BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY (BSU) invites applicants to join our team as the Associate Director (AD) of International Program Center (IPC). The AD of IPC will report to the Director of the IPC and serve students at BSU and NTC. There are six functional areas within the IPC: international student recruitment, international student admissions, international student services, international scholar services, study abroad program management, and faculty led program development. The AD will take the lead on international student admissions, international student services, and international scholar services. The AD will also provide support in the remaining areas to ensure alignment with the University and IPC goals.

Responsibilities of the AD of IPC include:

• Leading efforts on international student admissions. (30%).
  • Developing and managing the application and enrollment processes for international students at BSU while identifying and interpreting relevant regulations and policies that apply to that process such as federal immigration regulations.
  • Working collaboratively with the Admissions Office and Graduate Studies in evaluating student transcripts. Interpreting international transcripts according to policies, procedures, and precedents.
  • Reviewing applications and making admission decisions. Reviewing applications consist of reviewing proof of English proficiency documents, foreign financial statements, evaluating foreign high school transcripts, reviewing foreign credit evaluations of university level courses, and more.
  • Providing leadership and oversight on the visa acquisition process for F and J students and scholars.
  • Collecting and analyzing international inquiry and admission data.
  • Providing leadership in the development of, and conducting, international student orientation, including collaborating with other departments on campus and implementation of sessions.
  • Issuing I-20s for admitted BSU and NTC students.
• Leading efforts on international student services. (30%)
  • Serving as the Principal Designation School Official (PDSO) at BSU and NTC and Responsible Officer (RO) at BSU for immigration policies and procedures.
  • Securing compliance with Department of State and USCIS immigration regulations and requirements and serving as BSU and NTC official charged with international student compliance with Homeland Security to maintain school designation for acceptance of international students.
  • Developing and managing implementation of necessary process improvements in response to constantly evolving regulations of the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department fairly and consistently as they relate to issues such as practical training, work permits, change of visa status, extension of stay, and I-20/DS 2019 procedures and guidelines.
  • Developing and managing processing of international student on-campus work procedures at BSU including I-9, W-4, advising students regarding obtaining a social security number or ITIN, advising on available income tax services, and providing information on tax treaties.
  • Communicating clearly and effectively with academic departments, offices, and divisions to aid in understanding sensitive immigration regulations that affect international students on F and J visas.
  • Maintaining records and advising students on OPT (Optional Practical Training).
  • Developing and managing BSU international student health insurance compliance to Minnesota State and Federal law along with determination of Embassy and Government allowed waivers and serving as the liaison with Minnesota State selected health insurance provider.
  • Reviewing and recommending policies and procedures related to international students, including mandatory student health insurance, satisfactory academic progress, immunization requirements, changes in government regulations, and international student work requirements.
  • Organizing events and gatherings for the international student community.
  • Serving as a liaison between BSU, NTC, and immigration related agencies such as SEVP, ICE, and the State Department as well as the FBI when necessary.
  • Training inexperienced AROs and DSOs at BSU and NTC.
  • Serving on Minnesota State system committees and participating in national organizations, such as NAFSA. 
• Leading efforts on international scholar services. (20%)
  • Serving as Responsible Officer for international scholars on J-1 visas at BSU.
  • Managing all aspects of the NorthStar Visiting Scholars Academy includes the admissions processes, advising, orientation, and budget.
  • Planning and organizing cultural and educational seminars, activities, and trips and all other aspects of support for NorthStar students, faculty, and BSU faculty mentors.
  • Collaborating with BSU departments to ensure a smooth program for the scholars, including Residence Life, Student Health, Gillette Wellness, Library, and others.
  • Communicating clearly and effectively with academic departments, offices, and divisions to aid in understanding sensitive immigration regulations that affect international faculty and staff on J visas.
• Supporting efforts of other areas of office. (15%)
  • Supporting all other areas that the IPC serves, including international student recruitment, study abroad advising, and faculty led program development.
  • Conducting site visits and recruiting when determined by the Director of the IPC.
  • Assisting the director with the day-to-day office operations.
  • Overseeing student workers, including hiring, training, scheduling, and payroll.
  • Representing the IPC on university and System Office events, committees, and workgroups.
  • Providing support for current student challenges as they arise, coordinating when appropriate with academic advisers (faculty and staff) and other administrators, leveraging the full available resources of the university.
  • Maintaining professional memberships within international education and attending conferences to represent BSU on the global stage.
• Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Minimum qualifications for this position include: 

• A Master’s Degree plus three years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s Degree plus four years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary training, education and/or professional experience.
• Three years serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and experience in compliance with immigration regulations and application of USCIS regulations.
• Three years of experience working with F, M, and/or J visas and the Department of Homeland Security’s (F, M) and Department of State’s (J) laws and regulations on their respective visas and the regulations surrounding course of study requirements, on and off campus work authorization, extensions of stay, change of visa status processes, and termination of students’ SEVIS records.
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to utilize ImageNow or similar software; ISRS, SEVIS, Liaison, Navigate, etc.
• Ability to serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Office (ARO) and navigate the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) through the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS), issue I-20 and DS-2019 (Note: in order to serve in this role, the employee must either be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, cross-cultural sensitivity and presentation skills.
• Cross-cultural advising and programming experience with demonstrated effectiveness in interpersonal communication with an international population.
• A demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Preferred qualifications include: 

• One (1) semester of overseas experience, in a study or living situation.
• Bilingual or multilingual.
• Knowledge of higher education and direct experience at the college or university level working with international F and J students.
• Experience analyzing data and using it to shape strategic decisions. Familiarity with international funnel/cycle.
• Experience managing budgets.

To facilitate the review, assessment, and evaluation process, please ensure that your application and/or resume clearly demonstrate fulfillment of the minimum and preferred qualifications of the position. The application materials submitted will be utilized for salary placement purposes. 

Working Conditions:

• This position is 12-month, in-person, on-campus. Working conditions are primarily in an office setting. Travel to other sites (domestic and international), occasional evening and weekend work, and occasional overnight travel are required.

Physical Effort:
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to travel by various modes of transportation including airplane, automobile, bus, and train.