Senior Immigration Specialist, Scholar, Immigration Services & Support Center

About the Role

The Senior Immigration Specialist, Scholar position performs duties in two primary functional areas: institutional immigration compliance and educational outreach at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (WFBMC). This role supports the Center for Immigration Services & Support (ISS) by managing J-1 Exchange Visitor immigration compliance, processing, systems, and data management, as well as initiating professional and cultural programs for the international J-1 community.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by September 18, 2026. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and manages operations for the J-1 visa program for Exchange Visitors at WFBMC; advises J-1 visa holders on immigration issues.
• Develops the visiting scholar program and advises departments on potential uses of the J-1 category.
• Maintains awareness of relevant state and federal agency regulations and best practices in the field through professional networks.
• Advises international scholars in J-1 status at WFBMC on immigration, cultural, personal, and financial concerns.
• Manages J-1 records for accurate reporting to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• Assists with managing the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, including Terra Dotta J Scholar document storage and profile creation.
• Engages with the University community to promote the role of ISS and the needs of international students and scholars.
• Prepares reports including statistical data on international scholars for audits and strategic planning.
• Creates, implements, manages, and assesses educational programs such as check-in, orientation, employment-based seminars, and professional development workshops.
• Responsible for event programming and acculturation activities for international scholars.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with WFBMC partners.
• Provides general office support, including correspondence, filing, and document preparation.
• Assists with special projects as assigned by the Director.
• May supervise student workers and train new ISS Center employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree plus three years of related experience in immigration advising or serving as an ARO.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (required for authorization on government systems).
• Knowledge of statutory and regulatory issues related to J and H visas.
• Knowledge of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Ability to stay current on immigration laws, regulations, and policy matters.
• Experience working with foreign national students, scholars, or employees in a university or non-profit setting.
• Experience in program development and management.
• Public speaking skills and experience presenting informational workshops.
• Exceptional organizational and customer service skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to foster teamwork and collegiality in a small office environment.
• Proficiency with standard computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office suite, WordPress, Google Apps).
• Ability to quickly develop competency in ISS software programs and workflow management procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of additional employment-based nonimmigrant visas (e.g., H-1B, PR, TN, O, and E).
• Experience working in a healthcare environment with immigration and human resource needs.
• Experience with Terra Dotta, Banner, or other web-based international student and scholar data management systems.
• Proficiency in a foreign language.
• Experience studying, living, or working abroad.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary work primarily involves sitting/standing; communicating with others; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of assigned work.