Director of International Students & Scholars

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at

[email protected]

.

Department

Global Studies Center

Job Description

Job Summary

This position manages all matters related to international student and scholar support; with strong links to the mission and strategic initiatives of the college, including access, diversity, global engagement and leadership. This includes: orientation, programming and services; working relationships with the class deans’ office and other academic and student life support services; close ties to the Office of Student Affairs; and oversight of immigration issues for all international students and visiting scholars. The Director will supervise the International Students & Scholars Specialist and direct activities of the department in accordance with departmental mission and planning, as well as the mission and planning of the Center and the college.

The Director will be expected to attend regular meetings and serve on other departmental and all campus committees, as needed.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Student & Scholar Support:

• Serve as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and as the Responsible Officer (RO), fulfilling regulatory requirements of each role.

• Oversee Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to ensure compliance with federal regulations including entrance, matriculation, travel, work and reporting.

• Advise students on visa requirements; facilitate applications for F-1 benefits internally and through US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

• Advise students and faculty on visa requirements.

• Keep abreast of changing visa and immigration laws and represent the college in the professional organizations involved in international education and develop communication to larger campus community. Collaborate with Associate Dean for Global Education and Office of General Counsel to determine Smith-specific interpretations and policies.

• Support and advise international students and the International Students Organization.

• Collaborate with Associate Dean of Global Education and Smith administration in crisis management and emergency response, as well as pursuit of strategic goals of the Lewis Global Studies Center (LGSC).

• Serve on campus CARE Team as international student liaison.

• Serve as liaison with other student support offices on campus.

• Develop and direct International Student Pre-Orientation (ISP) program.

• Work with Offices of Admissions and Student Affairs to communicate with students regarding onboarding and visa processes, and assure students’ smooth transition to – and from - campus.

Administrative Support and Supervision:

• Supervision of International Students and Scholars Specialist.

• Provide guidance for student worker hiring, projects, and delegation for International Students and Scholars Specialist.

• Act as campus point person for contract with VIA International, and delegate workload for third party data maintenance to International Students and Scholars Specialist.

• Work as part of LGSC Leadership Team to help develop strategic vision for Center.

• Assume responsibility for special projects and committee work as assigned by supervisor.

• Devise and implement assessment agenda to measure success of programming and support.

• Develop and manage assigned budgets; steward use of discretionary and gift funds designated for international student use.

• Provide guidance for ISSO emergency funding application process and policies

Lewis Global Studies Center Support:

• Participate in planning and execution of programming related to global issues, including cultural education, with student organizations, faculty initiatives and the Lewis Global Studies Center.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, licenses, knowledge, skills)

Graduate Degree in a related field.

8 or more years experience in International Education or related field.

Knowledge of and experience with SEVIS and other immigration regulations strongly preferred.

Ability to work collaboratively and take the initiative to implement new programming consistent with the strategic goals of the college.

Must be able to act as Designated School Official, which requires either US Permanent Residency or US citizenship.

Excellent judgment, writing and speaking skills required.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional language skills are a plus.

Compensation

In addition to a competitive benefits package, pay for this role is typically between $84,481.02 - $114,297.85 annually covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.

Position Type

Regular

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

February 18, 2026

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at

[email protected]

.

As set forth in our

mission and values

, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.