Division: Student Development
Updated: May 2018

I. Job Function:

Under the supervision of the Senior Vice President for Student Development-Associate Provost and in coordination with the Director of Admissions and Director of Graduate Admissions, the Director manages all activities and programs designed to assist international students beginning with their initial interest in the institution through their departure from Missouri Baptist University. In addition, the Director is responsible for the development and implementation of the institution’s policies as they apply to undergraduate and graduate international students, Enrollment Management, managing the University’s F-1 program to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration law, oversight of activities involving official international visitors, and programming or meetings designed to promote campus internationalization.

II. Duties and Responsibilities:

Within the limits of authorized college policies, procedures, programs, and budgets, the Director of International Student Services is responsible for and has the authority to accomplish the following duties:

Undergraduate & Graduate Admissions:

1. Develop and implement a marketing plan to attract qualified international students from targeted regions and countries.
2. In coordination with the Director of Admissions, develop and complete implementation of the international recruitment plan.
3. Oversee the undergraduate and graduate admissions process ensuring adherence to the MBU Catalog and established International Admissions policies.
4. Verify that all international applicants’ current immigration status is permissible for full-time study.
5. Prepare admitted students for the visa issuance process and arrival in the U.S. through the creation of pre-arrival packets, registration in courses, and coordination of travel.
6. Other duties as necessitated by the mission of the University and the needs of the Offices of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions.

Student Development:

1. Hire, train, assign and supervise the International Student Services staff, including the International Student Services Processing and Program Assistant and Student Workers.
2. Manage the University’s F-1 program to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration law, which includes collection of required immigration documentation and maintenance of each F-1 International Student’s current SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) record.
3. Educate and advise international students on immigration, cultural, financial, health insurance and academic matters.
4. Serve as the advocate/liaison for MBU’s undergraduate and graduate international students in their interactions with various government agencies and other offices or departments at the University.
5. Oversee the planning and implementation of International Student Orientation at the beginning of each term.
6. Collaborate with Student Accounts Financial Counselor, international students and their parents/sponsors to advise and assist with bill pay, currency exchange, etc. to ensure students’ MBU balance is paid in a timely manner.
7. Serve as the primary campus resource to educate MBU administration, faculty and staff on acculturation and international student concerns and U.S. government regulations affecting international students including: U.S. tax and employment laws impacting international students, on-campus versus off-campus employment, definition of full-time enrollment, etc.
8. Manage the mandatory international student health insurance plan and advise students, athletic coaches, athletic trainers and healthcare professionals in understanding and utilizing the international student health insurance plan.
9. Collaborate with other offices within Student Development and on campus to provide programming and support to MBU’s International Student Population.
10. Serve as the contact point for area churches or para-church ministries wishing to host events or provide services for international students.
11. Partner with other offices in Student Development, Athletics, the Director of Study Abroad and MBU Faculty to promote Campus Internationalization.
12. Lead in the preparation, supervision, and control of the International Student Services budget.
13. Other duties as assigned by the Senior Vice President for Student Development-Associate Provost.

III. Relationships

The Director of International Student Services will observe the following relationships:

The Senior Vice President for Student Development-Associate Provost

The Director of International Student Services is directly responsible to the Senior Vice President for Student Development-Associate Provost for the fulfillment of the functions, and of the position.

Director of Admissions

The Director of International Student Services will coordinate with the Director of Admissions for portions of the position which pertain directly to Admissions.

Director of Graduate Admissions

The Director of International Student Services will coordinate with the Director of Graduate Admissions for portions of the position which pertain directly to Graduate Admissions.

IV. Performance Measurement Criteria

An annual performance review is to be conducted by the Senior Vice President for Student Development-Associate Provost. This review will include a self-evaluation of specific tasks and duties, as well as an overall evaluation.

V. Minimum Requirements

Citizenship/Residency
The Director must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Legal Permanent Resident per requirements for SEVIS Designated School Officials.

Education and Experience
A Masters in Higher Education, Multicultural Affairs or a related field is preferred. 3-5 years prior experience working with international students in a college or university setting is required. Must also possess a significant knowledge of U.S. immigration policies and procedures.

Personal Qualities
Must be able to prioritize tasks and manage many competing projects successfully, while maintaining the ability to think critically and solve various challenges under deadlines.

Spiritual Qualities
A strong Christian background with a vision for ministering to the needs of International Students is imperative. Active membership in a local church is also required.

Interpersonal/Communication Skills
Must possess excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills, be highly self-motivated and be eager to collaborate with colleagues.

Membership in Professional Organizations
Be willing to maintain active membership in NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and regularly attend conferences and workshops to advance professional development.  Be able to attend monthly local meetings of International Education Council.

Travel
Out of state travel is necessary occasionally.

Interested applicants should send their resume, statement of faith and cover letter to:

Dr. Andy Chambers
Senior Vice President for Student Development-Associate Provost
Andy.Chambers@mobap.edu.