Edtech.com's Summary

University of Illinois Chicago is hiring an Executive Director, Office of International Services to lead all immigration services and compliance for the university's international students, scholars, faculty, researchers, and exchange visitors. The director serves as the university's principal authority on federal immigration rules, advises senior leaders on policy and risk, and manages the office's professional staff.

Highlights

Direct immigration services and compliance for F-1, J-1, and employment-based categories, interpreting and monitoring federal regulations administered by the Departments of Homeland Security, State, and Labor.
Write, implement, and evaluate immigration policies, procedures, and internal controls that reduce institutional risk and keep the university compliant.
Advise senior university leadership on how immigration rules affect international admissions and enrollment, faculty and scholar hiring and retention, and exchange visitor programs.
Lead the university's response to immigration policy changes, audits, investigations, and compliance reviews, working with University Counsel on communications.
Act as the primary university contact with USCIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, and other federal agencies while tracking changes in immigration law and assessing their impact.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the staff who handle immigration advising, case management, and compliance, and make sure they stay current on regulations.
Direct programs for international student and scholar orientation, transition, retention, and cultural adaptation, along with the office's strategic planning and budget priorities.
Hold a doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or JD) in higher education, international studies, public administration, law, or a related field, plus ten years of progressive experience in international student and scholar services or immigration administration.
Qualify to serve as a Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer, with demonstrated expertise in SEVIS administration and federal regulatory compliance.
The budgeted salary range is $140,000 to $150,000.

Executive Director, Office of International Services Full Description

Hiring Department: Office of International Services

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1043006

Posting Close Date: November 13, 2026

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $140,000 to $150,000.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Global Engagement (VPGE), the Executive Director, Office of International Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all immigration-related services across the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), including regional campuses and instructional sites. The Executive Director serves as the University's principal authority on immigration regulations affecting international students, scholars, faculty, researchers, and visiting exchange participants.

This position ensures institutional compliance with federal immigration regulations and provides expert guidance to senior university leadership on immigration policy, risk management, and regulatory matters.

Essential Responsibilities

Immigration Leadership and Compliance

Direct all immigration services and compliance functions for international students, scholars, faculty, researchers, and exchange visitors.
Interpret, implement, and monitor complex federal immigration regulations, policies, and procedures related to F-1, J-1, and other employment-based immigration categories.
Ensure institutional compliance with regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State (DOS), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and other federal agencies.
Develop, implement, and evaluate immigration policies, procedures, and internal controls to minimize institutional risk and maintain regulatory compliance.
Serve as the University's senior consultant and subject matter expert on immigration-related matters, advising administrators, academic leaders, human resources professionals, and other stakeholders.
Monitor changes in federal immigration laws, regulations, and policy guidance and assess institutional impact while recommending appropriate courses of action.

Strategic Advisory Role

Advise senior university leadership on immigration matters affecting international enrollment, faculty and scholar employment, exchange visitor programs, and institutional compliance.
Provide policy recommendations regarding international student admissions and enrollment processes, international faculty hiring and retention, scholar programs, and related immigration initiatives.
Lead institutional responses to immigration policy changes, audits, investigations, and compliance reviews.

Government and External Relations

Serve as the primary university contact with federal agencies, including DHS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), DOS, and DOL.
Collaborates with University Counsel with regard to representing the university in communications concerning immigration regulations, compliance matters, audits, and problem resolution.
Maintain productive relationships with governmental agencies and professional organizations to support effective immigration services and regulatory compliance.

Office Leadership and Administration

Provide leadership and oversight for the Office of International Services (OIS), including strategic planning, operational management, and resource allocation.
Establish priorities and performance standards for immigration services operations.
Direct the development, implementation, and assessment of programs supporting international student and scholar orientation, transition, retention, and cultural adaptation.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff responsible for immigration advising, case management, and compliance functions.
Ensure staff maintain current knowledge of immigration regulations, procedures, and best practices.

Institutional Service

Serve on university and system-wide committees addressing immigration, compliance, international education, and risk management issues.
Lead special projects and initiatives related to immigration services and international student and scholar support.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in Higher Education, International Studies, Public Administration, Law, or a related field (PhD or EdD or JD).
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in international student and scholar services, immigration administration, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience within an international services or immigration-focused office.
Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. immigration laws, regulations, and procedures affecting international students, scholars, faculty, and exchange visitors.
Eligibility to meet DHS requirements for designation as a Designated School Official (DSO) and U.S. Department of State requirements for designation as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
Demonstrated expertise in SEVIS administration and federal regulatory compliance.
Strong analytical, policy interpretation, and risk management skills.
Exceptional communication and relationship management skills with diverse constituencies.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced expertise in higher education immigration compliance and international student and scholar services.
Experience advising senior leadership on complex immigration and regulatory matters.
Proven track record managing compliance programs, government audits, and regulatory reviews.
Significant experience serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees.

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Executive Director, Office of International Services

Edtech.com's Summary

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