Assistant Advisor to International Students and Scholars

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

The Harvard International Office (HIO) was established in 1944 to respond to the needs of a growing number of international students.   The HIO serves over 10,000 international students and scholars, many of whom are accompanied by family members.  The HIO provides assistance with the settling-in process and advice in complying with U.S. Government regulations. Under general supervision, this position provides immigration advising with special emphasis on the impact of a wide variety of federal, non-immigrant regulations affecting international students and scholars.

This position supports and assists the HIO advising team in a variety of tasks related to both international students and scholars. The individual will be appointed both Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Acts as Advisor on Call for both international students and scholar; answers immigration related questions
• Provides immigration advising for international students and scholars on non-immigrant visas
• Advises Harvard Summer School students
• Manages OPT application process
• Processes J-1 Academic Training applications
• Processes student transfers (both incoming and outgoing)
• Manages OPT address and employer maintenance and auditing
• Manages J other sponsor incoming clients
• Manages SEVP Portal
• Manages data input for J-1 on-campus student employment
• HIO working group membership, as assigned
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending and other physical exertion

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Ability to interpret and apply immigration regulations; ability to use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments and in developing program and process improvements. 
• Experience working with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment
• Must be organized, detail oriented and capable of multi-tasking in a team environment
• Equivalent of two years of professional experience working with international students and/or scholars preferred
• Strong written and verbal skills; confidently conduct presentations for students and scholars; advise students and scholars individually and in groups where required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience working with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) compliance issues/processes in a campus-based International Student Services office preferred. 
• Prior experience with Ellucian ISSM and ISD preferred.
• Knowledge of a foreign language preferred.

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, References

Other Information:

• Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.