DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

Description

SUMMARY

California Institute of the Arts is seeking a self-motivated and results-oriented individual to
join the Office of Enrollment Management. CalArts is a small but complex arts institution,
offering internationally renowned programs in the visual and performing arts to
approximately 1500 students across six schools.

The Director of International Student Services and Programs provides vision, expertise and
leadership for all initiatives related to the enrollment, retention and success of international students.

The Director reports to the Vice President of Enrollment Management and is a key leader in
further developing the office and the scope of services it provides for key constituencies
affiliated with the international community at CalArts. This includes responsibility for
compliance, documentation, advising and programming. As such, the Director must also
have strong working knowledge of regulatory compliance related to F-1 and J-1 visa
holders, and the ability to effectively assess and allocate the resources needed to sustain
robust continuing international student enrollment.

As strategic initiatives and programmatic areas continue to evolve at CalArts, the Director
must bring thoughtful energy and a demonstrated capacity to reshaping the office and
focus of the team, in tandem with the CalArts community. In addition to leading a team,
this position will work closely with the staff to oversee SEVIS and Sunapsis data integrity
and compliance. They will serve as a Designated School Official (PDSO) and Alternate
Responsible Officer (ARO) and ensure accurate and compassionate advising for
international students, coupled with responsive and accessible student centered services.

This person must also collaborate with other administrative offices and academic units in an
effort to improve international student retention, academic success, and positive
integration into the CalArts community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (including but not limited to)

● Develop an annual operations plan that deploys all aspects of the student
experience for international students so that their transition to campus is as seamless
as possible.
● Fulfill all duties of PDSO as required by the Student and Exchange Visitor
Program/SEVP serve as a resource and consultant on student immigration issues (e.g,
F-1 visas, DACA, TPS)
● Lead international student services team including the Assistant Director and
International Student Advisor(s).
● Collaborate closely with Executive DIrector, International & Community Partnerships
regarding international student exchanges related to initiatives and programming .
● Collaborate with the Executive Director of admissions in enrollment initiatives in the
admissions office and AVP of Student Experience for student programming.
● Cultivate and maintain relationships with access-oriented agencies and related
external organizations.
● Manage the operating budget for international student services.
● Oversee all SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) compliance
functions Sunapsis
● In partnership with the Vice President for Enrollment Management and other
Directors in the Division, collaborate on how best to achieve desired enrollment and
retention goals for international students.
● Provide training and information to Admissions staff working with international
students .
● Lead and collaborate with campus personnel in the development and execution of
on-campus events and projects.
● Communicate & collaborate frequently with the Vice President of Enrollment
Management and CalArts senior leadership about trends and issues for international
students.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree required, Master's degree highly preferred.
● A minimum of five years of relevant and progressive experience.
● SEVP requires proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency to be approved as
PDSO.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

● DSO experience with major aspects in the SEVP life cycle of F-1/J-1 students (e.g.,
issuing initial I-20s, SEVIS transfers, SEVIS registration, authorizing CPT, OPT, STEM OPT
requests, termination, correction requests)
● Proficiency in SEVIS.
● Experience working with Sunapsis systems.

● The ideal candidate will also have experience with student programming (e.g.,
orientation, affinity groups), admissions, or academic advising for international
student communities.
● Must be available/on-call for students' immigration needs. Some weekend and
evening work will be required
● Strong interpersonal, leadership and empathetic listening skills
● Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community of internal and external
constituencies demonstrating tact, diplomacy, discretion and good judgment
● Demonstrated record of support for, and commitment to, the needs of a diverse
population and the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion
● Excellent written and oral communication skills
● Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to successfully
manage multiple short-term and long-term projects and work effectively under
pressure
● Strong analytical skills; highly detail oriented

Application Instructions

This position is available immediately.  If you are interested, please follow this link to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

California Institute of the Arts shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.