International Immigration Specialist (International Faculty Adviser)

Penn State Global has an opening for an International Immigration Specialist (International Faculty Adviser). This position works on a team of up to five other advisers and one administrative assistant and is organized within International Student & Scholar Advising (ISSA). The ISSA unit is responsible for overseeing the immigration compliance advisement and support for roughly 10,000 international students, scholars, and faculty across the University.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of International Faculty Advising, this position assists and advises university international staff, faculty, and scholars on United States immigration compliance and regulation regarding their employment at The Pennsylvania State University. The focus of the International Faculty Adviser (IFA) is to provide direct guidance and service to international faculty and staff by providing advisement and support on appropriate employment visa status processes. Additionally, the IFA engages in administrative compliance activities in support of U.S. Government and federal labor laws. This position models excellence in client support by providing high levels of customer services to international employees and scholars.

The role provides assistance and guidance to university administrators, hiring authorities, and international faculty/researchers and their dependents regarding U.S. immigration related issues, regulations, and form completion as it pertains to their employment at the University.

Duties include:

Process petitions to U.S. government entities for the employment sponsorship and work authorization of international faculty members in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, government regulations and University policies
Interpret regulations and provide guidance to department and college HR representatives on immigration and visa regulations, including advising options on appropriate visa recommendation, petition filing strategies, and estimated timelines
Liaise with University human resources and departmental staff and international faculty to gather information and advise on other immigration related matters
Participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of international case management software policies, forms, and process changes within the International Faculty Advising area
Serve as point-of-contact for employment-based immigration questions for assigned colleges
Ensure University sponsored employment visa, policies and practices are compliant with federal and state laws, regulation, and policies
Practice compliance consistently and equally while advising international faculty and filing each case
Develop and/or provide training for departmental staff, faculty, and foreign national faculty in assigned colleges
Stay abreast of current developments and trends in the international faculty advising field and employment-based immigration
Communicate government, regulatory, and other relevant updates to assigned colleges regularly
Maintain internal record-keeping system to track history of individual cases
Maintain records of cases for audit purposes

The successful candidate must possess exemplary interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate successfully with staff, faculty, university leadership and international faculty and scholars within Penn State Global and across the University. The ability to successfully work as a member of a collaborative team is crucial. Other essential qualities include strong organizational skills, critical thinking/problem solving, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt swiftly to changes in systems and procedures.

A degree in fields such as higher education administration, international students, international education, or public policy is preferred. This position is filled at the Advanced Professional level.

Penn State Global is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, combining in-person and remote work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Application Instructions:

A complete application for this position will include a resume and cover letter.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree; 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted; Required Certifications: None

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $86,400.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Job Description