Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania?s Global Engagement Office (GEO) invites applicants for the position of Director of International Programs.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

The Global Engagement Office (GEO) leads the WCU community of educators in developing and preparing students to become globally aware and engaged members of a diverse society.

Reporting to the Associate Provost for Global Engagement, the Director promotes and supports international education; supports students studying abroad through affiliate programs; serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO); and oversee events and programs to support the unique needs of international students.

The ideal candidate will value collaboration and teamwork; and demonstrate the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities and deadlines; experience working with external travel abroad vendors; experience using social media tools; and the ability to communicate professionally with campus constituents ? both internal and external to the university. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Serve as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO)
• Maintain data and quality control management for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
• Organize SEVIS data processing under Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines  
• Remain up to date on regulatory and legislative rules and regulations affecting F-1/J1 visas for international students
• Provide accurate SEVIS maintenance for international student records
• Initiate WCU?s bi-annual recertification and redesignation applications with SEVP and the Department of State
• Monitor and update student information in Banner, OnBase, D2L, Via-TRM, and other university systems
• Advise students about maintaining F-1/J1 visa status 
• Coordinate and develop programming strategies that support the unique needs of international students
• Assist with website and social media updates to ensure effective communication with the international students
• Design and deliver orientation programs, training, and online modules for international students
• Advise and support students in WCU affiliate study abroad program with questions about requirements, costs, financing, and other issues 
• Provide continued guidance to current students studying abroad
• Oversee events and initiatives including the Study Abroad Fair, International Education Week, and Department of Homeland Security international student orientation, and international partnerships
• Oversee WCU?s Passport Acceptance Facility and provide supervision to the Passport Agent
• Managing study abroad applications in Via-TRM
• Coordinating visits to WCU from third-party providers
• Other duties as assigned

• Master's degree in college student personnel, student affairs, international education or related field
• Three (3) years of professional experience in an international education
• Experience using SEVIS 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

• Experience advising international students related to immigration compliance
• Experience advising students interested in studying abroad
• Experience planning special events, programs, and workshops
• Experience using study abroad management systems (Via-TRM) 
• Experience with higher education systems such as Banner, D2L, and OnBase
• Professional experience using social media tools

About West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester University (WCU) of Pennsylvania is among the top regional comprehensive public universities in the nation, serving more than 17,500 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels with a national reputation for excellence, value, and student success. Founded in 1871 as an institute for teacher preparation, West Chester offers more than 118 undergraduate and 103 graduate programs in more than 50 fields of study. In addition to the main campus in West Chester, the University offers programs through its graduate center, the Philadelphia campus, and online. Five colleges and two schools comprise the University: Colleges of Arts and Humanities, Business and Public Management, Education and Social Work, Health Sciences, and the Sciences and Mathematics, as well as the School of Music, and the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies. Located in Chester County (25 miles from downtown Philadelphia) the area combines the best of enjoyable daily living with easy access to the full spectrum of country and city attractions. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

Connections working at West Chester University of Pennsylvania