Director of International Student and Scholars
The director of the international students and scholars office (ISSO) leads a dynamic team providing comprehensive services to Iowa State University’s international students and scholars. As a critical dean of students leadership team member, the director offers successful strategic leadership and direction for immigration-related policies and operations-related functions to support Iowa State University’s internationalization efforts. The director develops programs and policies to support international growth and infrastructure in various areas, including research, international collaborative initiatives, training, and graduate and undergraduate study through partnerships, global connections, and strategic process improvement.
ISSO serves as the chief liaison office for immigration advising, cultural adaptation, international student and scholar compliance, networking, connections, and academic support with university departments, government agencies, and community advocates. The director directly supervises five professional staff, indirectly oversees nine additional staff and four graduate students, and manages an annual budget exceeding $1.4 million. In fall 2023, Iowa State enrolled 2,718 international students, comprising nine percent of the total enrollment.
The director of international students and scholars office will:
- Act as subject matter expert in immigration compliance and transition issues, translate policies to constituents, and ensure strategic, compassionate, and consistent policy application.
- Establish a network, navigate relationships across campus, and encourage responsiveness and investment to enhance international education.
- Optimize ISSO’s scope of responsibility and enhance operational efficiency to ensure resilient and sustainable systems.
- Champion and advocate for the interests of students, scholars, and ISSO staff to senior administration.
Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate
Requirements include a bachelor’s degree and eight years of progressively responsible experience leading and mentoring a team and building infrastructure to support immigration needs for international education. The successful candidate will possess extensive knowledge of immigration law and regulatory compliance requirements for nonimmigrants in the higher education sector and a record of creating professional development, acculturation, and hospitality support for international students and scholars. The successful candidate must exhibit strong communication skills, the ability to foster relationships and connections to further the organization’s mission, and a passion for working with international students and scholars.
The ideal candidate will be a dedicated educator with international education expertise, a proven record of higher education leadership, and a commitment to the holistic development of diverse student populations. They should be a confident spokesperson with a successful staff and program leadership background, an innovator who integrates academic and student life, and someone adaptable and forward-looking, with a focus on data-driven improvement and technological proficiency.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
Application review begins October 7, 2024, and continues until the position is filled. To view the detailed position specification and apply, visit this website. To apply, click the “Apply for Position” button at the top of the position description website, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter.
Nominations for this position may be emailed to Kara Cupoli kkc@spelmanandjohnson.com.
Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
