Program Manager, International Student and Scholar Services

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Summary of Position 

The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Program Manager serves as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for Augsburg's F-1 student visa program and as the Responsible Officer (RO) for Augsburg's J-1 exchange visitor program. This position is responsible for coordinating services for Augsburg's international students and scholars to support success in academic, personal, social, and cultural adjustment to Augsburg University and life in the United States. This position applies best practices of intercultural development leadership to these advising and support services and establishes systems to ensure that the services remain current and effective. This position also collaborates with administrative and faculty departments across the University for comprehensive compliance and support coverage.

Primary Responsibilities

 Business Operations and Legal Compliance 

• As PDSO and RO, carry overall responsibility for Augsburg’s compliance with federal regulations governing F-1 international students and the J-1 exchange visitor program. 
• Facilitate training of Designated School Officials (DSOs) for the F program and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for J program. 
• Track student records, program data, and engagement metrics for reporting and assessment.
• Process applications and course registration for exchange students. 
• Manage the ISSS annual budget, in consultation with supervisor and the Assistant Provost of Global Education and Experience.
• Identify recipients of ISSS endowed scholarships and manage the annual scholarship budget.
• Hire, train, and supervise ISSS student workers. 
• Manage ISSS web-content updates. 
• Serve as the representative to the health insurance provider for international students and scholars. 

Student & Scholar Services and Advising 

• Formulate and oversee policies and procedures for serving international students and scholars upon arrival. 
• Advise international students and scholars on University policies, and advise campus departments on University policies as they relate to international students and scholars.
• Advise F and J students so that they comply with USCIS regulations. 
• File documents for F and J students and scholars as required by USCIS regulations. 
• Lead communication and response in crisis management related to international students. 
• Manage the International Mentor Program. 
• Plan and lead orientation activities for all international students (of any visa category) and scholars. 
• Advise the International Student Organization (ISO) and attend ISO meetings and events.  
• Serve as the advisor for Augsburg’s Global Living Community. 
• Manage and oversee tax support for international students.
• Assist Augsburg’s National Student Exchange (NSE) coordinator with inbound domestic exchange students, including in orientation, registration, and housing.

Strategic Leadership 

• Develop a strategic plan that supports the recruitment of exchange students and students from sponsored programs, based on institutional and geographic priorities identified by the University.
• Develop and execute strategies for the retention of F-1 degree seekers.
• Assist institutional leadership in maintaining strong relationships with Norwegian institutions, and act as the primary inbound lead and contact for these institutions. 
• Collaborate with CGEE leadership in internationalizing the campus. 
• Collaborate with other University offices in maintaining international alumni networks.

Additional Responsibilities

• Complete the University’s F-1 recertification and J-1 program redesignation with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) every two years. 
• Assist with scheduling and setup for hosting international delegations. 
• Coordinate with Residence Life for student housing. 
• Coordinate with the Registrar's Office to send final transcripts to exchange students. 
• Liaise with Strommen Center on international student internships requiring approval for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), as specified by USCIS rules. 
• All other duties as apparent or assigned by the supervisor(s).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical work environment is an office. Sedentary work for long periods of time. 
• Regular computer and phone use. 
• Occasional driving necessary within the Twin Cities area.
• Occasional travel to conferences and exchange partner institutions, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree. 
• Five (5) years of professional experience in international affairs, international education, student affairs, international exchange, and/or international engagement/recruitment. 
• Eligibility to serve as a DSO/ARO (must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident).
• Working knowledge of SEVIS, F regulations, and J regulations. 
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience with the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and/or the AFS Global Competence Certificate. 
• Experience with Terra Dotta or similar international student management systems.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrated experience with institutional compliance and student advising. 
• Demonstrated intercultural competence.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information as required by law and professional ethics. 
• Ability to take initiative, organize workflow, and manage multiple projects. 
• Ability to be accurate, precise, and attentive to details. 
• Ability to lead/teach and mentor others. 
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and work independently with little supervision.

Compensation & Benefits at Augsburg

• The compensation range is $50,000 - $58,000 per year, DOQ.

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including: 

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility
• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US
• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire
• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.  

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: [email protected].