Assistant Director, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

Provides leadership support for International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), contributing to departmental planning and execution, immigration compliance oversight, staff development, and the delivery of services to Emory's international students, scholars, faculty, and employees. Serves as a senior resource for employment-based immigration matters, providing leadership and subject matter expertise on H-1B, E-3, O-1, TN, Waiver, and permanent residence processes.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Oversees complex cases and collaborates with senior leadership to develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational practices that ensure regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, and high-quality service. 

• Frequently monitors changes in immigration rules and proactively recommends strategic institutional responses, policy updates, and process improvements to support compliance and service excellence.
• Leads the onboarding and training of new ISSS advisors and staff.
• Collaborates with office leadership to design, develop, and deliver comprehensive immigration, compliance, and customer service training programs that promote consistency, expertise, and regulatory compliance across the office.
• Provides ongoing mentoring, coaching, and performance support to advisors.
• May supervise professional and/or student staff. 

Serves as a key institutional advisor to international students, scholars, faculty, administrators, Human Resources professionals, and program or school leadership regarding immigration regulations, employment authorization, institutional policies, and related matters.

• Advises academic and administrative units on the recruitment, hiring, sponsorship, hosting, and retention of foreign nationals in F-1, J-1, H-1B, E-3, O-1, TN, and permanent residence categories.
• Serves as a Designated School Official (P/DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (A/RO), exercising delegated authority to administer federal immigration programs and ensure institutional compliance with Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations.
• May lead the annual J-1 Scholar Program assessment process, identify opportunities for program enhancement, and oversee the preparation and submission of the J-1 Annual Report.

Represents Emory University in petitions, applications, and communications with federal, state, and local agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, Department of State, Georgia Department of Driver Services, and Social Security Administration.

• Serves as an institutional liaison on immigration-related matters and compliance issues.
• Analyzes operational, regulatory, and service-related data to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and support data-informed decision-making.
• Leads and implements business process improvements that promote operational efficiency, customer service excellence, institutional compliance, and effective use of technology.

Develops, implements, and assesses services, programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives for international students, scholars, employees, and hiring or hosting departments.

• Collaborates with campus partners to enhance support services and improve the overall experience of Emory's international community.
• Leads planning and execution of major programs and events, including orientation and pre-arrival initiatives.
• Participates in departmental planning, assessment, and strategic initiatives that advance ISSS goals and support Emory's internationalization efforts.
• Performs related responsibilities as required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of directly related experience, preferably in a leadership role.
• A master's degree is preferred.
• Must be able to serve as an expert Designated School Official (P/DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (A/RO) and meet government eligibility requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and understand ever-changing complex federal, state, and local regulations and effectively communicate to others in a timely manner.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience using the Sunapsis international office module and PeopleSoft preferred. 
• Proficiency and experience in handling employment-based petitions such as H-1B, E-3 and permanent residency and experience living, studying, or working in a country different from one's own desirable.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.