Senior Advisor to International Students and Scholars

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Harvard International Office (HIO)

The Harvard International Office (HIO) was established in 1944. Since that time, the Harvard international population has grown to over 10,000, and many are accompanied by family members. The HIO provides immigration advising in compliance with U.S. government regulations and University policies. When needed, the HIO makes referrals to other University and third-party services and resources. The HIO regularly responds to student, scholar, and University administrator inquiries, and proactively identifies where students and scholars may need guidance and support.

Job Description

Independently assess the needs of the student body, develop and organize educational, social and cultural activities. The International Student and Scholar Advisor provides immigration advising and support in the areas of pre-arrival guidance, orientation, and cultural adaptation. Advises a population of continuing and incoming international students and scholars on issues relating to immigration; as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), ensures institutional and individual compliance with the government regulations by learning, interpreting, and applying regulations and government policies pertaining to F-1 and J-1 students; evaluates student and scholar eligibility for issuance of F-1 and J-1 visa documents. This position assists with proactive future planning that will effectively anticipate the needs of international students and scholars related to immigration regulations and other support measures.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor program and as Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 program under the U.S.
• Manages, facilitates, and leads important operational or immigration policy committee (i.e., Website, Communication, OPT/STEM Processing, or Taxes); drives policy and procedural changes driven by committee recommendations
• Serves as the primary immigration advisor for Harvard faculty, providing guidance on visa options, immigration compliance, and related university policies
• Mentors seasonal interns and directs student employees and or staff assistants assigned to their projects
• Assists with the training of new International Student and Scholar Advisors
• Provides immigration advising for students and scholars, 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.
• Provides 24/7 coverage for the HIO emergency phone line, responding promptly to urgent calls and ensuring appropriate follow-up and support
• 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 letters for Social Security Number and ITIN
• Manage casework processing for employment-based visa sponsorships, particularly with J-1s, H-1Bs, TNs, and other relevant visa holders
• Interpret and clarify local and University policies and procedures as they relate to immigration policy for student leaders and University administrators
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, University administrators, student organizations, private and public agencies, and others in committee work; Advise 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.
• May work with the Title IX office on best practices and coordination of the University’s overall response to Title IX issues
• Maintain a high sensitivity to diverse cultural needs of students; maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees and external agencies; recognize multicultural value systems and work accordingly.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting
• May be required to work nights and weekends
• Emergency Status Designation - Critical Operations Personnel

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Equivalent 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
• 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; advise students 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 using various computer software systems and applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications
• Supervisory experience
• Knowledge of a foreign language preferred
• Ellucian ISSM/ISD preferred
• Ability to work with students, student organizations, colleagues, clients and external organizations

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

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Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.