Assistant Vice Provost for International Student and Scholar Services

This is a full-time position that will be conducted as a hybrid work environment. There is some on-campus required work.

Position Summary:

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is a leader in the University of Minnesota's (U of M) goal to be a top global learning environment for all of its students and scholars. The Assistant Vice Provost (AVP) provides vision, oversight, and leadership to all areas of this comprehensive office: employment-based visas, sponsored students, incoming exchange programs, personal and academic counseling and advising, and immigration advising to ensure that students and scholars maintain their legal status in the United States. ISSS also supports student engagement and intercultural initiatives to enhance student success, including significant programming dedicated to international students' personal development and adjustment to the U of M and programming that integrates international and domestic students and scholars. The AVP oversees the delivery of exceptional services in all of these areas in collaboration with approximately 30 professional staff, including the supervision of five direct reports. The position has responsibility primarily for the Twin Cities campus, while providing support in some areas for U of M's other campuses around the state.

Responsibilities:

Unit Leadership (45%)

• Establish mission, vision, and values to guide the direction of ISSS and advocate for the resources needed for implementation
• Support strategies that ensure ISSS meets its two pronged mission-to serve international students, researchers, staff, and faculty and to support the internationalization of the campus.
• Lead the ISSS Directors group, which provides strategic guidance and day-to-day management of the unit
• Create an office environment and provide related professional development and other support systems to enhance staff members's ability to contribute at their highest levels in order to realize the vision of ISSS and the mission of the U of M
• Develop, implement, and manage a variety of programs with a developmental approach that provides student and scholar support, ensuring the best possible experience for the University's international population
• Oversee an operating budget in excess of $3.5 million, with particular attention to forecasting revenue from internal sales and student fees (ISSS's primary source of revenue)
• Develop and execute office-wide policies to ensure equity, efficiency, and transparency in procedures
• Determine staffing needs for the unit

Campus Leadership (25%)

• Increase campus-wide awareness about the international population and intercultural effectiveness through a data-driven approach
• Advocate on behalf of international students and scholars to ensure the population is carefully considered in regard to engagement, retention, graduation rates, high-quality services, University policies, and general campus climate
• Provide expertise in international education and understand how changes in student mobility, U.S. regulations, hiring practices, international events, and higher education in general impact U of M and how best to act on these changes
• Bring intercultural communication expertise and experience with international populations to assist in serving U of M's international scholars and international students
• Serve on campus-wide committees to advise on policies, provide insights into how these impact U of M's international communities, and recommend changes to improve international student and scholar experiences
• Provide leadership on office-level responses to University-wide processes and data requests

Supervision and Coaching (20%)

• Supervise and coach direct and indirect reports, including the heads of counseling, employment-based visas, student engagement, and intercultural initiatives; supervisor of the welcome center; office manager; and program directors for sponsored students, and exchanges
• Ensure the provision of effective, high-quality service for a culturally diverse clientele

Professional Development and Service (10%)

• Stay abreast of current trends in international education through professional organizations, including active participation in Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) ISSS directors' meetings
• Advise campus partners on current trends and evolving research in intercultural competence development and international education
• Participate in professional development events and activities in the unit, GPS Alliance, University, and broader community
  

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in international education, international studies, student services, paralegal/legal studies, comparative education, or related field
• At least 5 years experience of oversight for international student and scholar services in a higher education setting
• Immigration advising experience
• Comprehensive understanding of U.S. immigration laws and regulations and an ability to analyze and determine how they impact the international and the U of M community
• Strategic, fiscal, and people management experience
• Ability to communicate inclusively and effectively with individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds and experiences
• Ability to develop programs and assessment/evaluation that align with institutional goals and evolving needs of the international student and scholar community
• Ability to foster positive, collaborative working relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization and form partnerships across an organization

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within a large, decentralized university
• Experience supporting and consulting on incidents or crises involving international students or scholars

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is dedicated to serving the University of Minnesota's international community. ISSS supports the University's internationalization efforts by helping departments bring new foreign nationals into the community; by providing intercultural training for students, staff, and faculty; and by offering events that build links between the U.S. and international communities on campus.

ISSS advisors/counselors are professionally trained to provide information about non-immigrant visa issues for students and scholars holding F, J, H, and O visas. Our advisors/counselors are also trained to provide counseling to international students and scholars about academic, personal, and family matters, as well as issues of cross-cultural adjustment and professional integration upon returning home. In addition, ISSS offers training and programs that enhance the awareness and understanding of cross-cultural and international issues across campus and consults with University faculty and staff on issues related to international students and scholars in their departments.

ISSS is located on the Twin Cities campus, but many of its responsibilities-especially those concerning international faculty and staff-also serve the Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester campuses. ISSS is part of the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance, which reports to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.

Pay Range: $115,000 - $130,000 annual; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled. Priority will be given to applications received by January 15th, 2025.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).