Immigration Support Services - Director of International & Immigration Services

About Sacred Heart University As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn.

, campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computing & Engineering; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr.

Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change in their own lives, professions, and communities.

Sacred Heart University has earned national recognition for academic excellence, student success, career outcomes, and campus experience. The Princeton Review recognized SHU in its Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2027 Edition, while additional national recognitions highlight the University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong success.

Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; Division I athletics; and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre . www.sacredheart.edu View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here To apply: Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system.

Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position Position Summary The Director of International and Immigration Services will serve as the PDSO (Principal Designated School Official) for the F1 Program and the RO (Responsible Officer) for the J1 Program in SEVIS for Sacred Heart’s programs and the PDSO for Notre Dame Prep High School, part of Sacred Heart University.

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Principal Duties & Responsibilities Under the direction of the Executive Director of Graduate & International Student Life, t he Director of International & Immigration Services (PDSO/RO) performs the following duties: Institutional Compliance (30%) Serves as a “Principal Designated School Official” (PDSO) and a “Responsible Officer” (RO) in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and maintains expertise in F-1 & J-1 visa regulations.

Ensures institutional compliance with SEVP regulations by maintaining the I-17 and DS-3036 form accurately and timely updated, by filing recertifications and program changes and updates. Monitors immigration regulations, policy changes, and federal guidance and translates requirements into institutional procedures and communications.

Leads all communications with SEVP support and the designated SEVP representative on behalf of the institution. Organizes SEVIS data processing under the guidelines provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and maintains data and quality control management. Provides institutional guidance on F-1 and J-1 regulations, including admissions, enrollment, employment, program changes, transfers, and student status of enrolled, OPT & STEM OPT populations.

Student & Community Support on Immigration Compliance (50%) Leads comprehensive immigration advising throughout their academic journey and on post-completion employment. Provides timely guidance on visas, status maintenance, employment authorization, travel, program changes, transfers, and other immigration matters. Develops programs, communication, and resources that promote international student transition, belonging, engagement, and success.

Provides accurate immigration information to international students, monitors and tracks student immigration status, and maintains appropriate records. Establishes, updates, and tracks SEVIS records on a semester/trimester/module basis. Prepares and/or coordinates preparation of F-1 documents for undergraduate and graduate programs and ensures compliance with all federal policies and regulations.

Serves as liaison to deans, department heads, faculty, and administrators within the University and provides advanced immigration-related advice and assistance to faculty and administrators regarding international student regulations. Develops and maintains an in-depth knowledge of the academic programs, as well as relevant policies and procedures within each academic department to apply immigration regulations accordingly.

Advises students with immigration petitions and applications to include processing for new F-1 visas, employment authorizations, reinstatement, and reduced course load authorizations, change of status, and medical leave. Ensures that students maintain OPT and STEM OPT employment authorizations and are informed of all necessary reporting requirements.

Coordinates with outside organizations to provide external services for international students, i.e., tax filing, banking services, mobile services, and others. Guides students to help them access appropriate community services and local resources. Assists the Executive Director with the delivery of quality experience and programming to enrolled international students.

Staff Supervision & Support (20%) Supervises and supports staff responsible for international student services, immigration advising, and related programs. Provides training and professional development to staff on immigration regulations, SEVIS requirements, advising practices, and emerging issues. Establishes clear procedures, service standards, and workflows to ensure consistent and effective student support.

Supervises and trains all DSO’s and ARO’s (Designated School Officials and Assistant Responsible Offices). Supports staff with professional development planning and maintains a relationship with professional organizations to keep abreast of changes in federal rules and regulations. Attends regional or national workshops and conferences to stay current on immigration policies.

Other Duties as Assigned Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes Master’s degree preferred or commensurate experience. Requires knowledge of SEVIS and F1 and J1 visa regulations with a minimum of 5-7 years of working experience as a PDSO or DSO and RO/ARO. Requires superior communication skills to educate students, university faculty, and administrators on matters related to non-immigrant regulations and institutional policies, as well as the ability to understand and explain complex government regulations and institutional policies to non-native speakers of the English language.

Requires the ability to maintain detailed immigration records, perform intricate immigration processing, and ensure institutional compliance with student immigration regulations. Requires patience, professionalism, and a high level of sensitivity when advising students. Unusual Working Conditions In-person position; some weekend and night hours might be required, especially during semester orientation weeks and the start of the academic year.

Pre-Employment Requirements All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.

Compensation

& Benefits : The annual salary range for this position is $80,000-$95,000. Sacred Heart University offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, paid time off, and other employee benefits. Specific benefits and eligibility requirements may vary based on the position and applicable plan provisions.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.