Assistant Advisor to International Students and Scholars
Cambridge, MA, United States
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree preferred, or an equivalent of education plus relevant business experience
A minimum of two years professional experience in a student services program area, working with international student and/or scholar populations
Ability to interpret and apply immigration regulations; ability to use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments and in developing program and process improvements.
Demonstrated knowledge of office computer systems at a level appropriate to the duties of the position; ability to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment
Must be organized, detail oriented and capable of multi-tasking in a team environment
Strong written and verbal skills; confidently conduct presentations for students and scholars; advise students and scholars individually and in groups
Ability to obtain factual and interpretative information through conversation
Ability to rapidly acquire a general knowledge of the overall operation, functions, and programs of the University
Additional Qualifications and Skills Experience working with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) compliance issues/processes in a campus-based International Student Services office preferred.
Prior experience with Ellucian ISSM and ISD preferred
Knowledge of a foreign language preferred.
Additional Information
Emergency Status Designation : Critical Operations Personnel
Position Description Acts as Advisor on Call for both international students and scholars, answers basic immigration related questions concerning visa documents, travel, and employment plan, and provides necessary documentation.
Coordinates, and has direct responsibility for all student employment-related issues including CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and J-1 on-campus employment and academic training application processing and reporting
Serves as a principal administrative contact and liaison with departmental or school constituents, or with government agencies; principal source of information on established department policies and advises faculty, students and staff on regulations and University immigration policies
Administers the processes for J-1 scholar extensions, ensuring that all requirements and deadlines are met efficiently. Additionally, handles the authorization for occasional employment for J-1 scholars, providing them with the necessary support and guidance.
Processes initial visa documents for incoming students, guaranteeing a smooth transition and compliance with immigration policies.
Processes student and scholar transfer-in as well as F-1 Student Deferrals & Cancellations
Processes J-1 Student Intern evaluations in SEVIS.
Provides immigration advising and support to a small student and/or scholar population
Provides guidance and counsel to international summer school students regarding their visa status, maintaining compliance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations. This involves helping students understand the intricacies of the U.S Visa process, coordinating with he summer school ensuring accurate record keeping of student data in the SEVIS database, preparing necessary immigration documents, offering advice on matters like travel and change of status, and making referrals to other resources or services as needed.
HIO working group membership, such as Communications, Employment Authorization, Website or other needed special projects as assigned.
Performs other duties, as assigned.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Physical Requirements Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending and other physical exertion
Working Conditions
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Job Summary
This position supports and assists the HIO advising team in a variety of tasks related to both international students and scholars. As a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) will help ensure institutional and individual compliance with the government regulations by learning, interpreting, and applying regulations and government policies pertaining to students and scholars. Will also have a small student and/or scholar advising load.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include: Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format Details
This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
About Us
The Harvard International Office (HIO) was established in 1944 to respond to the needs of a growing number of international students. The HIO now serves over 10,000 international students and scholars, many of whom are accompanied by family members. The HIO aids with the settling-in process and advice in complying with U.S. Government regulations. Under general supervision, this position provides immigration advising with special emphasis on the impact of a wide variety of federal, non-immigrant regulations affecting international students and scholars.