Department: Division of Global Engagement
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $80,000 – $95,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA09-Fiscal Year 2023-2024
FTE: 1.0
Application Review Begins
October 13, 2023; Position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with your online application, please upload:
• A current resume; and
• A cover letter that directly addresses how your skills and experience match the duties and responsibilities of the position as described in the position summary;
Department Summary
The Division of Global Engagement (DGE) works to make the University of Oregon a more global university. In 21st century higher education, international engagement is not an optional extra: as noted in UO’s Academic Plan, it is a core mission, essential to a thriving, socially salient, intellectually robust, academic community. It is part of the normal functioning of every school, college, department, and center. DGE works to support and integrate the wide range of international engagements, global-scale projects, and transnational partnerships launched and maintained in our many academic units. Units within DGE consist of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), Global Education Oregon (GEO), Global Studies Institute (GSI).
The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) unit of DGE provides a wide array of advising services and programs to the UO International population. ISSS is divided into two equal but distinctive subunits.
International Student Services assists international students regarding visa and immigration matters, academic support and success, and social and cultural adjustment. Their primary services include pre-arrival programming, a comprehensive on-campus orientation; academic services offered in collaboration UESS; a peer mentor program connecting newly-arrived international students with returning students. In addition, ISSS also administers over $1 million in scholarship programs for international students.
International Scholar Services provides immigration advising and document services to over 250 international faculty, visiting scholars, and researchers. International Scholar Services is responsible for oversight of all areas of employment based immigration at the UO.
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is a team of legal professionals who manage the legal affairs of the university. OGC attorneys have expertise in a broad array of practice areas, including labor and employment, intellectual property, civil rights, immigration, constitutional law, contracts and real estate, to name a few, and the office is solely responsible for the comprehensive representation of the university’s interests in litigation, administrative proceedings, and business transactions, including engaging outside counsel when prudent.
Position Summary
The Director of International Scholar Services (D-ISS) works within the Division of Global Engagement (DGE) and reports to the Dean and Vice Provost for International Affairs and the Associate General Counsel.
The purpose of this position is to work with departments, student or employee beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to oversee the timely and successful submission of UO’s visa applications for international employees and visitors. The individual in this position must navigate complex regulatory regimes to advise departments and oversee the presentation of accurate immigration filings to federal agencies on behalf of UO. The Director of International Scholar Services must also proactively establish university policies, procedures, and training relating to employment-based immigration, and conduct targeted outreach to departments that have hired potential beneficiaries. The DISS provides case-by-case recommendations to hiring authorities, deans, and department heads on matters related to temporary immigration, labor certification, and permanent residency for international hires. This individual assists with home and host country issues, relocation, and facilitating appropriate benefits. The DISS also provides guidance and supports compliance efforts for departments sending employees abroad. The Director of International Scholar Services works independently and their decisions in filings and in advising departments have significant financial and reputational risks.
While primarily responsible for the preparation and filing of permanent residency petitions, this individual oversees the work of one to two staff member and is ultimately responsible for coordinating immigration matters for all visa applications, including permanent residency and temporary employment authorizations. This position, in conjunction with the Director of International Student Services, will manage the internal and external operational functions of International Student and Scholar Services. Which includes but in not limited too; developing and implementing processes; monitoring, evaluating, and modifying ISSS operations; Budgeting, and strategic planning. The Director of Scholar Services will provide support and back-up to the International Student and Scholar Advisors. They will assist when needed with advising students and the support of international employees and visitors.
Qualified applicants must be able to: (1) work with all university administrators; (2) interact professionally and knowledgeably with international students and employees as well as federal agencies; (3) handle multiple unrelated matters concurrently, rapidly, and accurately; and (4) work cooperatively with and manage projects involving Human Resources, the Office of the General Counsel, outside counsel, the Division of Global Engagement, and federal agencies including the Department of Labor and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Candidates qualifying for the position of Director of Scholar Services must have knowledge of immigration regulations, visa petitions, and employment practices.
This is a full-time position, with on-call duties to help handle urgent and emergency issues as they arise.
Minimum Requirements
• Appropriate graduate-level degree (e.g., relevant master’s or JD) and six years of experience working in
immigration, higher education compliance, or related complex federal regulatory regimes OR
• An equivalent combination of education and professional experience (up to three years in law school count as experience years).
• 3 year of supervisory experience.
Professional Competencies
• Ability to understand complex legal, regulatory and policy materials and communicate them orally and in writing to a variety of audiences with accuracy.
• Advanced analytical skills to review and interpret complex data.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure accurate details and manage multiple filing priorities and strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Flexibility to shift directions quickly when priorities change, recommend creative solutions to problems and deliver against tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with individuals and teams from diverse backgrounds and differing perspectives.
• Strong orientation to customer service with the ability to follow through and keep stakeholders informed.
Preferred Qualifications
• Possess a law degree or other advanced degree in human resources, immigration, or a related field.
• Knowledge of complex federal regulations, including immigration and Department of Labor regulations, hiring processes, recruitment, and the process for hiring foreign nationals and permanent residency paperwork.
• Experience developing and implementing employment processes/policies and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Experience with and commitment to promoting and enhancing inclusion of employees within the university and local communities
• Demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of work product, confidentiality and integrity.
• Excellent judgment and problem solving ability in crisis and emergency situations.
• Proficiency in a language other than English.
• Experience working with immigration compliance at an institute of higher education.
FLSA Exempt: Yes
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits .
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination .
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report .
Advertised: September 22, 2023 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: