International Scholars Operations (ISO) Specialist

Job Description

The Office of Academic Personnel and Faculty (APF) leverages its subject matter expertise and institutional perspective in academic personnel administration to support the recruitment and retention of the University of Washingtons world-class community of faculty librarians and academic staff. The International Scholars Operations (ISO) Specialist supports the ISO team in managing visa and permanent residence applications as well as data documents and activities associated with the universitys foreign national scholar serving the UW community the ISO Specialist joins the entire APF team in promoting and continually aspiring to excellence collaboration integrity innovation diversity and respect.

The ISO Specialist leverages excellent organizational skills to gather organize and compile a high volume of complex and sensitive data; analyzes international scholar issues and inquiries in relation to policies and regulations and exercises independent judgment to respond directly or escalate to subject matter experts or supervisor as appropriate; and demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with an international scholar population who may be challenged by language and/or cultural barriers.

The Office of Academic Personnel and Faculty at the University of Washington provides assistance to hundreds of international faculty and other academic personnel scholars who come to the UW from all over the world to contribute to the institutions academic and research objectives. UWs international community enhances the rich diversity and cosmopolitan character of the university. The ever-changing landscape of technology regulation and stakeholder needs requires APF to be agile and responsive. The ISO Specialists focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement have a direct and enterprise-wide impact on the successful retention of UWs international scholar population and UWs continued compliance with federal immigration policy and process.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

VISA REVIEW AND PROCESSING 65%

• Employ intermediate (practical application) competency related to visa policy in order to complete mandatory check-in requirements with all new exchange visitors; communicate directly with scholars and hosts/sponsoring units regarding compliance issues; develop written materials that guide academic partners and exchange visitors on policies and federal regulations;

• Serve as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program in accord with the duties outlined in 22 CFR 62.11 Duties of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers;

• With a high degree of accuracy access retrieve from and/or report data to government and enterprise systems including but not limited to: the Department of Homeland Securitys Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) the Department of Labors Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) Terra Dotta and INSZoom;

• Review and coordinate highly complex and federally-mandated forms petitions and records related to J-1 and H1-B visas and visa renewals; review and issue all J-1 visa extensions amendments and add J-2 dependents work with unit administrators to ensure compliance and demonstrate the professional judgment to escalate issues requiring ISO Advisor ISO Manager and/or executive leadership attention;

• Liaise with and update sponsoring academic units and applicants on deadlines missing materials and required next steps related to visa compliance and paperwork;

• Manage ISO ticketing system and shared email address; delegate related tasks as appropriate;

• Process record and disseminate all incoming documentation to ISO including document drop offs and mail receipting.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRITY 20%

• Assist with implementation process improvement and ongoing use of APFs electronic document management system as it relates to the ingest and tagging of ISO records; coordinate ingest process on behalf of the ISO team; routinely analyze record and organize business processes related to ISO records management to identify opportunities for improvement;

• Oversee the security maintenance and accuracy of ISO records in accord with APF and UW/university records retention policy;

• Coordinate accurate and timely compliance with ISO-related public records requests and other public access inquiries

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT AND COLLABORATION 10%

• Assist in the identification of opportunities to improve ISO customer service workflow processes and cross-team and unit collaboration;

• Participate on various committees and work groups related to organizational action plan and/or ISO strategic goals as appropriate.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED 5%

• May supervise staff on a project basis;

• Assist with special projects related to strategic priorities or other institutional needs;

• Attend training/professional development activities;

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors degree

• 3-4 years professional experience working in a international students or scholars office or comparable experience in private- or public-sector immigration setting.

NOTE: In addition to the minimum requirements below this position requires that the successful candidate be a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident in order to perform the Alternate Responsible Office duties outlined in the position duties.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated ability to collect organize compile and analyze program data

• Evidence of successful coordination and execution of processes and policies in support of program objectives

• Proven ability to communicate successfully with individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines

• Meticulous attention to detail

• Excellent customer service skills

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team setting

DESIRED

• Experience with or knowledge related to H-1B and permanent residence petitions

• Familiarity with J-1 Exchange Visitors and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

• Previous experience as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) or Designated School Official (DSO)

• Experience using international students/scholars platform e.g. Terra Dotta Sunapsis ISSM etc

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

APF allows hybrid work; however due to in-person advising obligations fully-remote employment is not available for this position.

Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Temporary or Regular

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier return they enjoy outstanding benefits opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity intellectual excitement artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin citizenship sex pregnancy age marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Services Office at or .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.