Senior International Student Advisor

The University of Southern California (USC) Office of International Services (OIS) is seeking applications for a Senior International Student Advisor to work with our F-1 student population. This role requires previous Designated School Official (DSO) experience and prior work in international education. Strong verbal and written communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a desire to develop new programs and services are essential.

OIS supports international students and scholars as they strive to achieve their educational, professional, and personal objectives. As a resource center, OIS provides advising, information, and opportunities for involvement to help members of the USC international community maximize their USC experience. Recognizing the many benefits of international educational exchange, OIS advocates for these benefits on campus, locally, and nationally.

Summary of Major Responsibilities:

• Serves as a DSO:

  • Advise international students on complex immigration issues, employment, and academic matters affecting immigration status.

  • Evaluate eligibility and verify student status according to application materials.

  • Process immigration documents for program extensions, OPT, 24 Month STEM Extensions, changes of status, leave of absence.

  • Prepare and sign official documents required by U.S. government agencies.

• Track submissions and respond to inquiries from students and academic units.

• Report data in SEVIS and SUNAPSIS.

• Act as a liaison between students and government agencies.

• Support programming efforts for new and continuing students.

Additional Duties:

• Provide training and guidance to campus partners on immigration regulations and international student advisement.

• Provide recommendations for increasing productivity and data outcomes.

• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to international student advising.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in a related field.

• 3 to 5 years of experience advising F-1 students.

• Experience in counseling and mental health services.

• Proficiency with Sunapsis, technology, and database systems.

• Experience living or studying abroad.

• Fluency in a second language.

*The primary function of this position is to perform the duties of a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). A DSO must be either a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

*Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining their interest in the position and a resume. Only applicants who submit both documents will be considered.

The annual base salary range for this position is $68,480.00 to $70,000.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Qualifications: Previous DSO experience. Minimum of two years advising F-1 students with recent experience in an international student office. Experience with OPT and STEM OPT applications to USCIS. Experience with complex immigration cases submitted to SEVP and USCIS. Experience with immigration compliance and data reporting in SEVIS and Sunapsis. Proven ability to work in a high performing team serving a large population. Excellent time management and attention to detail. Strong verbal and written communication skills.