JOB TITLE: Senior International Student Advisor
JOB POSTED: September 24, 2026
DEPARTMENT: International Student Office (ISO)
REPORTS TO: Associate Director, ISO
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
COMPENSATION: $75,000 Annually
SCHEDULE: Full-Time, Hybrid (Three days on site, two days remote)
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Associate Director, the Senior International Student Advisor provides international students and exchange scholars across all disciplines with comprehensive immigration advisement, compliance management, and programmatic support. Serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), this role issues SEVIS documentations (Form I-20 and DS-2019), processes employment authorizations (CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT Extensions), and ensures student compliance with U.S. federal regulations.
Additionally, the Senior Advisor manages system integration and batch data exchanges between the Student Information System and Terra Dotta software, provides student intervention and referral support, and leads orientation events, workshops, and cultural programming for international student populations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Immigration Advising & Compliance
- Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO): conduct routine to complex business with U.S. government officials of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other governmental agencies.
- Serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO): issue the Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019) and advise exchange students in J-1 status.
- Issue the Certificate of Eligibility, Form I-20 (initial, continued attendance, change of educational level, transfer, program extension, and shortening program).
- Advise international students on their rights and responsibilities under the law for non-immigrant status (primarily F-1 and J-1) to ensure compliance with federal regulations via virtual meetings on Zoom, phone calls, email, and in-person inquiries.
- Keep abreast of laws, regulations, and policies related to federal SEVP compliance; review and recommend policies and procedures associated with reporting requirements.
Employment & Practical Training Authorization
- Review eligibility for employment authorization and process Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students.
- Review and process the 24-month STEM Extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for recent graduates in F-1 status; conduct follow-up throughout the STEM OPT period for compliance and advise applicants.
Systems & Technical Administration
- Monitor and manage the data exchange between the Student Information System (SIS) and the Terra Dotta SEVIS Batch Processing System.
- Assist with implementing and maintaining new Terra Dotta updates, including creating new processes, requests, and templates to customize the software.
Student Retention, Guidance, & Support
- Counsel students who are considering interrupting their studies; identify students of concern and make appropriate referrals; monitor progress and conduct follow-up.
- Conduct outreach to assigned groups of students experiencing excessive absences.
Programming, Outreach, & General Administration
- Assist in the planning and implementation and presentation of Welcome Week, International Student Orientation events, educational workshops, information sessions, and cultural programs.
- Work closely with the ISO team and parallel campus offices on matters related to international students.
- Actively participate in staff meetings and professional development/training programs.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree required, or a Bachelor’s degree combined with substantial and relevant professional experience in international student advising
- U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residency as required by U.S. Federal Regulations to serve as a DSO and ARO.
- Five (5) years of directly related work experience serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) with a proven track record of managing data in Terra Dotta.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Second language proficiency or prior experience living abroad.
- Familiarity with Ellucian Colleague or similar higher education student information systems.
- High proficiency with SEVIS and Terra Dotta batch processing software.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Intermediate to advanced knowledge of current U.S. federal regulations and SEVIS functions pertaining to F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrant status.
- Exceptional intercultural sensitivity and communication skills, with a proven ability to build trust and rapport with students from diverse cultural backgrounds across varying levels of English proficiency.
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, plan, execute, and evaluate campus programs, student orientation events, and informational workshops.
- Meticulous record-keeping and high-accuracy data entry skills with strict attention to regulatory compliance and student records.
- Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, perform effectively under high-volume pressure, and adapt to shifting departmental needs.
- Strong collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member, with flexibility to work occasional evening or weekend hours as operational needs dictate.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR WORKING CONDITIONS
- Location: 340 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010
- Schedule:
- Department standard working hours are 9:00 - 5:00 pm ET
- Full-time; flexible to work overtime, evenings, weekends, or holidays based on departmental needs or events.
- Remote Work Policy: While working remotely, employees must maintain standard office work hours, follow department tasks/procedures, and remain available through established communication tools (Google Chat, Slack, phone).
- Physical Demands and Work Environment:
- Primary duties are performed in a standard office environment, operating at a desk using computers and standard office equipment.
- Requires active participation in planning, setup, and execution of events, including occasionally lifting and movie supplies, materials, or light equipment (up to 15-20 lbs).
- Requires frequent travel across the SVA campus to attend meetings, coordinate on-site programs, and engage with students and staff.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To be considered for this position, candidates must submit the following:
- Résumé or CV: Highlighting relevant experience, immigration advising history, and key achievements.
- Cover Letter: Expressing your interest in the position and outlining how your background aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications.
About SVA
For more than seven decades, the School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. With more than 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41,000 alumni across 128 countries, SVA represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For more information about the College's 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, visit sva.edu/academics.
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The School of Visual Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are core principles of the College. SVA's community includes a significant number of people from historically underrepresented communities, ethnic and religious backgrounds, gender identities, and countries of origin, as well as individuals of diverse abilities — and all are encouraged to apply.
