Assistant Director for Scholar Immigration

Vice Provost for Student Affairs, Stanford, California, United States

Student Services

Post Date Aug 19, 2024

Requisition # 104284

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Assistant Director serves as a professional resource on a broad range of issues in support of Stanford’s international scholar community (3500+). The Assistant Director will implement and administer departmental and University policies associated with J Scholar and other employment-based visa regulations to ensure compliance with U.S., DHS and DOS, and DOL regulations. The Assistant Director will serve as an expert resource to staff and faculty on matters concerning J Scholars and employees under Stanford visa sponsorship. As part of the Bechtel International Center management team, s/he will participate with Bechtel leadership to make major policy decisions, lead long-term strategic planning and implement new initiatives as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of five advisors. Provide training and supervision of, organize professional development opportunities for, and mentor these individuals.

• Serve as lead advisor on J Scholar and employment-based visas issues such as H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3 and permanent residence for the campus. Working with schools, departments and the University’s external counsel to develop strategies and timelines to optimize the successful adjudication of immigration benefits while minimizing all legal and personal risk to the institution and the individual.

• Manage and provide zoom and in-person advising as needed.

• Provide guidance on complex immigration issues.

• Develop and recommend internal controls, policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

• Provide interpretation of new and proposed regulations and legislation and translate changes for the international scholar community.

• Cultivate and foster a collaborative relationship with department administrators to ensure the delivery of services to their J Scholars and international hires.

• Serve as an ARO (J-1) and ensure advisors who have been designated as AROs are trained to comply with the Exchange Visitor Program regulations and institutional policies. Oversee the preparation of internal reports and those for the U.S. Department of State.

• Develop and ensure adherence to client support standards to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction.

• Create content for and direct the enhancement of related scholar immigration information on the Bechtel website.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least five years of experience of working with immigration issues as they impact higher education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• User knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

• Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and all levels of management.

• Strong analytical skills to review and analyze complex financial information.

• Strong leadership and strategic management skills.

• Demonstrated experience managing people.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Extensive knowledge of U.S. immigration regulations is required

• Thorough understanding of the cultural, social and personal transitions faced when crossing cultures.

• Superior customer service orientation and ability to respond in a constructive and timely manner.

• Excellent critical and strategic thinking ability. Ability to direct and influence change.

• Experience in developing programs to support the international community preferred.

• Master’s degree preferred

• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to working with individuals from diverse cultures.

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills.

• Demonstrated evidence of excellent judgment and ability to lead and supervise.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to meet deadlines and manage/prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, including excel, powerpoint, and ability to update and manage web content.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.

• Occasionally stand, walk, twist, use fine manipulation, grasp, use a telephone, write by hand, sort and file paperwork, lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a hybrid position requiring at least two days of onsite work per week and more as needed to meet student and departmental needs.

• Able to work on evenings and weekends, as needed

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide,http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $97,000 to $140,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

We invite you to apply by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit your résumé and a one-page cover letter along with your online application.

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow . We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

• A caring culture . We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

• A healthier you . Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.

• Discovery and fun . Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

• Enviable resources . Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting acontact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time

• Job Code: 7506

• Employee Status: Regular

• Grade: J

• Requisition ID: 104284

• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible