Job Title: International and Hispanic Transfer Advisor/Primary Designated School Official (PDSO/DSO) Department: Admissions Reports To: Director of Enrollment FLSA Status: Exempt Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000 OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY: Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that supports a culture of excellence where all feel valued. Nestled in a desirable residential community in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU offers its faculty and staff an environment where professional expertise is valued, and lasting connections between co-workers are formed as we work together to ensure the success of our students. Regardless of the title, every employee supports WAU’s vision of producing graduates who bring moral leadership and competence to their communities. POSITION SUMMARY This key position serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and will guide students from the point of inquiry through the point of enrollment into Washington Adventist University. We are seeking an experienced and energetic individual responsible for assisting students on immigration, F1 and J visas, I-20 creation and understanding and compliance with regard to Federal immigration regulations and university policies. The individual will also manage the I-20 process and reach the international and national Hispanic market through partnerships and outreach to Hispanic families, advising students on every aspect of the admissions process as well as information regarding the University. The successful candidate will represent the University through on- and off-campus presentations to prospective students, their families, and guidance professionals and assist the admissions team in meeting goals and expectations. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Serve as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Principal Designated School Official (PDSO). Serve as Liaison and collaborate with the International Program Director for programs and services that support international students. Engage with the Hispanic community through webinars and workshops to help them plan and realize their postsecondary education dream. Assume overall responsibility for the transfer student pipeline from recruiting to matriculation. Work with the registrar’s office to understand transfer credit evaluations. Work with the Director of Enrollment to maintain familiarity with our current Community College MOU and articulation agreements while working towards adding more to our portfolio. Meet departmental goals for inquiries, applications, and admitted and enrolled students through the completion, review, and conversion of applications for designated territory. Assume overall responsibility for electronic reporting of data on students and exchange visitors to the federal government via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Monitor F-1 international student statuses, alerts, records, and information for SEVIS compliance. Provide regular education and training on immigration classifications and the importance of accurate data input. Assist in developing operational and statistical reports for regulatory agencies. Create and communicate workflow with all populations of international students and the institution. Assist the Director of Enrollment to develop policy, procedures, and program manuals, and agreements with community colleges, schools, or foreign markets. File the necessary petitions including Certification/Recertification and Designation/Resignation in accordance with immigration law. Interpret and advise international students on U.S. immigration laws affecting non-immigrant F-1 visa holders. Participate in recruitment events to increase the international pipeline. Understand the admission process; review files for admission decision; calculate GPA and test scores. Follow up with prospects regarding admission requests. Develop new international markets that support the Enrollment Goal of 3000 - Vision 2030. Attend conferences related to the International student population for recruitment. Support and affirm a culture of distinctive excellence and exceptional service. Attend university events and required meetings. Perform other duties as assigned. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment usually has moderate noise. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee may frequently be called upon to work long hours under stressful conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, talk or hear, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. This position may require local and regional travel. Other Qualities Experience in working in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work effectively with changing priorities in a dynamic environment. Comfortable interfacing with varying levels of clients. Self-motivated and able to multi-task. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Mathematical and Technology Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management. Language Skills Proficiency in English. Spanish speaking proficiency is preferred. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Applicants must be a lawful permanent resident or citizen of the United States as required by the Department of Homeland Security for certification as PDSO and/or RO. Education/Experience Associate's degree required, Bachelor's degree preferred. Minimum of three to five years professional experience as a DSO with advanced knowledge of SEVIS, F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations is essential. Experience in higher education preferred. Title VII Exception Notice Washington Adventist University is a religiously qualified Equal Opportunity Employer under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. J-18808-Ljbffr