Assistant Director for Scholar Immigration

at  Stanford University

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Assistant Director serves as a professional resource on a broad range of issues in support of Stanford’s international scholar community (3500+). The Assistant Director will implement and administer departmental and University policies associated with J Scholar and other employment-based visa regulations to ensure compliance with U.S., DHS and DOS, and DOL regulations. The Assistant Director will serve as an expert resource to staff and faculty on matters concerning J Scholars and employees under Stanford visa sponsorship. As part of the Bechtel International Center management team, s/he will participate with Bechtel leadership to make major policy decisions, lead long-term strategic planning and implement new initiatives as needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least five years of experience of working with immigration issues as they impact higher education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• User knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and all levels of management.
• Strong analytical skills to review and analyze complex financial information.
• Strong leadership and strategic management skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing people.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Extensive knowledge of U.S. immigration regulations is required
• Thorough understanding of the cultural, social and personal transitions faced when crossing cultures.
• Superior customer service orientation and ability to respond in a constructive and timely manner.
• Excellent critical and strategic thinking ability. Ability to direct and influence change.
• Experience in developing programs to support the international community preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to working with individuals from diverse cultures.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated evidence of excellent judgment and ability to lead and supervise.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage/prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, including excel, powerpoint, and ability to update and manage web content.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Occasionally stand, walk, twist, use fine manipulation, grasp, use a telephone, write by hand, sort and file paperwork, lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

• Lead and manage a team of five advisors. Provide training and supervision of, organize professional development opportunities for, and mentor these individuals.
• Serve as lead advisor on J Scholar and employment-based visas issues such as H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3 and permanent residence for the campus. Working with schools, departments and the University’s external counsel to develop strategies and timelines to optimize the successful adjudication of immigration benefits while minimizing all legal and personal risk to the institution and the individual.
• Manage and provide zoom and in-person advising as needed.
• Provide guidance on complex immigration issues.
• Develop and recommend internal controls, policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
• Provide interpretation of new and proposed regulations and legislation and translate changes for the international scholar community.
• Cultivate and foster a collaborative relationship with department administrators to ensure the delivery of services to their J Scholars and international hires.
• Serve as an ARO (J-1) and ensure advisors who have been designated as AROs are trained to comply with the Exchange Visitor Program regulations and institutional policies. Oversee the preparation of internal reports and those for the U.S. Department of State.
• Develop and ensure adherence to client support standards to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction.
• Create content for and direct the enhancement of related scholar immigration information on the Bechtel website.