services and resources.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-GJ1
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: S0357M FSS Student Services Mgt III
Job Function: Faculty & Student Services
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
