The Placement Exchange Job Board

Position Description

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.

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.

• 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.
• Provide 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.
• Act as Advisor on Call for both students and scholars; answers basic 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, O's and other relevant visa holders
• 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 effective organizational and event management; ensure student safety
• 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.
• 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 works accordingly; may work with the Title IX office to provide services to students
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• ​​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
• 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
• Must be able to understand, interpret, and enforce departmental and University policies and procedures.
• 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
• Knowledge of Ellucian ISSM/ISD systems preferred
• Ability to work with students, student organizations, colleagues, clients and external organizations
• Excellent communication, analytical, organization and problem-solving skills

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

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting
• May be required to work nights and weekends

Additional Information

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Salary Grade: 056

Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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