International Student Advisor

This posting will remain open until filled. Priority consideration for applications received by February 5, 2025.  

The International Student Advisor reports to the Assistant Director of International Student Programs. This position works as part of the International Student Programs team to provide intake services and advising for International Students. The position works with faculty in general academic areas.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of International Student Programs, this position will:

Advising and Administrative Support: (65%)

• Provide individualized academic advising to new and returning students, helping them create and adjust class schedules. Offer detailed explanations about Highline’s degree programs, majors, and graduation requirements, ensuring students are on track to graduate within their expected time frame;
• Interpret and implement institutional academic policies, advising students on their academic progress and degree completion;
• Design and deliver workshops on degree planning and University/College transfer processes, providing students with step-by-step guidance on fulfilling transfer requirements;
• Conduct specialized College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR) workshops for students who did not complete high school, offering alternatives and pathways to meet these requirements for the High School Diploma through online or in-person sessions;
• Advise students on specific course requirements for their degrees or certificates and assist with the application process for transferring to universities;
• Assist with retention efforts by making wellness phone calls and in-person to International Student Program (ISP) students regarding academic concerns, mental wellness, and student engagement;
• Work with the ISP Assistant Director to organize transfer credit workshops, offered quarterly either through Zoom or in person, ensuring students understand the credit evaluation process for transfer;
• Utilize Highline’s CTC-Link and Aviso and other systems to track student progress, document advising sessions, and manage degree pathway plans effectively
• Attend Highline workshops; 
• Collaborate with other departments to support ISP students;
• Perform other Duties as assigned.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) (20%)

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO), working closely with the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) to manage SEVIS requirements for new and transfer international students, including the issuance of I-20 forms and monitoring of SEVIS compliance;
• Assist with advising applicants on reinstatement and change of status;
• Assist with SEVIS I-20’s initial and updates;
• Assist with SEVIS OPT sessions for graduating students, providing them with essential information on how to apply for and maintain OPT status post-graduation;
• Assist with SEVIS Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for current enrolled students;
• Clearly explain immigration regulations and benefits, such as OPT (Optional Practical Training) to international students, ensuring they understand how to maintain their visa status;
• Regularly update student information in both SEVIS and Highline’s CTC-Link system, including changes in addresses, contact details, and academic statuses;
• Activate SEVIS database activation for new students, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of student statuses to SEVIS.

• Foster partnerships with local Four-year colleges, coordinating efforts to host the biannual International Transfer Fair;
• Plan and coordinate the biannual International Transfer Fair, overseeing all logistical aspects such as room reservations, event setup, and invitations to universities and colleges. Collaborate with local two-year colleges to identify participating institutions, supporting articulation agreements in conjunction with the Administrative Services Vice President. This includes working with Highline (CLA), regional partners, and local four-year colleges and universities to ensure a various selection of transfer options and the smooth execution of both international and domestic agreements providing students with clear pathways for transfer;
• Distribute transfer fair information to various Highline programs, such as Running Start, Trio, Umoja, general advising (Student Services and Academics), ensuring a wide reach to potential transfer students. Coordinate with other Highline Advising offices;

• Gather attendee information using Google Forms, maintaining up-to-date records of universities and colleges attending the fair;
• Manage and update ISP’s transfer information materials, ensuring that students have access to the latest details on articulation agreements and transfer pathways.

• Assist with quarterly “Meet-and-Greet” sessions for Campus View housing, ensuring international students and domestic are welcomed and informed about housing policies and opportunities for engagement;
• Hold online housing (Campus View dormitory) sessions for new incoming international students as needed. 

• Work with international students in a college setting;
• Provide educational planning to international students;
• Communicate effectively in cross-cultural situations;
• Proficient use of the Microsoft Office Suite;
• Partner with internal and external customers;
• Develop and present program information;
• Work effectively with people of various ethnic, cultural, educational and socio-economic backgrounds;
• Work collaboratively as a member of a team;
• Lead and direct others;
• Provide excellent customer service.

• F-1 Visa regulations and requirements;
• Academic courses and program requirements;
• Cultural differences and adjustment issues for international students;
• Project management skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates Degree in Education, Student Development, Educational Counseling, or related field ; AND
• Two years of experience in academic advising, student support, college access, case management, or a related role within an educational setting.

• Bachelor’s degree in student development, educational advising, or a closely related field. Knowledge of student development theories and effective practices in academic advising;
• Experience working in an education, particularly at a community college;
• Experience using CTCLink (PeopleSoft);
• Experience using AVISO (Watermark);
• SEVIS Experience;

• Second language knowledge preferred (Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indonesian, Spanish & Vietnamese);
• Experience working within international education;
• Experience serving a diverse population in a multicultural environment.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

THE COLLEGE

Founded in 1961, Highline College was the first community college to be established in King County and is one of 34 community and technical colleges. More than 350,000 alumni have graduated from Highline over the years. Nestled between Seattle and Tacoma, we are located on the traditional village sites of the Muckleshoot, Puyallup and many other Coast Salish tribes.

Highline prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and access for all students, staff, and faculty, which is evident in our Mission, Vision, and Values. We are proud to be one of the most diverse colleges in the state and stand committed to the well-being of our global community. Those who come to our college bring unique personal experiences, beliefs, and perspectives and make us better. We strive to provide and highlight resources to support our students, staff, and faculty by fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. 

APPLICATION 

online application must include the following to be considered complete:

1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position;

2. A letter of application/cover letter (two-page maximum, recommended) that addresses your ability to meet the QUALIFICATIONS, and KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES for the position;

3. A one-page response to the Supplemental Question.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• National Criminal Background Check may be required.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The college provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). 

The Title IX Coordinator, Danielle Slota, can be reached at (206) 592-3600 or DSlota@Highline.edu.  2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198.  Building 12, President’s Office.

The 504 Coordinator, Jenni Sandler, can be reached at (206) 592-3474 or JSandler@Highline.edu.  2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198.  Building 25, 5th Floor.

The Chief Human Resources Officer, Melanie Lawson, can be reached at (206) 592-3320 or MLawson@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198.  Building 12, Human Resources.

You can receive this information in an alternate format by contacting Access Services (206) 592-3857; TTY (206) 870-4853.