Purdue University logo

Purdue University

Deputy Director - International Student Services

🇺🇸 West Lafayette, IN

🕑 Full-Time

💰 TBD

💻 Academic Advising

🗓️ January 11th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

Purdue University is hiring a Deputy Director of International Student Services. This role involves providing strategic guidance and operational oversight for a comprehensive international student services unit, leading a team of over 25 staff to ensure compliance with federal regulations and promote the success of more than 10,000 international students annually. The Deputy Director will develop policies, manage compliance, collaborate with campus partners, and represent the university at national and international levels.

Highlights
  • Lead and manage a team of over 25 professionals supporting 10,000+ international students.
  • Serve as an expert on U.S. immigration regulations including F-1 and J-1 visas and SEVIS compliance.
  • Develop and implement policies to mitigate compliance risks within federal, state, and institutional frameworks.
  • Collaborate on budget planning, resource allocation, and operational efficiency for international student services.
  • Maintain advanced knowledge of immigration law and ensure ongoing staff training and education.
  • Assist with orientation, advising, and engagement initiatives to support international student success.
  • Required qualifications include a Master's degree (or equivalent experience) and at least 3 years of senior management experience in compliance-driven operations.
  • Experience with large-scale financial operations, budget forecasting, and compliance in higher education is essential.
  • U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required; Purdue does not sponsor employment authorization for this position.
  • Position is exempt from overtime and includes immediate eligibility for defined contribution retirement benefits.

Deputy Director - International Student Services Full Description

Job Summary
The Deputy Director of International Student Services supports the Director by providing strategic guidance and operational oversight for a comprehensive international student services unit serving multiple institutional locations. In this role, you will help lead a team of over 25 professional and support staff dedicated to ensuring compliance, success, and well-being for more than 10,000 international students annually. In addition, you will collaborate to uphold federal regulations, institutional policies, and best practices while fostering a welcoming environment that promotes student success.
 
What You'll Be Doing: 
  • Serving as an authority on U.S. immigration regulations (F-1 and J-1 visas, Optional and Curricular Practical Training, etc.)
  • Helping ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements (SEVIS, DHS)
  • Helping develop policies and procedures to mitigate compliance risks
  • Evaluating highly complex cases and regulations by engaging with legal counsel and campus leadership as needed
  • Contributing to setting vision and direction for international student services
  • Aligning unit objectives with the institution’s global engagement strategy
  • Assisting in resource allocation and strengthening organizational resilience
  • Collaborating on budget planning and promote operational efficiency
  • Maintaining advanced knowledge of immigration law and trends and ensure staff training and continuing education
  • Supporting the implementation and optimization of technology platforms for compliance and reporting
  • Serving as subject matter expert for campus stakeholders
  • Supporting the delivery of orientation, advising, and ongoing support services
  • Collaborating with academic units and campus partners to promote student success
  • Evaluating often complex student scenarios to ensure compliance with federal and university regulations, seeking solutions and best paths forward, promoting student success while preserving institutional integrity
  • Liaison with federal agencies, professional associations, and peer institutions
  • Representing the university at national/international conferences and consortia
  • Assisting in the planning and implementation of the unit’s programming and engagement initiatives

What We're Looking For:
  • Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, International Education, Public Policy, or related field
  • 4 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 3 years in a senior management role overseeing compliance-driven operations
  • In lieu of degree consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of related education and required experience (Bachelor's degree + 6 years of experience)
  • Demonstrated expertise in U.S. immigration regulations and SEVIS compliance
  • Proven ability to lead large teams and manage complex organizational structures
  • Broad experience directing large-scale financial operations in higher education, including budget planning, forecasting, and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards
 
Nice to Have: 
  • Experience in large Institutional environment, with preference for higher education
  • Familiarity with international student recruitment and retention strategies, and global engagement initiatives
  • Advanced proficiency in compliance management systems and data analytics
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

What We'd Like You to Know:
  • The successful candidate to be a Citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States
  • To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary 
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately  
  • Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

Career Stream
Management 4
Pay Band S085
Link to Purdue University's compensation guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
Job Code #20002597
Link to Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/
*Effective August 1, Purdue implemented a new background screen policy: any internal transfer will receive a new background screen if one has not been run within the last year.
 
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

EO 
 Purdue University is an EO/EA University.