Senior International Scholar Advisor

UNC Global - IS SS-506503

Academic Administration

10/04/2024

11/03/2024

No

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Senior International Scholar Advisor

EHRA Non-Faculty

01000230

NF0008563

Full-Time Permanent

1

40

North Carolina, US

Commensurate with experience

12/09/2024

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) within the Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs (OVPGA) supports the academic and research missions of the university through the processing of immigration case work for international students, faculty, researchers, and visiting scholars. ISSS is part of all hiring and admission decisions at Carolina involving non-resident aliens. ISSS is the only official authority for immigration case processing serving all of UNC Chapel Hill campus, and as such has the final word on approving international employee applicants for hire and approving international student applicants for admittance to Carolina. ISSS is the only office with signature authority (DSO) on immigration cases for all of campus and the only unit on campus recognized by the federal government on immigration cases for UNC Chapel Hill. ISSS serves as the principal administrative, advising and programming office for all international students, faculty, and academic and research staff at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). ISSS serves over 4000 international students and international scholars annually. ISSS is the touchstone for the international community at Carolina and acts as a pillar for international student and scholar success and well-being during their time at Carolina.The Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs (OVPGA) has primary responsibility for shaping and implementing the university’s global strategy while supporting global activity across campus. The Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs includes Global Education, Global Partnerships, the Global Research Institute (GRI), International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), Global Communications, Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center, and the Shared Services/Unified Business Cluster (UBC).

The International Scholar Advisor Team in ISSS position is a part of the employment decision-making process for any non-resident alien employee candidates and supports the recruitment and retention of top international faculty and scholars in support of the university’s research, teaching, and service mission. The Senior International Scholar Advisor also serves as the International Scholar Team lead. The Senior International Scholar Advisor assists in the training efforts of current and new international scholar advisors providing ongoing mentorship to the next generation of international education professionals. In addition, position is called on to consult on complex employment cases for departmental and campus colleagues.This position serves as Alternate Responsible Officer of the University’s Exchange Visitor Program (J 1), including preparing DS-2019s (Certificates of Eligibility), J-1 advising, and fulfilling related reporting requirements. Preparing and handling H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3 and other nonimmigrant employment-based petitions and related advising. Additional employment-based immigrant cases, more complex in nature, may be assigned as needed. This position serves as Designated School Official (DSO) including preparing I-20s, F-1 advising, and fulfilling related reporting requirements, as required by federal law. Acts as liaison with the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Labor (DOL) and the US Department of State (DOS), and USCIS, ICE, SEVP, CBP, and other federal agencies and private organizations who require data on and support UNC’s international scholars. Provides assistance and information to UNC-CH sponsored international faculty and scholars, hosting unit staff, and faculty on government regulations and university policies affecting international faculty and scholars and their dependents. Works closely with international faculty and scholars and hosting units to ensure compliance with federal labor and immigration laws and regulations. Team Lead of the International Scholar team responsible for the development and maintenance of online campus procedural materials. Monitors regulatory updates and assists in making necessary changes to operation processes, , the International Scholar website, and other information handouts for distribution. Develops, plans and delivers training (workshops, information sessions, presentations, and orientations) for international faculty, research employees, visiting scholars, campus departments and other stakeholders. Making appropriate referrals to international faculty and scholars related to personal matters as needed. Assisting with and attending programming events organized by the ISSS program coordinator. Performing other duties as assigned and providing support to overall functions of office where needed.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. This experience may be related to the direction/oversight of programs that focus the academic and research resources of a higher education institution towards community or regional issues.

Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident to serve as Alternate Responsible Officer and Designated School Official in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), as required by federal regulation. Thorough knowledge of regulations pertaining to nonimmigrant classifications for international scholars, including H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3, and J-1 Exchange Visitors. Ability to research and explain complex U.S. immigration and labor regulations in relation to campus policies advising international scholars and preparing J-1 Certificates of Eligibility and employment-based nonimmigrant petitions, preferably in a college or university setting. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and patiently with cross-cultural sensitivity. Ability to work collaboratively as a team member in a group environment and taking appropriate initiative and exercising discretion within the scope of assigned duties. Skills with database tools and technology. Position requires accuracy and attention to detail. Familiarity with F student regulations and federal regulations regarding U.S. immigrant petitions. 1-2 years of immigration case management responsibility.

3-5 years of immigration case management responsibility, preferably at a 4-year university.

Must be able to report to work reliably and in person. Must stay focused, calm, and approachable despite pressures of the job.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.