Human Resources

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

Core functional position-specific duties
● Serve as Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) to the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS) for the F-1 Student Visa Program and responsible officer (RO) to the U.S. State Department for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program to include oversight of the issuance, review and processing of immigration documents and U.S. State Department documents for international students and visitors in F and J status including student registration in SEVIS, training, and reporting.
● Assist/advise students with immigration issues; assist/advise on OPT/CPT process.
● Provides support services for international students, including individual and group advising and comprehensive student orientation.
● Lead international student services team; recruit, review, hire, train, supervise and evaluate professional staff and part-time student staff.
● Set direction and provide leadership for existing education abroad programs and new initiatives.
● Careful attention to detail and compliance with regulations is essential.
● Develop and coordinate articulation agreements with international colleges, universities and organizations.
● Collaborate with Faculty and staff to facilitate and manage faculty-led study abroad programs.
● Manage the IPS operating budget in accordance with departmental and institutional policies
● Advocate on behalf of international students on campus, in the community, and in state and federal settings when appropriate.
● Develop and maintain relationships with outside agencies in international student exchange (e.g., Fulbright, NAFSA, State Dept., IIE, etc.) Develop contacts with foreign governments and agencies to increase funded international students.
● Develop and maintain relationships with internal departments such as International Admissions, the Graduate School, Student Billing, and Student Insurance to advocate and support international students' needs.
● Participate and actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives and strategies and apply knowledge to everyday work.
● Actively engage in creating an inclusive, welcoming, and professional work environment for staff, students, and visitors.
● Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

● Bachelor’s degree

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

● Progressively responsible, relevant experience, especially in International Student and Scholar Services/international education, and/or in higher education administration
● Experience serving as the Responsible Officer (RO) for the University's Exchange Visitor Program and/or as the Designated School Official (DSO) for SEVP, or similar role.
● Previous/current responsibility for interpretation and documentation of institutional practice or policy regarding F and J immigration matters.
● Previous/current responsibility for correctly interpreting SEVIS regulations in a fluid environment; developing and implementing business procedures.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

● At least 5-10 years of experience working in International Student and Scholar Services
● Master’s degree in international education, higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, public administration, public policy, business administration, law, or related field
● Working in an office that uses Sunapsis international case management software and/or expertise in Sunapsis software
● Demonstrated familiarity with best practices surrounding acculturation facilitation, such as orientation and retention programming, well-being outreach, and academic support
● Familiarity with Sunapsis, Banner, and Google Suite

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements)

To maximize our effectiveness and success as a Division and to serve as campus leaders in developing staff talent, Student Affairs at Michigan Tech adopts the following core required knowledge, skills, and/or abilities for all positions:

Skills

● Communication skills: ability to communicate effectively with individuals across racial, ethnic, cultural, and other boundaries and styles through interpersonal, oral, written, and group presentation modalities.
● Self-management skills: ability to manage time effectively, learn and fully contribute to overall departmental tasks and goals, and offer suggestions for enhancing contributions to organization.
● Relational skills: ability to develop and maintain positive and harmonious professional relationships in a team environment and with individuals from various diverse backgrounds and experiences.
● Conflict resolution skills: ability to address and resolve differences and conflict with colleagues, students, and others.
● Analytical skills: ability to analyze complex information and offer sound recommendations.
● Computer skills: proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software, preferably Microsoft Office or Google Suite.

Abilities

● Ability to function effectively and make sound decisions in stressful and crisis situations.
● Ability to handle multiple projects, services, activities, etc. in a timely and professional manner in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.
● Ability to be flexible, diplomatic, patient, service-driven, and a self-starter.
● Ability to work independently under limited supervision and in teams.
● Ability to make reasoned administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive and confidential issues.
● Ability to work evening and weekend hours based on operational need.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

To maximize our effectiveness and success as a Division and to serve as campus leaders in developing staff talent, Student Affairs at Michigan Tech adopts the following core desired knowledge, skills, and/or abilities for all positions:

● Preparatory knowledge: coursework- or work-based knowledge of student development theories, learning theories, and other theories related to the profession.
● Student knowledge: knowledge of generational college students and the ability to design generation- and audience-specific programs/events/services.
● Accountability: experience with applying formative, summative, qualitative, and/or quantitative methodologies to assessing student learning outcomes and/or evaluating programs and services.
● Branding experience: ability to design brochures, event flyers, and/or newsletters
● Social media experience: ability to develop and manage social media accounts
● Reporting experience: experience with program databases or software programs used to track, monitor, and report services to students.
● Ability to plan and execute programs and services based on social justice, cultural responsiveness, anti-racism, and civility.

● Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints. 

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
● Moving small- to medium-sized boxes of materials in and out office during special events
● Driving personal or university vehicles or golf cart during special events to transport materials and supplies to events
● The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate
● Results-oriented
● Accountability-driven

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Personal Protective Equipment: None Required

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Required Departmental Training: 

• ● Ongoing professional development to be determined.

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. Visa sponsorship is unavailable at this time. This is not an E-Verified Position.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities

1.0

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Negotiable, No less than $80,000

Title of Position Supervisor

Associate Dean of Students

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

• Please upload a cover letter that addresses required and desired qualifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities; a résumé with starting and ending month and year for each job; and contact information for three references (one must be a former supervisor). Position will remain open until filled. Screening and interviews may begin immediately.
  The screening process may also include a self-assessment of required and desired skills, abilities, and experiences.

Additional Information

• Michigan Tech is an internationally renowned doctoral research flagship university located in Houghton, MI. Houghton is located in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula on the south shore of Lake Superior. The area provides a unique setting where natural beauty, culture, education, and a diversity of residents from around the world come together to share a superb living and learning experience.
  
  We embrace our winters and cherish our summers with an unapologetic spirit of resilience and adventure. We attract students and employees who love “the great outdoors” and are comfortable with not having amenities usually associated with large communities. Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to research the geographical area carefully before applying.
  
  Michigan Tech is an ADVANCE institution, one of a select group of universities in receipt of NSF funds in support of our commitment to increase diversity and the participation and advancement of women in STEM.
  
  Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
  
  The Character of the Division (and for the AD)
  
  The Division of Student Affairs at Michigan Tech is devoted to student success from enrollment to commencement. We are dynamic and culturally-responsive. We guide, support, and, on occasion, challenge students as they develop, refine, and pursue their academic, career, and personal endeavors. All staff are responsible for creating a safe, welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful, and caring environment for students, colleagues, and visitors. We seek skilled and diverse colleagues who are student-focused, self-motivated, and will embrace and respect who we are and what we do. We also seek colleagues committed to moving the Division forward towards prominence and influence on campus, nationally, and within the Student Affairs profession. Titles and responsibilities are subject to change in accordance with university policies and procedures to meet the needs of our students, the university and division, the state of Michigan, employers, and the profession.
  
  Before applying, we encourage interested individuals to spend time learning more about who we are, our values, and what we do: https://www.mtu.edu/student-affairs/.