Executive Director, International Programs

Executive Director, Office of International Programs and Services George Mason University seeks a seasoned international educator to assume the role of Executive Director, Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS). George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.About the Position:In this position, the Executive Director is expected to be a thought leader in the field of international education and a manager of services for non-immigrants at Mason's Virginia campuses and instructional sites.The Executive Director oversees a staff of 18 full-time professionals and employs best practices in developing strategic initiatives and managing services and staff. The Executive Director manages the compliance team that provides advising and processing services for F-1, J-1, and employment-based immigration (H-1B, O-1, TN, and green cards), and the engagement team, that develops orientation programs for new international students, plans events and implements strategies to foster a sense of belonging among students and cross-cultural engagement to connect students from various cultural backgrounds.The Executive Director is a key leader, supporting campus internationalization and fostering collaboration among international units (admissions, partnerships, language/pathway programs) and between OIPS and both faculty and administrators across campus. The Executive Director supports student success and actively advances global initiatives with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens.Responsibilities:Establish a long-term vision for the Office of International Programs and Services that encompasses existing strengths and potential to expand and/or more effectively focus office functions; develop and implement a collaborative strategic planning process which, in accordance with the University and Division missions, guides the organization incrementally toward the long-term vision;Oversee policy and service functions in OIPS to ensure that appropriate support is available to the University community on matters related to internationalization, outreach, student/scholar advising, and regulatory compliance;Develop and manage services to facilitate the cultural adjustment of international students, faculty and staff into the University community, including culturally-sensitive advising, cross-cultural programming, inter-departmental consultation and referral, and staff training where needed and/or requested;Manage regulatory advising services for non-immigrant students, scholars, and faculty; Oversee services to academic departments related to employment-based visa sponsorship, including E, H, O, J, TN, and Permanent Residence, providing training when needed and referral to outside immigration counsel when appropriate;Oversee the development and implementation of social and cultural programming for international students, scholars and faculty, to promote effective integration into the campus and local community and to provide opportunities for interactions among Americans and internationals;Oversee service delivery for newly-arriving international students and scholars, including pre-arrival information, a semi-annual orientation program, and the Welcome Center for new students;Hire and supervise OIPS staff members; ensure effective staff performance by providing regular feedback and conducting periodic performance appraisal in accordance with University practice; identify appropriate opportunities for professional development based on departmental needs and the skills and interests of each staff member;Ensure institutional participation in the community of international educational exchange professionals, including staff attendance at local, regional and national conferences, proactive contributions to the profession through mentoring, collaboration, research, and presentations, and the maintenance of skills and contacts through regular interaction and exchange of ideas;Develop and implement appropriate methods of assessment to ensure that the department (1) focuses on identified priorities; (2) meets changing client needs; (3) provides quality service; and (4) fosters student learning;Oversee the ethical responsible stewardship of the unit's fiscal responsibilities;Perform other duties, as assigned or requested;Required Qualifications:Master's degree (or higher) in Higher Education, International Affairs, or any field relevant to the requirements of the position;At least ten (10) years of post-graduate progressive experience in international education, including at least five years serving international students and scholars;Knowledge of federal regulations governing non-immigrant students and faculty in the United States, including at least three years serving as an F-1 Designated School Official and/or J-1 Responsible/Alternate Responsible Officer;At least three years of experience in developing and assessing orientation and student engagement programs in a higher education setting;Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budget management and professional staff supervision;Demonstrated experience in data-based planning and decision-making, including the ability to develop and implement assessment plans.Preferred Qualifications:At least six years of experience supervising professional staff in international education, including the development of performance plans and performance appraisals;At least one year of direct experience processing employment-based visa petitions;At least three years of experience in developing and implementing training programs in a higher education setting;Knowledge of Banner, ISSM, Terra Dotta or any other international case management systems;Experience living, working or studying abroad for at least one year;Reading and speaking knowledge of at least one language in addition to English.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, CV, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education. Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create. If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/! George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."