Associate Director, ISSS

About the Role

Reporting to the director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), the associate director is a dynamic leader who shapes the experience of international students and scholars at every level, from regulatory compliance to community belonging. This role oversees the University's compliance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Labor, and other applicable regulatory agencies, while also driving the intercultural programs and initiatives that help international students and scholars thrive. The associate director leads a talented team, advances ISSS's strategic vision, and serves as a visible champion for the international community across campus.

Responsibilities

• Immigration Services and Compliance
  • Serve as F-1 Designated School Official (DSO) and J-1 Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO); liaise with government agencies on policies and issues affecting the international community.
  • Translate complex regulatory changes into clear internal policies and consistent advising practices across ISSS teams.
  • Build staff expertise through ongoing training on immigration regulations, best practices, and University policies, empowering the team to advise with confidence and care.
  • Maintain the integrity of student and scholar records across administrative databases, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Leverage technology to streamline immigration business processes and use data to continuously improve service quality and effectiveness.
• Leadership and Supervision
  • Lead the teams responsible for student advising, faculty and scholar services, and intercultural programs and initiatives. Supervise the assistant director of each unit, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous growth.
  • Champion programming that builds community and belonging for international students and scholars, ensuring these experiences are integrated into the broader ISSS mission.
  • Set a high standard for service by training staff in intercultural communication, topical expertise, and student-centered advising; actively invest in staff professional development.
  • Represent the director at University meetings, as needed, and build strong partnerships across campus to amplify resources and advocacy for the international community.
  • Collaborate with the director to develop and execute ISSS's strategic vision.
  • Manage ISSS operations in the director's absence.
• Communication and Outreach
  • Serve as a trusted resource for academic departments and University units, proactively sharing guidance on federal regulations and their implications for specific colleges, schools, and units.
  • Develop and deliver engaging training and informational sessions that equip the University community to better support international students and scholars.
  • Ensure all ISSS communications - webpages, presentations, handouts, and publications - are clear, accurate, welcoming, and consistent with the Texas Global brand.
• Team and Institutional Support
  • Champion ISSS and Texas Global priorities by actively participating in strategic initiatives and community-building events.
  • Drive innovation through collaborative participation in staff meetings and working groups focused on enhancing service delivery.
  • Foster a sense of belonging by supporting and volunteering to staff programs that connect international students and scholars with each other and the greater University community.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in international education, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Six or more years of progressive experience with U.S. immigration regulations in a university setting, including significant experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff.
• Demonstrated ability to design and lead intercultural programs and initiatives that foster belonging and community for international populations.
• Proficiency with administrative software and emerging technologies to improve workflows and deliver excellent service.
• Ability to lead with strategic vision, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal, intercultural communication, and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage various audiences effectively.
• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Notice: Due to federal database access requirements, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience preparing USCIS petitions, including Forms I-140, I-129, and other employment-based filings in a university context.
• Proficiency in a language other than English.
• Experience working, living, and/or studying abroad.
• Experience with and proficiency in Sunapsis.
• Experience with strategic planning, program assessment, or data-driven decision-making in a higher education context.

Working Conditions

• Work in a shared office environment.
• Work around standard office conditions.
• This position is located in Austin, Texas.

Salary: $88,000 + depending on qualifications

Required Materials: Resume/CV, 3 work references with contact information (at least one reference should be from a supervisor), Letter of interest