Director of International Students and Scholars, Global Engagement Office

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page.  Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College.  Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.

The Global Engagement Office invites applications for the Director of International Students and Scholars to provide autonomous leadership and strategic long-range planning for the International Students and Scholars unit. The position will:

• Provide leadership on the creation and implementation of department policies and procedures.
• Develop and manage budgets.
• Create and champion initiatives that foster respectful communication, learning, and a spirit of cooperation; and promote a collaborative climate that recognizes, celebrates, and rewards diversity.
• Serve as program manager for select grants.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the GEO Executive Director.

Responsible for compliance with US Homeland Security and Department of State requirements related to international students and scholars, including reporting of information about UM international students and scholars to these US federal agencies and advising international students and scholars of requirements for maintaining lawful nonimmigrant status in the US:

• Serve the University as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for the Department of Homeland Security and as Responsible Officer (RO) for the Department of State.
• Ensure compliance with University and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations including recertification and redesignation.
• Serve as the primary resource for interpretation and application of all relevant regulations and compliance matters related to international students and scholars.
• Holistically advise and assist international students and scholars with their academic, cultural, and social transition to UM and to the US.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary for this position is $63,000-$65,000 per year commensurate with qualifications.

Required Qualifications

Core Knowledge and Abilities

• Fundamental written and oral communication skills, including a sound foundation in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to understand standard office procedures; to operate standard office equipment; to learn office technology systems; to perform basic arithmetic calculations; and typing and keyboard skills.
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers and standard office software such as Windows and Office. 
• Ability to interact effectively with co-workers, overseas partners, instructors and students.
• Ability to display motivation and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to display organization, meet deadlines, display detail orientation, possess good judgment and common sense.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Strong ethics and integrity; earns the trust, respect and confidence of employees through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions.
• Actively contributes to a work environment that embraces diversity and diverse perspectives, and builds constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual regard.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
• Must be able to work independently including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling assignments, be accountable for their work, with a strong work ethic to achieve excellent results.
• Strong team player who works harmoniously with staff, co-workers, peers, and manager and shares critical information with everyone involved to meet business objectives.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems skillfully and make sound decisions by gathering and organizing all relevant information.

Position Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of F-1 and J-1 regulations including SEVIS reporting requirements and knowledge of Department of Homeland Security regulations. 

Minimum Experience/Education

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training
• Must be either a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States (to comply with PDSO regulations).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and 5 years of relevant work experience. 
• Experience in F-1 and J-1 student and scholar advising.  
• Proficiency in managing people and budgets. 
• Experience studying or living abroad 
• Proficiency in a second language  

About UM and the Global Engagement Office

The University of Montana is a flagship, research-intensive R1 institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains where three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

The Global Engagement Office (GEO) furthers the comprehensive internationalization strategy of the University of Montana by promoting and providing international life-changing experiences and related educational opportunities. GEO advances the exchange of ideas and culture through advocacy, education, engagement, and service.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
  • Video: Mission First, People Always
  • UM on YouTube
• City of Missoula
  • Video: There's This Place
  • Destination Missoula
  • Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce
• The State of Montana
  • Visit Montana

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference.
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility.  All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

Must be eligible to work in the United State upon hire.

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Monday, September 18, 2023 by 11:59 pm (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.

Please submit the following application materials** via the UM Jobs portal and by clicking "New Resume/CV" button.  Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required qualifications for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references- Names and contact information

*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application.  Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above. 

**Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

Salary : $63,000 - $65,000