Associate Director, Office for International Services

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program (EAP); tuition remission; and generous time off. Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

Reporting to the Director of Office of International Services (OIS), the Associate Director provides guidance and services in support of international students and scholars. This position also serves as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and Designated School Official (DSO).

• Serves as a Designated School Official (DSO), authorized by the United States Department of Homeland Security, and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), authorized by the Department of State.
• Issues required immigration documents and advises international students and scholars regarding their stay at Fordham University, including employment authorization, extensions of stay, travel, and re-entry to the U.S., and their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities under applicable immigration regulations.
• Manages complex SEVIS actions, including change of status, loss of status and reinstatement, reduced course loads, complex registration requirements, and travel/visa-related SEVIS actions.
• Serves as the primary escalation contact for complex pre-arrival and visa-related issues affecting admitted or prospective international students.
• Coordinates with campus partners and external stakeholders to address challenges related to visa issuance, financial documentation, SEVIS fee payment, and other pre-arrival requirements.
• Works collaboratively with Admissions and other departments to remove barriers, ensure a smooth transition to enrollment and arrival, and oversee the timely and accurate issuance of immigration documents and pre-arrival communications.
• Provides SEVIS processing and immigration advising for specialized international student cohorts, including exchange students, summer admits, transfer students, and students participating in short-term summer programs.
• Oversees institutional processes for J-1 exchange students and visiting scholars, including DS-2019 issuance and SEVIS record management.
• Advises J-1 students and scholars on obtaining a J-1 visa, maintaining lawful status, and receiving any required employment authorization.
• Coordinates J-1 orientation resources and communications, and monitors and responds to inquiries through the scholar advising team inbox.

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

• May provide peer-level coordination or subject-matter guidance to colleagues performing similar work and/or student, part-time workers, including helping organize tasks, clarify priorities, or review work for quality or consistency.

• Trains and supports staff on SEVIS best practices and regulatory compliance.
• Represents the OIS on campus committees and working groups as needed, advocating for international student and scholar needs and ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Collaborates with campus partners to develop, implement, and enhance programs, services, and initiatives that support a positive and inclusive experience for international students and scholars.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience serving as a DSO / ARO (current designation preferred).

• Demonstrated knowledge of F‑1 and J‑1 regulations.
• US citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required in order to be a DSO / ARO.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to build consensus, foster collaboration, and inspire others.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, integrity, and ethical decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Google and Microsoft Office suites.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.

• Current DSO / ARO designation.
• Master’s degree in higher education, international education, or related field.
• Experience with international education systems.
• NAFSA involvement and/or professional training in immigration compliance.

Note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

Fordham University is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Office Environment: Employees are protected from weather conditions or contaminants, but not necessarily occasional temperature changes.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents: Supplemental questions you will be required to answer on the application (No action is needed on this page). Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).