International Student Advisor and Entry Services Specialist

Seattle Colleges is looking to hire an International Student Advisor and Entry Services Specialist in International Programs.

Salary Range for this position is $59,724.00 - $78,456.00 annually (depending on experience).

Initial review of application materials will begin on November 22, 2024.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of International Student Services, the International Student Advisor and Entry Services Specialist will be responsible for overseeing departmental efforts for guiding admitted students through next steps to enrollment and will serve as an international student advisor. They will be responsible for providing academic advising for international students enrolled in college transfer programs, professional & technical programs, High School Completion Plus program, and the Seattle Colleges Institute of English (SCIE). The position also advises students on immigration regulations pertaining to F-1 students. As International Programs is a self-support unit, continuation of the position is contingent upon funding. This position is currently based at Central campus but may provide virtual support for international students at any one of the Seattle Colleges. Depending on enrollment shifts, the position may move to another campus.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by WFSE and is subject to union shop provisions.

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation. 

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including: 

• Competitive Pay Rates 
• Promotional Opportunities 
• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans 
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave 
• Transportation benefits 
• Tuition Waivers
• PEBB Wellness Plan 
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Application Procedures:

• Attached current Resume
• Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants: 
Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

What you will be working on:

• Manage the quarterly new international student on-boarding system guiding admitted students from the post-admission stage through next steps towards enrolling at Seattle Colleges:
• Collaborate with the International Student Services team to deliver first quarter enrollment advising for new incoming students to the college, to include: 
  
  • Advising students on initial course placement, score interpretation and introductory course pathways.
     
  • Managing an academic advising caseload of undecided/exploratory students in their first one quarter, supporting each student in confirming their academic pathway by the end of their first quarter with a warm hand off to their primary academic advisor.
     
  • Assisting first quarter new, concurrently enrolled, remote and transfer students with course selection.
     
• Collaborate with other departments in the International Programs Division and with the Seattle Colleges Institute of English (SCIE) to ensure processes and technology related to on-boarding admitted students are in place, and information on new student advising, registration and orientation is shared with all stakeholders. 
   
• Academic advising to international students enrolled in college level programs and the SCIE, including but not limited to:
  
  • Assists students in the development of educational, career and life goals
     
  • Choosing appropriate degrees and programs.
     
  • Quarterly course selection I registration.
     
  • Preparation for specific majors and for university transfer.
     
  • Academic planning and guidance on requirements for degree completion.
     
  • Advises new/prospective and current international students concerning colleges admissions requirements, college transfer and professional/technical programs, degree and transfer requirements.
     
  • Collaborates with the international student services team, including student engagement staff to support student orientations and workshops for international students.
     
  • Serves as active member of advising committees and workgroups with a goal of ensuring international student success.  Duties include review of quarterly student academic progress, communication with the students on academic alert or academic probation and assisting students to complete an academic progress plan for achievement.
     
• Provides immigration advising to international students enrolled in college level programs and/or Seattle Colleges¿ Institute of English, including but not limited to:
   
• Advises students on immigration regulations pertaining to F-1 students.
   
• Interprets and reviews visa regulations as they pertain to F-1 students.
   
• Update and maintain individual student records in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the Department of Homeland Security database for tracking F and M visa holders, to comply with federal reporting requirements. 
   
• Ensures institutional compliance with federal regulations by performing timely and accurate registration and quarterly reporting of all F-1 students to the government. 
   
• Serves as contributing member of the Seattle Colleges International Programs team, the International Student Services team, as well as the advising team in development of collaborative processes practices and procedures. 
   
• Works with staff, faculty, government agencies and outside organizations as needed to support international students in the advising capacity described above. 
   
• Assists with departmental projects and processes while identifying areas for improvement and growth. 
   
• Create a resource rich, welcoming space for students, ensuring those who may be new to a college environment are included in our community.
• Maintain expertise and up-to-date knowledge of all college processes and procedures and governmental regulations related to student advising so the department can plan and react positively to regulation and guidance changes. 
   
• Participate in development opportunities and college efforts that develop skills and commitment to student success, especially historically underserved students of color. 
   
• Executes other related responsibilities as assigned

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree OR any combination of relevant education, training and experience that indicates successful performance of the essential functions of the position.
• Demonstrated experience with working effectively with persons from diverse backgrounds, such as racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic, and diverse physical and learning disabilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, problem-solve and plan for cyclical calendar events and meeting deadlines with high attention to detail particularly in reviewing documents and data entry.
• Ability to make decisions and update policies based on expected outcomes
• Experience with academic advising for college and/or high school students in an education focused setting.
• Experience and knowledge of college transfer admission, processes and procedures.
• Experience interpreting and applying government regulations and policies.
• Meets eligibility requirements to be a Designated School Official (DSO) as determined by the Department of Homeland Security and must meet requirements to maintain status as a DSO on an ongoing basis.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience using student and/or customer management database technology.

Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

OFFICE SETTING:

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants: 

• Ability to operate office equipment, receive and interpret data, and prepare various materials
• Ability to exchange information with supervisor, lead, co-workers, and students
• Ability to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion
• Work is performed primarily in office settings with frequent interruptions and encounters noises typical of these settings

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement 

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of "bullying" behaviors, including "cyberbullying."

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the Director of Legal Compliance.

Background Check Statement 

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 as required.