Scholar Advisor

Key Responsibilities

• Advise international scholars, faculty, and staff on immigration matters.
• Prepare and file petitions for all UM system campuses; maintain required documentation and case files, including cases filed by outside counsel.
• Maintain accurate records for all petitions filed across UM System.
• Utilize systems such as Terra Dotta-ISSS and Microsoft applications to manage records, track cases, and generate reports.
• Serve as a liaison with federal and state agencies, including the Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Monitor immigration regulations and policy changes affecting international faculty and scholars; collaborate with ISSS leadership to ensure appropriate implementation.
• Enable accurate document processing and responsive advising that meets scholar and departmental needs.
• Collaborate with ISSS advisors to deliver orientations, workshops, and information sessions throughout the year.
• Partner with Human Resources to support compliance and workforce needs.
• Develop and maintain immigration-related content for print and digital communications to keep scholars informed of regulatory and policy updates.
• Draft correspondence and prepare immigration-related documentation to support scholar services and case processing.
• Conduct surveys with departments and scholars to assess experiences, satisfaction, and retention; provide insights and recommendations to improve programs and services.
• Participate in professional development activities (conferences, workshops, seminars) to maintain compliance and expertise in immigration regulations.
• Support additional ISSS initiatives and services as needed.
• Assist with student advising and programming during peak service periods, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Working knowledge of immigration regulations as they pertain to international students and/or scholars.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in higher education administration, counseling, college student personnel administration, international education/studies, foreign language, international affairs, cross-cultural communication or communications.
• Experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible/Alternate Responsible Officer (A/RO).
• Experience working in TerraDotta.
• Experience as paralegal for immigration law firms related to employment-based immigration.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $23.00 - $25.00 hourly
Grade: GGS-8
University Title: Senior Student Support Specialist

Application Materials

Online application, resume, cover letter, contact information for 3 references

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADA Accommodations

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.