Assistant Director of International Student Engagement
NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Model City, NY, United States
Assistant Director of International Student Engagement
Employer: Wesleyan University
Location: Middletown, Connecticut
Hours: Full‑time | Employment Type: Permanent
Closing date: Apr 17, 2026
Job Details The Office of International Student Affairs (OISA), within the Division of Student Affairs, supports Wesleyan’s international student community through immigration advising, orientation, co‑curricular programming, and community‑building initiatives. OISA provides F‑1 and J‑1 visa advising, SEVIS compliance, employment and travel authorization, and document services, while also fostering intercultural engagement, leadership development, and student success.
Reporting to the Director of OISA, the Assistant Director of International Student Engagement leads the planning, implementation, and assessment of programs and events that support international student transition, belonging, and success. Key programs include International Student Orientation (ISO), International Buddy Program (IBP), Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT), and Wesleyan International Speakers Program (WISP).
The Assistant Director also advises F‑1 and J‑1 international students and serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), including processing requests in Terra Dotta, updating SEVIS records, issuing I‑20s and DS‑2019s, and supporting SEVIS registration each semester.
Responsibilities
Lead the planning, implementation, and assessment of International Student Orientation (ISO), including hiring, training, and supervising student leaders.
Represent OISA on the Summer Planning Committee and collaborate with campus partners supporting New Student Orientation (NSO) and First Things First (FTF).
Coordinate the planning, implementation, and assessment of OISA’s annual mentorship and longitudinal transition support programs, International Buddy Program (IBP) and Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT).
Recruit, train, and support student participants in the Wesleyan International Speakers Program (WISP) and expand community engagement.
Lead the planning and implementation of the annual International Student Graduation Celebration.
Oversee break programming for international students during Thanksgiving, winter, and summer periods, including planning activities and hiring, onboarding, and supervising student coordinators.
Plan and facilitate community‑building events for international students throughout the year.
Lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of international student programs and events, embedding leadership development, intercultural learning, and DEIB principles.
Evaluate programs using student feedback, benchmarking, and best practices to improve effectiveness and impact.
Develop and maintain partnerships with campus offices, student groups, and institutional initiatives to enhance the reach and impact of OISA’s engagement efforts and support Wesleyan’s internationalization strategy.
Track program data and analyze outcomes to support reporting, assessment, and continuous improvement of OISA programs and events.
Serve as a Wesleyan DSO and ARO, utilizing SEVIS and Terra Dotta to maintain student records and issue immigration documents.
Provide immigration advising for F‑1 and J‑1 status international students, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies while supporting student success and referrals.
Support OISA’s SEVIS Registration process at the start of the fall and spring semesters.
Maintain current knowledge of federal changes and broaden immigration knowledge by utilizing resources provided by NAFSA and other organizations and consulting OISA senior colleagues.
Manage administrative and operational processes for OISA programs, including maintaining SOPs, overseeing budgets and expenses, and hiring, onboarding, and supervising student employees.
Communicate and collaborate with international students, student staff, campus partners, and OISA colleagues to support programs, initiatives, and student engagement.
Contribute to the development and delivery of OISA communications, including newsletters, email messaging, and digital content for incoming and current international students as well as international alumni.
Other duties as assigned.
Position is open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by April 17, 2026 when the first review of applications will begin.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and minimum of three years of experience working in international student services, international education, international admissions, student affairs, or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; student experience will be considered.
Demonstrated experience and expertise in planning, coordinating, and assessing programs and events.
Basic understanding of F‑1 and J‑1 visa regulations or willingness to develop knowledge and expertise in immigration advising.
Effective interpersonal and intercultural communication skills to work with a wide range of constituents including students, parents, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members.
Strong organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail and an elevated level of discretion managing confidential information.
Ability to provide excellent customer service while finding solutions to complex problems and managing competing demands.
Demonstrated experience and competency working both independently and collaboratively in a professional setting.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior colleagues and incorporate feedback and guidance to support professional self‑growth.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule including occasional nights and weekends for programs and events.
Ability to meet all the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements to serve as a DSO and ARO.
Preferred Qualifications
One year or more of experience using SEVIS as a DSO and/or ARO and advising a caseload of F‑1 and/or J‑1 status international students.
Demonstrated command of F‑1 and/or J‑1 immigration regulations.
Professional experience using Terra Dotta and Workday systems.
Knowledge of best practices in intentional program design and experience developing, coordinating, and assessing orientation and co‑curricular initiatives for international students.
Professional experience developing and facilitating workshops for students, staff and/or faculty and training students to serve in leadership roles.
Participation and/or leadership experience in professional development organizations related to international student services and/or international education such as NAFSA.
Proficiency in a language(s) other than English.
Experience living, studying, and/or working abroad.
Advanced degree from an accredited institution in international education, intercultural studies, student affairs or a related field.
Compensation $52,400–$61,300 (salary commensurate with experience)
Location On Campus
Relocation Relocation assistance to Connecticut is available for those who qualify.
Pre‑Employment Screening All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre‑employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.
EEO Statement Wesleyan University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non‑position‑related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non‑discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.
Benefits Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, and employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.
Company Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand. Our student body of approximately 3,000 undergraduate and 200 graduate students is housed on a beautiful 316‑acre historic New England campus that offers the comfort of an intimate and collaborative learning environment supported by renowned faculty, cutting‑edge facilities, and unique research opportunities. With our distinctive scholar‑teacher culture, creative programming, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Wesleyan challenges students to explore new ideas and change the world. Our graduates go on to lead and innovate in a wide variety of industries, including government, business, entertainment, and science.
Apply Apply on the Wesleyan University website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Location: Middletown, Connecticut
Hours: Full‑time | Employment Type: Permanent
Closing date: Apr 17, 2026
Job Details The Office of International Student Affairs (OISA), within the Division of Student Affairs, supports Wesleyan’s international student community through immigration advising, orientation, co‑curricular programming, and community‑building initiatives. OISA provides F‑1 and J‑1 visa advising, SEVIS compliance, employment and travel authorization, and document services, while also fostering intercultural engagement, leadership development, and student success.
Reporting to the Director of OISA, the Assistant Director of International Student Engagement leads the planning, implementation, and assessment of programs and events that support international student transition, belonging, and success. Key programs include International Student Orientation (ISO), International Buddy Program (IBP), Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT), and Wesleyan International Speakers Program (WISP).
The Assistant Director also advises F‑1 and J‑1 international students and serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), including processing requests in Terra Dotta, updating SEVIS records, issuing I‑20s and DS‑2019s, and supporting SEVIS registration each semester.
Responsibilities
Lead the planning, implementation, and assessment of International Student Orientation (ISO), including hiring, training, and supervising student leaders.
Represent OISA on the Summer Planning Committee and collaborate with campus partners supporting New Student Orientation (NSO) and First Things First (FTF).
Coordinate the planning, implementation, and assessment of OISA’s annual mentorship and longitudinal transition support programs, International Buddy Program (IBP) and Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT).
Recruit, train, and support student participants in the Wesleyan International Speakers Program (WISP) and expand community engagement.
Lead the planning and implementation of the annual International Student Graduation Celebration.
Oversee break programming for international students during Thanksgiving, winter, and summer periods, including planning activities and hiring, onboarding, and supervising student coordinators.
Plan and facilitate community‑building events for international students throughout the year.
Lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of international student programs and events, embedding leadership development, intercultural learning, and DEIB principles.
Evaluate programs using student feedback, benchmarking, and best practices to improve effectiveness and impact.
Develop and maintain partnerships with campus offices, student groups, and institutional initiatives to enhance the reach and impact of OISA’s engagement efforts and support Wesleyan’s internationalization strategy.
Track program data and analyze outcomes to support reporting, assessment, and continuous improvement of OISA programs and events.
Serve as a Wesleyan DSO and ARO, utilizing SEVIS and Terra Dotta to maintain student records and issue immigration documents.
Provide immigration advising for F‑1 and J‑1 status international students, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies while supporting student success and referrals.
Support OISA’s SEVIS Registration process at the start of the fall and spring semesters.
Maintain current knowledge of federal changes and broaden immigration knowledge by utilizing resources provided by NAFSA and other organizations and consulting OISA senior colleagues.
Manage administrative and operational processes for OISA programs, including maintaining SOPs, overseeing budgets and expenses, and hiring, onboarding, and supervising student employees.
Communicate and collaborate with international students, student staff, campus partners, and OISA colleagues to support programs, initiatives, and student engagement.
Contribute to the development and delivery of OISA communications, including newsletters, email messaging, and digital content for incoming and current international students as well as international alumni.
Other duties as assigned.
Position is open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by April 17, 2026 when the first review of applications will begin.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and minimum of three years of experience working in international student services, international education, international admissions, student affairs, or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; student experience will be considered.
Demonstrated experience and expertise in planning, coordinating, and assessing programs and events.
Basic understanding of F‑1 and J‑1 visa regulations or willingness to develop knowledge and expertise in immigration advising.
Effective interpersonal and intercultural communication skills to work with a wide range of constituents including students, parents, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members.
Strong organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail and an elevated level of discretion managing confidential information.
Ability to provide excellent customer service while finding solutions to complex problems and managing competing demands.
Demonstrated experience and competency working both independently and collaboratively in a professional setting.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior colleagues and incorporate feedback and guidance to support professional self‑growth.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule including occasional nights and weekends for programs and events.
Ability to meet all the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements to serve as a DSO and ARO.
Preferred Qualifications
One year or more of experience using SEVIS as a DSO and/or ARO and advising a caseload of F‑1 and/or J‑1 status international students.
Demonstrated command of F‑1 and/or J‑1 immigration regulations.
Professional experience using Terra Dotta and Workday systems.
Knowledge of best practices in intentional program design and experience developing, coordinating, and assessing orientation and co‑curricular initiatives for international students.
Professional experience developing and facilitating workshops for students, staff and/or faculty and training students to serve in leadership roles.
Participation and/or leadership experience in professional development organizations related to international student services and/or international education such as NAFSA.
Proficiency in a language(s) other than English.
Experience living, studying, and/or working abroad.
Advanced degree from an accredited institution in international education, intercultural studies, student affairs or a related field.
Compensation $52,400–$61,300 (salary commensurate with experience)
Location On Campus
Relocation Relocation assistance to Connecticut is available for those who qualify.
Pre‑Employment Screening All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre‑employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.
EEO Statement Wesleyan University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non‑position‑related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non‑discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.
Benefits Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, and employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.
Company Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand. Our student body of approximately 3,000 undergraduate and 200 graduate students is housed on a beautiful 316‑acre historic New England campus that offers the comfort of an intimate and collaborative learning environment supported by renowned faculty, cutting‑edge facilities, and unique research opportunities. With our distinctive scholar‑teacher culture, creative programming, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Wesleyan challenges students to explore new ideas and change the world. Our graduates go on to lead and innovate in a wide variety of industries, including government, business, entertainment, and science.
Apply Apply on the Wesleyan University website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr