Executive Director of the International Students and Scholars Office
NAFSA: Association of International Educators, New York, NY, United States
Employer: Columbia University – International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) Location: New York City, New York Salary: $225,000 – $250,000 Closing date: April 16, 2026 Position Type: Executive Director Hours: Full-time Employment Type: Permanent Organization Type: College / University
Executive Director of the International Students and Scholars Office
Position Summary
The International Students and Scholar Office (ISSO) delivers expert guidance grounded in regulatory excellence and a deep commitment to serving Columbia’s international community. ISSO also provides services to academic units and University staff who admit, appoint, employ, and work with international students, faculty members, and researchers. Homed in the Office of the Provost, the ISSO partners closely with schools and departments across Columbia’s campuses, Human Resources, Office of the General Counsel, Public Affairs, and senior leadership to ensure institutional compliance and strengthen Columbia as a premier destination for education and research.
Reporting to the Vice Provost for Campus Integration, the Executive Director leads the University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), overseeing immigration advising and institutional regulatory compliance for a large population of international students, faculty, and research scholars. The Executive Director sets ISSO’s strategic direction, ensures adherence to all applicable federal immigration requirements, and advances a holistic, University-wide approach to international student and scholar support and success.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Organizational Oversight- Direct and guide all ISSO functions – across compliance, visa services, programming, IT and data analytics, and communications – fostering alignment, accountability, and cross‑functional collaboration.
- Lead the development of training programs and talent strategies to build institutional capacity.
- Partner with the Office of the Provost on strategic endeavors related to the international student and scholar community.
- Provide direct leadership, management, and mentorship of ISSO staff.
- Provide oversight of communications and operations; ensure that all service delivery channels – including the ISSO websites, phone, Zoom, and in‑person advising, and the call center – are consistently staffed, accessible, and deliver accurate, responsive, and empathetic support.
- Implement enhancements to systems, workflows, and service models to strengthen operational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Oversee ISSO’s institutional messaging and communications strategy.
- Work in close partnership with the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of the Provost, and other academic and administrative units to ensure that communications, guidance, and service delivery reflect sound legal and institutional policy.
- Serve as the University’s senior representative on immigration policy and regulatory compliance.
- Act as the University’s primary liaison on matters related to Columbia’s international community to US government agencies, including DHS, DOL, and DOS, representing the institution in matters related to compliance, audits, and regulatory interpretation.
- Foster strong relationships with international students and organizations, ensuring institutional responsiveness to the needs and concerns of Columbia’s international community.
- Serve as a point of contact for foreign consulates in New York, facilitating coordination on matters affecting Columbia’s international students and scholars.
- Provide oversight of ISSO’s data systems, ensuring integrity, accuracy, and compliance across all records related to international students and scholars.
- Establish rigorous data validation, quality assurance, and audit protocols to safeguard sensitive information and maintain readiness for federal audits and institutional review.
- Oversee the collection, analysis, and presentation of institutional data on Columbia’s international population, ensuring all adhere to legal, regulatory, and institutional standards.
- Ensure metrics on caseloads and reach of programming are readily available to allow for innovation and adaptation.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree Required.
- Minimum of 8-10 years of related experience.
Required Qualifications
- 8 plus years of progressive leadership and supervisory experience in international student and scholar services within higher education.
- Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, EdD, JD, or other) required.
- Expertise in immigration regulations, including F‑1, J‑1, H‑1B, and other employment‑based visa categories, along with knowledge of SEVIS compliance requirements.
- Experience overseeing personnel and administrative operations, management of budgets/finance, technology systems, and strength in policy development and implementation.
- Strong communication skills to represent ISSO on‑campus and to a wider public in a straightforward and factual manner.
- Discretion, diplomacy, and a sense of humor are essential.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to comply with DHS and Department of State regulations to potentially function as the campus Responsible Officer (RO) and Principal Designated School Official (PDSO).
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree (Master’s, PhD, EdD, JD, or other) required.
Company
OUR MISSION: The mission of the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is to support, uphold, and enhance the global vision of Columbia University.
ISSO serves the international population at the University with broad‑based immigration expertise through exemplary, effective, and empathetic service.
We offer programs and services that facilitate a successful transition and adjustment to the U.S. and Columbia University, foster a vibrant and inclusive community, provide professional development, and promote global engagement.
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