Assis. Director of International Student Programs

Description

The Assistant Director of International Student Programs plays a key role in supporting the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) by fostering student success, belonging, and intercultural engagement. The Assistant Director develops creative, student-centered programming that addresses cultural adjustment, immigration compliance, and other unique needs of our global student body. The OISA supports approximately 350 degree-seeking international students and 60± alumni throughout their post-completion practical training authorization, and the College also hosts around 20 Exchange Visitors annually.

This position leads several signature programs, including the Fischlowitz Travel Fellowship, Friends of International Students (which links students with a community host), a Cultural Attaché outreach program, the Gallery of Flags, and MOSAIC Magazine. They maintain the OISA’s website and facilitate a creative social media presence for the office. They advise the International Student Organization, which coordinates two large student-led events: Food Bazaar and Cultural Evening. They broadly encourage student leadership by building partnerships and collaborative initiatives that advance Grinnell’s international diversity and inclusion goals.

The Assistant Director serves as a Designated School Official (DSO). They offer F-1 student advising on enrollment, travel, status maintenance, and employment eligibility. They vet and issue initial immigration documents, offer travel endorsements, and process SEVIS updates. This role also includes service on various campus committees as assigned, and regular engagement with colleagues in the Division of Student Affairs and related campus partners to ensure holistic support for international students.   

Key Responsibilities

Office of International Student Affairs Staff Member (40%)

• Provide professional, culturally sensitive advising for international students, ensuring privacy, appropriate referrals, and student success.
• Coordinate OISA communications, including a weekly e-newsletter, social media presence, and relevant campus outreach.
• Manage annual programming (logistics, scheduling, supplies, reservations) and collaborate with Student Affairs and other relevant campus partners.
• Represent the OISA on campus committees and participate in professional development networks (e.g., NAFSA, ACM/GLCA).

Student Programming and Belonging (40%)

• Lead signature programs including the Fischlowitz Travel Fellowship, Cultural Attaché Program, Friends of International Students, and MOSAIC magazine.
• Advise the International Student Organization (ISO) and help to support their major events like Food Bazaar and Cultural Evening.
• Develop creative programming and intercultural initiatives with campus and community partners.
• Coordinate activities for international students who remain on campus during break and vacation periods.

Designated School Official & Regulatory Support (20%)

• Serve as a DSO for F-1 students, advising on enrollment, travel, employment eligibility, and maintaining visa status.
• Facilitate I-20 vetting and issuance, travel endorsements, and SEVIS compliance via the GrinnImmigration Portal (Terra Dotta ISS).
• Ensure compliance with record retention and assist with resources for non-resident tax obligations via Sprintax Returns.
• Stay current on federal regulations and institutional policies impacting F-1 visa holders.