International Student Advisor

Job Description:

International Student Advisor

Berklee’s international students comprise approximately 35% of our student body—among the highest percentages in the nation. The Office of International Student Services (ISS) is seeking an enthusiastic International Student Advisor (ISA) to serve as a vital resource and Designated School Official (DSO) for a caseload of approximately 600 global artists. In this role, you will balance federal compliance with empathetic support, helping international creatives navigate immigration systems and adjust to life in the U.S. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Immigration Advising & Compliance:

• DSO Representation: Interpret and apply federal F-1 regulations to specific, individual student situations.
• SEVIS Tracking: Maintain compliant, accurate reporting to federal agencies via SEVIS and ISSM. Keep data pristine within internal student information systems (Colleague and PowerCampus).
• F-1 Benefits: Counsel students on maintaining lawful status, OPT/CPT practical training, travel validation, program extensions, and campus employment. Issue Form I-20s and support USCIS applications.
• Holistic Support: Advise on non-immigration matters, including cultural adjustment, financial logistics, and career development. Serve as a campus-wide resource for faculty and staff on intercultural topics.

Programming & Operations:

• Orientation: Assist in planning and executing international student orientation and cultural transition workshops each semester.
• Administration: Help update web-based policy manuals, manage compliance communications, and hire, train, and supervise ISS student workers.
• Professional Development: Participate in NAFSA and regional industry networks to track national and international regulatory shifts.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency: Strictly required by federal law for DSO authorization.
• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree and professional or paraprofessional experience in International Education or Student Affairs working directly with diverse student populations.
• Core Skills: Strong intercultural competency, high emotional intelligence, acute attention to detail, and the ability to facilitate discussions for non-native English speakers. Flexibility to work occasional evenings/weekends is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in student affairs, counseling, or international relations.
• Bilingual proficiency and personal experience living, studying, or working abroad.
• Familiarity with SEVIS batch systems, ISSM, Colleague, or PowerCampus.

Why Berklee?

• Global Community: Work in a historic Boston neighborhood surrounded by inspiring global artistic talent.
• Cultural Access: Enjoy nightly access to world-class campus music, theater, and dance performances.
• Total Rewards: Excellent health/dental plans, a 403(b) retirement match, tuition assistance, generous PTO, and a paid winter break.

Join us in empowering global talent to achieve their educational and artistic dreams!

Hiring Range: $63,000 to $67,000; salary dependent on experience and education.

Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about our benefits.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee: 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

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