Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)

Wingate University is a teaching-focused institution serving more than 3,600 students across two campuses. Located on a beautiful 500+ acre main campus, Wingate offers a close-knit, supportive community where employees can grow, contribute, and thrive. As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, Wingate is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and welcomes applicants who are excited to join our mission and make an impact. Learn more at University in Charlotte, NC | Quick Facts About Wingate. The mission of Wingate University is to develop educated, ethical and productive global citizens. Following its Judeo-Christian heritage, the university seeks to cultivate the following in its students: Faith, Knowledge and Service.  The University’s Mission statement can be found here.

Position Summary: 

The Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) will lead the administration of the F-1 student visa program. The PDSO is the primary liaison with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This position is responsible for maintaining institutional compliance with all SEVIS regulations, advising international students on immigration matters, and providing leadership to DSO staff.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Serve as the institution's primary contact with SEVP/ICE and maintain the school's SEVIS certification and compliance in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
• Issue, update, defer, transfer, and terminate F-1 student records in SEVIS; issue initial and transfer-in Forms I-20
• Advise F-1 students on visa regulations, program extensions, reduced course loads, employment authorization (CPT/OPT/STEM OPT), travel signatures, and status maintenance
• Train, supervise, and provide guidance to DSO staff members designated across campus
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all SEVP regulatory requirements and respond to government requests, site visits, and audits
• Develop and deliver orientation programming for newly arriving international students
• Stay current on changes to immigration regulations and SEVP policy and communicate updates to students and campus partners
• Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, and academic departments to support international student success
• Maintain accurate and complete records for all international students in compliance with federal and institutional requirements
• Prepare and submit required reports including annual SEVIS school recertification
• Regular, predictable attendance on campus
• Alignment with University mission, vision, and strategic roadmap
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with F-1 international student advising and SEVIS administration
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (required by federal regulation to serve as PDSO)
• Strong working knowledge of F-1 regulations, SEVIS, and SEVP compliance requirements
• Experience with CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and other F-1 employment authorization processes
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated cultural competency
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience as a PDSO at an accredited college or university preferred
• Familiarity with Workday or similar student information systems
• Experience training or supervising DSO staff preferred
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement policies and procedures

Benefits & Employee Experience:

Wingate University is committed to supporting employees both personally and professionally through a comprehensive benefits package and a collaborative campus community. Full-time employees are eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with institutional contribution; paid time off and holidays; tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents; and access to campus facilities, wellness resources, and professional development opportunities.

Application Instructions:

Thank you for your interest in joining the Wingate University community. Please complete all sections of the application and upload all required documents. A résumé is required for all positions, and a curriculum vitae (CV) is requested for faculty roles or other positions where applicable.

Special Instructions:

If a previous school, employer, or organization does not appear in the dropdown menu, please remove that section using the trash can icon and upload the relevant information in your application materials instead. This will insure your application moves forward without delay.

In compliance with applicable law and University policies, Wingate University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation or gender identity), age, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.  At this time, we are currently seeking candidates with legal authorization to work in the U.S.