Wake Forest University

Application Instructions:

External Applicants: Please upload your resume on the Apply screen. Your application will automatically populate your resume details, and you may verify and update data on the My Information page.

Please add your cover letter and any other documents required for the position to the Resume/CV document upload section at the bottom of the My Experience application page. Use the Select Files button to add multiple documents including your cover letter and supporting documents. The My Experience page is the only opportunity to add your cover letter and supporting document attachments. You will not be able to modify your application after you submit it.

Current Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account. Do not apply from the website. Log in to Workday. Click on the Jobs Hub and select Browse Jobs. Locate the position and click Apply. Update your Education and Job History. 

• Cover letter required for all positions and optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality positions unless otherwise specified.

Job Description Summary

The Director is responsible for all visa and immigration services and for ensuring that the University is in compliance with federal rules and regulations for more than 1000 sponsored foreign nationals. Provides support for international students, visiting international scholars, foreign national employees (faculty/staff), and the academic/research departments that enroll, invite and/or employ them. Oversees services to campus through policy development, program development, supervision of professional staff, and assists with budgetary decisions related to resource allocation for Immigration Services and Support (ISS).

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Provides leadership and vision for Immigrations Services and Support programming and operations.
• Oversees and enforces compliance with all federal regulations, laws, and guidelines to maintain the University’s certification from the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State.
• Oversees daily functions of ISS staff. Hires, trains, develops, and manages staff to ensure that a qualified staff functions to meet group objectives and to facilitate the integration of international students, faculty, and staff on campus and in the community.
• Serves as Principle Designated School Official (PDSO) and oversees operation of the F-1 visa program.
• Serves as Responsible Officer (RO) and provides oversight of operations for the J-1 visa program.
• Advises H1-B non-immigrant employees on all matters related to visa status. On a limited & prioritized basis, files employment-based visa petitions to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services on behalf of the institution and foreign national employees.
• Manages and advances programming/services for international students and scholars across the University (Undergraduate College, Graduate School, and Professional schools).
• Manages budgets associated with the Center for Immigration Services and Support programming/services.
• Collaborates with multiple campus units to develop opportunities & services to enhance the experience of international students/scholars.
• Responsible for annual reports for the Center for Immigration Services and Support, annual DOS scholar reports, J program re-designation, F program re-certification and governmental compliance.
• Develops policies and procedures related to processing immigration and visa applications.
• Oversee technological advancements through various software system updates to ensure the unique needs of the international population are met.
• Improve data integrity within a variety of databases to ensure compliance and improve the international student experience.
• Train and mentor AROs at the Wake Health campus and oversee the J-1 scholar program.
• Engage across the field of international education to raise the profile of WFU through leadership and service, and advance immigration policy and procedures nationally.

Other Functions:

• Responsible for providing updates on changes in governmental regulations to university constituents (HR, academic departments, staff, Legal department, Health Sciences, etc.).
• Partner internally and with external teams to advance technology that supports the immigration program.
• Consults with outside legal counsel and higher education counterparts to determine solutions that support compliant management of immigrations and visa matters.
• Attend professional conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
• Represents the ISS office on various committees and in meetings related to issues of international students, faculty, and staff.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Master’s degree plus 7-10 years immigration experience as it relates to university students, scholars, faculty, and staff.
• Experience in the areas of supervision, budget development and administration.
• Ability to analyze and strategize the needs and functions of this position.
• Experience dealing with related agencies in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of State and Department of Labor.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (required to be authorized on government systems).
• Demonstrated knowledge of statutory and regulatory issues related to F, J and H visas and to PERMs.
• Ability to keep current on all immigration laws, regulations, and policy matters.
• Previous experience in the role of Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO)
• Strong organizational, time management and project planning skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; strong interpersonal & intercultural skills.
• Experience studying, living, or working abroad.
• Ability to foster teamwork and collegiality in a small office environment and with internal and external constituents.
• Proficiency with standard computer software (ex. Microsoft Office suite, WordPress, Google Apps).
• Ability to quickly develop competency in ISS software programs and workflow management procedures.
• Agile mindset with the ability to adapt, lead through change, and manage ambiguity.
• Strong critical thinking skills and innovative problem-solving.
• High initiative and self-direction.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of additional employment based non-immigrant visas (TN, O, E, etc.).
• Experience with Terra Dotta, Banner, and Workday software systems.
• Proficiency in a foreign language.
• Experience studying, living, and/or working abroad.

Accountabilities:

• Supervises the Center for Immigration Services and Support staff.
• Provides training, work direction, and problem-solving guidance for Center for Immigration Services and Support staff positions.
• Manages budget for Center for Immigration Services and Support.

Physical Requirements:

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

Environmental Conditions:

• No environmental conditions

Disclaimer:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by the employee’s supervisor.

To help provide a safe learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. Wake Forest University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in employment for individuals with disabilities.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.