Director of Global Education, Partnerships, and Immigration Services

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Job description

Type of Position: Staff – Full Time

Department: Academic Affairs

Appointment Length: July – June (12 mo)

Benefits Eligible?: Yes

Requested Part-Time Staff Hours: NA

F.T.E.: 1.00

Grant Funded Position?: No

Description of Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Global Education, Partnerships, and Immigration Services provides leadership for the University’s internationalization efforts through the development and administration of international student services, study abroad programs, global partnerships, and immigration compliance. The Director serves as the university’s PDSO and primary institutional resource for international students and scholars, oversees compliance with federal immigration regulations, advances global engagement initiatives, and fosters an inclusive campus environment that supports international education.

Reporting to the Dean of Honors and Global Education, the Director collaborates extensively with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Athletics, faculty, staff, and external partners to enhance international opportunities for students and strengthen the University’s global presence.

Responsibilities:

International Student Affairs

  • Facilitates communication among international students, faculty, staff, deans, and administrators.
  • Collaborates with Athletics to ensure strong support of international student athletes
  • Coordinates international students’ start- and end-of-term airport transportation with Athletics, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management and other campus constituencies.
  • Plans and conducts workshops on immigration-related topics for international students
  • Collaborates with student clubs related to international education

Inbound International Student Services

  • Works with the Director of Orientation to develop and implement international student orientation programs.
  • Provides pre-arrival information to international students
  • Provides resources and advice to international students related to obtaining a driver’s license, state ID, bank accounts, etc.

International Education (Study Abroad Programs and International Partnerships)

  • Promotes strong partnerships with counterparts at universities, state (e.g., Global West Virginia), and national organizations (e.g., the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), Fulbright, National Student Exchange, the Institute of International Education (IIE), etc.).
  • Develops and sustains robust relationships with international partner universities.
  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of all international partnerships.
  • Reviews and updates agreements regularly to reflect current terms and conditions.
  • Coordinates dual-degree and articulation agreements and maintains established relationships with global partners.
  • Facilitates enrollment in study abroad opportunities at Fairmont State for students at other West Virginia public institutions.
  • Guide US students through the study abroad application process.
  • Provides pre-departure orientation and re-entry support for study abroad students.
  • Assists in health and safety protocols for study abroad participants.
  • Provides emergency support and crisis management to students studying abroad.
  • Conducts risk assessments for study abroad destinations.
  • Facilitates faculty and student exchanges.
  • Plans and conducts workshops on cross-cultural competence for US faculty, staff, and students.
  • Acts as the primary liaison between the institution and international partners.

Administrative

  • Advises and assists international students regarding immigration matters, including, but not limited to:
    • Maintaining visa status and compliance,
    • Visa renewals and extensions,
    • Changes in immigration policies and SEVIS alerts,
    • Preparing and submitting required immigration documents, and
    • Work authorization options (OPT, CPT, etc.).
  • Supports F-1 and J-1 Visa status students as well as F-2 and J-2 dependents by maintaining a working knowledge of SEVIS and immigration regulations.
  • Oversees the generation, processing, and review of initial I-20s.
  • Serves as Fairmont State University’s Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) with the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Maintains Fairmont State University’s status as an SEVP-approved school and process I-17 for recertification.
  • Serves an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the WVHEPC J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Consortium.
  • Establishes institutional procedures to ensure institutional compliance with recordkeeping, retention and reporting requirements.
  • Oversees office budgeting and accounting.
  • Drafts and oversees processes related to global education.
  • Supervise student worker(s) and/or graduate assistant(s).
  • Engages in professional development to stay abreast of changes in the field.
  • Develops assessment processes to align with university’s strategic goals for global education
  • Prepares reports and updates for University leadership.
  • Supports grant-funded international initiatives when applicable.
  • Performs other related duties as necessary and as assigned.

Minimum Required Education

Master’s degree.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

N/A

Minimum Required Qualifications

  • Working knowledge of education abroad programs, standards, requirements, and practices.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across divisions to develop and sustain a strong university-wide ecosystem to support international students and global education.
  • Strong multitasking, prioritization, and project management skills.
  • A global outlook, cross-cultural competence, and intercultural communication skills.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
  • Excellent written and oral communication abilities.
  • Enthusiasm and results-orientation
  • Proven ability to lead and to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Commitment to customer service and student success.
  • Proven ability to program development and management.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in financial planning and budget management.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Education, Higher Education, International Relations, World Languages, English as a Second Language, etc.).
  • Previous experience as a PDSO or DSO
  • Familiarity with federal immigration laws, regulations, and processes.
  • Experience with the Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
  • Understanding of National Collegiate Athletic Association rules and regulations that affect international student athletes.
  • Proficiency in a world language.
  • Experience studying abroad.

Requisition Number: 2027025SP

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Hire Date: ASAP

Job Close Date: 09/27/2026

Open Until Filled: No

How to apply

Quicklink for Posting: https://www.fairmontstatejobs.com/postings/11821

Fairmont State University does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression/association, national origin, age, height, weight, religion, creed, genetic information, disability or veteran’s status, as identified and defined by law in employment, admissions, and educational programs and activities. Minorities/Women/Veterans/those with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Fairmont State University is a public university located in Fairmont, West Virginia, USA. Enrollment of the university is about 7,700 and offers masters degrees in business, education, teaching, criminal justice and nursing in addition to 90 baccalaureate and 50 associate degrees.