Who We Are:
National Louis is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution, we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and superior student service. We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our hard-working community is based on collaboration and respect for all team members and students.
What You Will Do:
The Director of International Student Support provides strategic leadership for National Louis University's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), ensuring a welcoming, compliant, and student-centered experience for international students and scholars across all NLU campuses and modalities. Serving as the university's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), the Director oversees institutional compliance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and all applicable federal regulations governing F-1 students and scholars.
The Director directly supervises the Assistant Designated School Official (Associate DSO) and leads the International Student Support team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence while ensuring accurate immigration advising, responsive student support, and seamless operational processes. The Director also works closely with Florida program leadership and provides strategic and compliance oversight to the DSO supporting NLU's Florida programs to ensure consistent institutional practices and adherence to federal requirements. Working collaboratively with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Human Resources, Legal Affairs, Student Finance, and external agencies, the Director develops strategies that promote student success, persistence, and belonging while mitigating institutional compliance risk.
As a key leader within Student Affairs, the Director advances NLU's commitment to access, equity, and global engagement by strengthening international student programming, enhancing cross-campus partnerships, and creating systems that empower international students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
International Student Support, Compliance & Regulatory Leadership
Serve as National Louis University's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), providing strategic leadership for international student support, immigration compliance, and institutional risk management. Oversee all Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) operations, ensuring the accurate issuance of immigration documents, maintenance of student records, reporting requirements, and compliance with federal regulations. Manages all I-17 recertifications and update petitions.
Interpret and apply complex immigration laws, policies, and guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of State (DOS), and other federal agencies. Directly supervise, coach, and evaluate the Assistant DSO and lead International Student Support staff to ensure consistent, high-quality immigration advising and student-centered service delivery while safeguarding students' legal status and eligibility for immigration benefits. Provide strategic and compliance oversight to the DSO supporting NLU's Florida programs, including guidance on complex cases, SEVIS practices, regulatory reporting, recordkeeping, and institutional risk.
Strategic Policy, Risk Management & Executive Advising
Continuously monitor emerging federal legislation, executive actions, policy guidance, and regulatory changes affecting international students and scholars. Serve as the university's subject matter expert by proactively advising the Vice President for Student Affairs and university leadership on regulatory updates, institutional risk, operational impacts, and recommended strategies. Lead the development and implementation of university policies, procedures, communications, and contingency plans to ensure institutional compliance while minimizing disruption to the student experience. Conduct periodic compliance reviews and internal audits, identify areas of risk, and implement corrective actions as needed. Represent the university with federal agencies and professional organizations, including NAFSA and SEVP, ensuring NLU remains informed of national best practices in international education.
International Student Success, Engagement & Belonging
Provide strategic leadership for programs, services, and engagement initiatives that promote international student success, persistence, belonging, and intercultural learning. Develop, implement, and assess comprehensive orientation, transition, and ongoing engagement opportunities that support students' academic success, cultural adjustment, leadership development, and overall well-being. Design and implement programming and engagement activities that foster a welcoming, inclusive campus community and meaningful connections among international and domestic students. Collaborate with campus partners to create educational opportunities that enhance intercultural competency, increase awareness of global perspectives, and strengthen the overall international student experience. Evaluate program effectiveness using student feedback and data to drive continuous improvement and ensure initiatives align with institutional priorities and student needs.
Campus Partnerships & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Develop, coordinate, and implement programs, initiatives, and engagement opportunities that foster a strong sense of community, belonging, and success for international students and scholars throughout their academic journey. Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, Career Services, Student Affairs, Student Finance, faculty, Florida program leadership, and external partners to ensure coordinated, student-centered support across the institution. Partner closely with the Florida program and its Designated School Official (DSO) to align policies, procedures, communications, training, and escalation protocols across locations. Provide consultation and training to university departments on federal immigration regulations, institutional policies, and best practices to ensure institutional compliance and a consistent student experience. Cultivate strategic partnerships that strengthen international student recruitment, retention, persistence, engagement, and post-graduation success.
Assessment, Operations & Continuous Improvement
Develop, monitor, and report key performance indicators related to international student enrollment, retention, compliance, student satisfaction, and engagement. Utilize data to assess program effectiveness, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the overall international student experience. Prepare institutional reports, maintain accurate records, support accreditation and audit activities, and identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
Bachelor's Degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Global/International Education, Counseling or related field, required (Master’s Degree, preferred)
Minimum of 5 years of experience in international student advising and/or student support including F-1 Visa regulations/SEVIS processes
Demonstrated ability to interpret complex federal regulations and translate them into institutional policies, procedures, and operational practices
Experience serving as a Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) required; experience as a Responsible Officer (RO), preferred
At least three years of experience supervising and leading teams
Strong knowledge of immigration regulations and student advising practices with a proven ability to lead compliance efforts while advancing student success initiatives.
Additional language skills are a plus
NLU Inclusion Statement:
National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.
At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.
The salary range of the grade for this position is $58,202 to $84,393 annually. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity.
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