Director, International Students and Scholars

About the role

The Office of International Students & Scholars delivers a deep commitment to serving Barnard’s international community. Together with the Executive Director and the Director for Opportunity Programs, the ISS Director implements multi-level strategies in line with Access Barnard’s mission to support students who identify as international, first-generation, or low-income by aiding in their transition to and persistence through the Barnard College experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and develop student-centered programs that promote and sustain international student success.
• Advise and mentor international students serving as an advocate for international student well-being and success, inclusive of visa regulations, employment authorizations, orientation, financial wellness, health insurance, and personal counseling.
• Provide direct leadership, management, and mentorship to professional and student staff.
• Oversight of ISS communications and operations. Ensure that all service delivery channels (website, phone, email, and in-person advising) are consistently staffed, accessible, and deliver accurate, responsive, timely and empathetic support.
• Implement enhancements to systems, workflows, and service models to strengthen operational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Oversee ISS’ institutional messaging and communications strategy.
• Work in close partnership with the Office of General Counsel, the Office of the Provost, Human Resources, and other academic and administrative units to ensure that communication, guidance, and service delivery reflect compliance with legal and institutional policies.
• Provide oversight of ISS’ data systems, ensuring integrity, accuracy, and compliance across all records related to international students and scholars.
• Ensure metrics on caseloads and reach of programming are readily available to allow for innovation and adaptation.
• Manage external vendor relationships (Terra Dotta, Sprintax, One to World, etc.) by fostering partnerships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely, accurate payments for seamless operational continuity.
• Serve as the College’s primary institutional resource for J-1 Exchange Visitor matters involving employees and scholars.
• Collaborate closely with Human Resources and the Provost’s Office to advise on J-1 eligibility, sponsorship, program administration, SEVIS compliance, DS-2019 issuance and extensions, onboarding, maintenance of status, employment authorization, and related federal regulatory requirements for international faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and eligible staff.
• Contribute to the development and analysis of Access Barnard assessment efforts and communications (newsletters, semesterly reports, annual reports, etc.).
• Maintain fiscal responsibility of the International Student Services budget with accountability to Barnard College and private funding sources.
• Collaborate with Barnard Admissions to serve as the campus liaison for international students during the pre-application process, enrollment, and throughout their matriculation at Barnard.
• Collaborate with campus partners at every level, including, but not limited to, Residential Life & Housing, Beyond Barnard, the Deans’ Office for Advising & Support, the Registrar, the Office of the Provost, Columbia Athletics, and United World College Davis Scholars to ensure a holistic, well-supported international student experience.
• Provide consultation and updates to Human Resources and the Provost’s Office regarding immigration-related processes affecting international faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and staff, with a particular focus on J-1 Exchange Visitor regulations, institutional obligations, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as Principal Designated School Officer (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) in the SEVIS database at Barnard College.
• Oversee the compliance of the College within federal guidelines by maintaining accuracy within SEVIS, overseeing departmental policy, and creating student instruction guides for work authorizations including CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and Academic Training.
• Oversee the compliance of the College within federal guidelines by maintaining accuracy within SEVIS, providing institutional guidance, and creating scholar instruction guides for visiting professors and research scholars.
• Develop and maintain institutional procedures, guidance documents, and compliance resources related to J-1 scholar sponsorship and administration for employees, visiting professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, specialists, and other eligible Exchange Visitor categories.
• Serve on campus and university-wide committees related to the support of international students within the University.
• Represent the college at outside conferences, community meetings, and inter-institutional programs and activities relevant to the programs’ objectives and operations.
• Stay abreast of literature and networks related to the success of international students in higher education.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Graduate Degree required, whether Master’s, PhD, EdD, JD or other advanced degree, preferably in international education, higher education administration, or related fields.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive leadership and supervisory experience in international student and scholar services within higher education.
• Expertise in immigration regulations, including F-1, J-1, H-1B, and other employment-based visa categories, along with knowledge of SEVIS compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated expertise in immigration regulations affecting both international students and scholars, including substantial experience administering J-1 Exchange Visitor programs for faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and/or staff, and serving in a PDSO, DSO, RO, or ARO capacity.
• Experience overseeing personnel and administrative operations, management of budgets/finance, technology systems, as well as strength in policy development and implementation.
• Communication skills, to allow for straightforward and factual representation of ISS on-campus.
• Discretion, diplomacy, and a sense of humor are essential.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations to function as the campus Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO).
• Willingness to work during the summer months; some weekend and evening work will occasionally be required.