Director of International Programs
Colby College
Waterville, ME
Full-time
Business Development
Posted on April 23, 2024
Job Description
Department:
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
The Director of International Programs reports to the Dean of Inclusion and Belonging. The Director provides vision and direction for the international student program at Colby College. The director works with partners across campus both to support international students and to foster a global campus community. Using proactive approaches, the director facilitates students' healthy cultural transitions, advocates to advance initiatives that contribute to students' success and well-being, provides social opportunities and programming, and works both on and off campus to foster a vibrant and welcoming community for students and visiting scholars.
The Director of International Programs ensures Colby's compliance with all U.S. Homeland Security and State Department regulations and accreditation standards and works with international students on visas and compliance documentation. Additionally, the Director works with partners across the College to facilitate and assist (as needed) with study-away programs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversee Student Programming and Support
Required Skills and Qualifications
Colby College is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment where every community member feels respected and connected.
General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Weekend and evening hours required. Some travel is required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
ABOUT COLBY COLLEGE:
Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America's most selective colleges. Located in Waterville, Maine near the banks of the beautiful Kennebec River, Colby College is one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges. Colby's focus on innovative and leading-edge programs that complement the traditional liberal arts—in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, genomics and computational biology, climate change and the environment, the arts and humanities, public policy, and performance studies, distinguish Colby from other schools of its size. Colby extends its reach, impact, and opportunities through external partnerships with globally recognized laboratories and medical facilities, arts organizations, and a wide array of business partners. The campus boasts beautiful new facilities including the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, a best-in-class complex that has become a center for student activity; the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, a downtown community-based arts building; the forthcoming Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts, which includes a start-of-the-art performance hall, studios, screening rooms, and a grand community space (opening in 2023). The College recently established the Island Campus in mid-coast Maine after acquiring the Allen and Benner Islands, once owned by the Wyeth family, to offer Colby students unique and timely cross disciplinary research opportunities in a range of academic disciplines, including the marine sciences and the arts.
Over the last seven years applications for admission have more than tripled, making Colby one of the most sought-after colleges in the country. The College's unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its rapidly changing student population. In recent years Colby has doubled both the number of enrolled Pell-eligible students and the number of enrolled students of color. Colby students, who come from throughout the U.S. and more than 70 countries, demonstrate unprecedented highs on every measure of academic achievement. Investments in financial aid (a 111 percent increase since 2014, to $58.6 million annually) and new programs are ensuring that all members of the community can thrive in this dynamic environment. Colby has raised $700 million toward its $750 million Dare Northward campaign goal, which was the largest campaign goal for a liberal arts college when it launched in 2017. Since 2014, the College's net assets have doubled to more than $2 billion, its record of fundraising has moved to the very top tier of liberal arts colleges, and it has rapidly expanded its faculty and staff to allow for new areas of inquiry, scholarship, and teaching, and to support record enrollments.
Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran's status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution's education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby's Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.
For more information about the College, please visit our website: www.colby.edu.
Department:
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
The Director of International Programs reports to the Dean of Inclusion and Belonging. The Director provides vision and direction for the international student program at Colby College. The director works with partners across campus both to support international students and to foster a global campus community. Using proactive approaches, the director facilitates students' healthy cultural transitions, advocates to advance initiatives that contribute to students' success and well-being, provides social opportunities and programming, and works both on and off campus to foster a vibrant and welcoming community for students and visiting scholars.
The Director of International Programs ensures Colby's compliance with all U.S. Homeland Security and State Department regulations and accreditation standards and works with international students on visas and compliance documentation. Additionally, the Director works with partners across the College to facilitate and assist (as needed) with study-away programs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversee Student Programming and Support
- Lead the international students program team; recruit, review, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate professional and student staff.
- Advises and partners with the International Club.
- Coordinates the international students' community host program.
- Provide support services for international students, including individual and group advising and comprehensive student orientation.
- Collaborate with Faculty and staff to create, facilitate, and manage programs and initiatives that enhance the international student experience.
- Foster a global campus community by encouraging global experiences and partnering with relevant Colby, local, national, and international organizations.
- Manage the office operating budget following departmental and College policies.
- Advocate on behalf of international students on campus, in the community, and state and federal settings when appropriate.
- Develop and maintain relationships with outside agencies as appropriate. Develop contacts with foreign governments and agencies to assist international students.
- Collaborate with the Provost's office in managing Colby's Language Assistants Program.
- Develop relationships with internal departments, including Admissions, Student Employment, and Student Financial Services, to advocate and support international students' needs.
- Create an inclusive, welcoming, professional work environment for staff, students, and visitors.
- Serve as part of the Administrator on Call (AOC) rotation.
- Supervise the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and serve as Deputy Principal Designated School Official (DPDSO) to the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS) for the F-1 Student Visa Program and deputy responsible officer (DRO) to the U.S. State Department for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program to include oversight of the issuance, review, and processing of immigration documents and U.S. State Department documents for international students and visitors in F and J status including student registration in SEVIS, training, and reporting.
- Assist/advise students with immigration issues; assist/advise on OPT/CPT process.
- Careful attention to detail and compliance with regulations is essential to this role.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Master's degree in international education, higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, public administration, public policy, business administration, law, or related field
- At least five years of progressively responsible, relevant experience, especially in International Student and Scholar Services/international education and/or in higher education administration
- Experience serving as the Responsible Officer (RO) and/or as the Designated School Official (DSO)
- Previous/current responsibility for interpreting and documenting institutional practice or policy regarding F and J immigration matters.
- Previous/current responsibility for correctly interpreting SEVIS regulations in a fluid environment; developing and implementing business procedures.
- Ability to function effectively and make sound decisions in stressful and crisis situations.
- Ability to handle multiple projects, services, and activities promptly and professionally in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.
- Ability to be flexible, diplomatic, patient, service-driven, and a self-starter.
- Ability to work independently under limited supervision and in teams.
- Ability to make reasoned administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive and confidential issues.
- Demonstrated familiarity with best practices surrounding acculturation facilitation, such as orientation and retention programming, well-being outreach, and academic support
- Ability to work evening and weekend hours based on operational needs.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience working in International Student and Scholar Services
- Preference for individuals with certifications and experience in areas related to international student advising.
- Experience communicating effectively with individuals across different styles through interpersonal, oral, written, and group presentation modalities.
- Ability to manage time effectively, learn, and fully contribute to departmental tasks and goals.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive and harmonious professional relationships in a team environment and with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Experience addressing and resolving differences and conflicts with colleagues, students, and others.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex information and offer sound recommendations.
- Skilled in word processing and spreadsheet software proficiency, preferably Microsoft Office or Google Suite.
Colby College is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment where every community member feels respected and connected.
General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Weekend and evening hours required. Some travel is required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
ABOUT COLBY COLLEGE:
Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America's most selective colleges. Located in Waterville, Maine near the banks of the beautiful Kennebec River, Colby College is one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges. Colby's focus on innovative and leading-edge programs that complement the traditional liberal arts—in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, genomics and computational biology, climate change and the environment, the arts and humanities, public policy, and performance studies, distinguish Colby from other schools of its size. Colby extends its reach, impact, and opportunities through external partnerships with globally recognized laboratories and medical facilities, arts organizations, and a wide array of business partners. The campus boasts beautiful new facilities including the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, a best-in-class complex that has become a center for student activity; the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, a downtown community-based arts building; the forthcoming Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts, which includes a start-of-the-art performance hall, studios, screening rooms, and a grand community space (opening in 2023). The College recently established the Island Campus in mid-coast Maine after acquiring the Allen and Benner Islands, once owned by the Wyeth family, to offer Colby students unique and timely cross disciplinary research opportunities in a range of academic disciplines, including the marine sciences and the arts.
Over the last seven years applications for admission have more than tripled, making Colby one of the most sought-after colleges in the country. The College's unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its rapidly changing student population. In recent years Colby has doubled both the number of enrolled Pell-eligible students and the number of enrolled students of color. Colby students, who come from throughout the U.S. and more than 70 countries, demonstrate unprecedented highs on every measure of academic achievement. Investments in financial aid (a 111 percent increase since 2014, to $58.6 million annually) and new programs are ensuring that all members of the community can thrive in this dynamic environment. Colby has raised $700 million toward its $750 million Dare Northward campaign goal, which was the largest campaign goal for a liberal arts college when it launched in 2017. Since 2014, the College's net assets have doubled to more than $2 billion, its record of fundraising has moved to the very top tier of liberal arts colleges, and it has rapidly expanded its faculty and staff to allow for new areas of inquiry, scholarship, and teaching, and to support record enrollments.
Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran's status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution's education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby's Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.
For more information about the College, please visit our website: www.colby.edu.
