International Student Advocate

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

Department Summary

The U-M International Center provides a variety of services and programs to assist international students, scholars, faculty and staff at the University of Michigan, as well as U-M students seeking opportunities to study, work, or travel abroad. For more information about the International Center and its services, see http://internationalcenter.umich.edu.

Job Summary

As a member of the International Center and with a focus on health and well-being, provide advocacy and case management, oversee scholarship and emergency fund programs, and implement a range of programming. Collaborate with campus units to support and address the needs of international students. Working across multiple IC units (ISSS, IHI, GEEA), directly assisting students and conferring and coordinating with colleagues on critical issues. Works with the GEEA team to develop relevant activities and training and lead IC's signature programs.

Responsibilities*

International Student Support and Advocacy (50%)

• Collaborate closely with other units, including the Dean of Students Office, CAPS, SAPAC, school/college-based student affairs, UHS, and ELI, tutoring and writing centers, etc. on international student welfare, academic success, and retention.

• Monitor Advocate Reports, alerting relevant IC leadership when issues arise. Engage as part of IC's response appropriate on cases.

• Liaise with ISSS team on individual student issues, serving as an additional resource and proactively connecting with students.

• Respond to issues, representing IC units and sharing related resources (eg: immigration information, international student insurance, cultural concerns)

• Assist in cases of emergencies and crisis response

• Develop targeted messages to students from countries where emergencies or crises are occuring (eg: earthquakes). Respond to student's messages and inquiries.

• Volunteer in the Dean of Students Office as appropriate (including with the volunteer rotation program)

• Guide students needing academic or non-academic assistance, intervention or resources pertaining to their social, cultural, and general wellbeing.

• Support students who need academic or non-academic interventions based on self-reporting, department/DoS or other communication sources

• Assist students facing issues on basic needs that arise including housing, wellness, finances, etc.

• Refer students to appropriate institutional resources and follow-up on referrals.

• Create a note-taking/flagging system to better track issues with individual students in M-Passport.

• Keep in contact with identified students to continue personalized interactions beyond resolution of presenting concerns

• Maintain regular advising hours, as appropriate.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND TRAINING (30%)

• Under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Global Engagement and Education Abroad and along with the GEEA team, contribute to the development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of a wide variety International Center programs, training and initiatives, including:

• Transition, orientation, informational, cultural, and social programs for international students, scholars, employees, and dependents

• Initiatives regarding the health and well-being of international students and scholars.

• Programming supporting international dependents/families

• Create programmatic solutions for issues arising in meetings with various IC teams.

• Implement collaborative programs and training with CAPS, Wolverine Wellness, Dean of Students, Student affairs in academic units

SPECIAL INITIATIVES (15%)

• Manage the monthly IC Emergency Fund Program, including application reviews and approval/denial communications process. Provide applicants with resources and information. Work with IC Business Manager and other granting units to determine and implement decisions.

• Manage IC based Scholarship Programs for international students, coordinating the selection and distribution process, collecting statements from recipients, and creating messaging for donors.

• Liaise with various IC teams (GEEA, ISSS, Insurance)

• Perform duties as assigned by the IC Director.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED (5%)

• Represent IC and international student concerns on relevant committees (eg: health and wellbeing)

• Collaborate with Student Life and International Education Network partners on various programs, committees, and initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned by IC leadership.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of education and experience.

• A minimum of 2 years of work experience in the area of social work, student affairs, international student services, intercultural affairs, counseling or similar field.

• Experience living, working and/or studying in another country.

• A general understanding of Student Life philosophy and commitment to student development.

• Experience planning, developing and implementing programs, events, and/or activities.

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., international education, cultural studies, higher education, student affairs, social work or counseling).

• Experience designing and coordinating programs for international and/or domestic students in a college or university environment.

• Experience working with and advising international students

• Experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion programming or initiatives.

• Familiarity with and appreciation of diverse cultures

• Experience learning and/or working in the area of crisis management and response

• Experience training, teaching, or presenting to a range of audiences (i.e.: students, professional colleagues, etc.).

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite at an intermediate or better level, and experience with AV equipment (laptop, projector, etc.).

• Ability to learn immigration regulations and to serve as a Designated School Official/Responsible Officer

Additional Information

Position Criteria:

• A demonstrated interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion issues and intercultural intelligence/cultural humility work.

• Ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, tact and diplomacy.

• Strong administrative, organizational, and problem solving skills, including excellent attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.

• Ability to adapt to changing demands and priorities and to develop and implement new tasks and initiatives.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, ideologies, populations, including personal and social orientations (e.g. nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability, class, and other social identities).

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to accomplish tasks autonomously as well as in collaboration with teams.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekends.

• Ability to set expectations and achieve results while contributing to the larger unit goals & mission.

Working conditions

• Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm in general, with ability to work occasional nights and weekends for programming or in response to crises. Ability to travel within the US and overseas, on occasion.

• This position may be eligible for remote and/or flexible work opportunities at the discretion of the hiring department. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.

Physical requirements

• Ability to move up to 15 lbs and transport items across campus on occasion.

Direct reports

• May be expected to direct the work of student workers as required for management and implementation of programs and initiatives.

Selected candidates whose start date is 4/1/2024 or after, will not be eligible for the university FY24-25 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

#studentlife

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

248954

Working Title

International Student Advocate

Job Title

International Services Rep

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Dsa Central Administ

Department

International Center

Posting Begin/End Date

5/09/2024 - 6/03/2024

Salary

$48,200.00 - $57,800.00

Career Interest

Human Resources

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